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03/01/2005: "Fish-size Matters .........think about this!"

We have been taught by our elders to throw the little fish back and only keep the largest.

Fisheries inspectors will charge anyone for taking any undersized fish, (even although prawn trawler kill tonnes of undersized fish every day in their nets)! A crazy, stupid, out-of-date attitude that mocks common sense and discredits the good intentions of fisheries inspectors. Surely they know better but why hasn't a change occured?

Anglers (and spearmen) with big smiles pose with the catch, best has always been 'the biggest'.

The first recognition a change of attitude was needed came with the long overdue protection of all large NSW rock lobster.

It was finally realised, The Big Ones were the breeding stock, and they are now protected, a little too late as that industry has almost collapsed.

But what about fish? The largest fish produce more eggs. Shouldn't big fish be left in the sea? The smaller fish are less contaminated by heavy metal and other pollutants anyway.

This valid point was raised 35 years ago by Dr Richard Ibara (our talented USA correspondent for fathom magazine). I've been a bit slow sparking thought in this area, but the level of thought and care toward the sea is now highest (as per the current TV campaign "only rain should go in the drain" reminding many that cigarette butts should not go onto the street drains - and ultimately the sea).

All sea creatures deserve recognition regardless of size. Big is not always best, or healthiest for us to eat for that matter. Food for further thoughts......