Locals opposed to the mega fishing trawler Geelong Star are being encouraged to join a protest rally in Torquay is coming days.
Recreational fisherman Jason O’Neill has organised the Sunday October 25 event, with the backing of the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation and VR Fish.
Federal member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, has also voiced her opposition to the super trawler.
“To call this vessel the Geelong Star is a real slur on our city – this vessel is no star of Geelong,” she said.
“In the electorate of Corangamite – an electorate which includes 188km of coastline - there is very significant opposition to this trawler. The scientific evidence to support the fishing of the small pelagic fishery in the manner being proposed is simply not conclusive.
“On both environmental and recreational fishing grounds I believe a ban is justified,” Ms Henderson said.”
The 95-metre Geelong Star voluntarily suspended fishing in May after killing eight dolphins on its first two trips in Australian waters. Fishing resumed in June after operators applied additional safeguards.
The rally will bring together the fishing fraternity, families, boaties and those concerned about the trawler’s impact on the environment.
It will commence at 11am at the Torquay Angling Club.
Recreational fisherman Jason O’Neill has organised the Sunday October 25 event, with the backing of the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation and VR Fish.
Federal member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, has also voiced her opposition to the super trawler.
“To call this vessel the Geelong Star is a real slur on our city – this vessel is no star of Geelong,” she said.
“In the electorate of Corangamite – an electorate which includes 188km of coastline - there is very significant opposition to this trawler. The scientific evidence to support the fishing of the small pelagic fishery in the manner being proposed is simply not conclusive.
“On both environmental and recreational fishing grounds I believe a ban is justified,” Ms Henderson said.”
The 95-metre Geelong Star voluntarily suspended fishing in May after killing eight dolphins on its first two trips in Australian waters. Fishing resumed in June after operators applied additional safeguards.
The rally will bring together the fishing fraternity, families, boaties and those concerned about the trawler’s impact on the environment.
It will commence at 11am at the Torquay Angling Club.