Frank Prokop
Posts: 208
Joined: 5 February 2004
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The recent debates and ongoing minor skirmishes have prompted me to write this in recognition of the ongoing difficulties which the recreational fishing sector continually faces when trying to establish legitimacy with politicians and the wider community.
The biggest problem of all is that Recfishwest, industry leaders and me personally are continually subject to a pass mark of 100%. When we are doing EXACTLY what you want, when you want it and in a format which you support and endorse - we are doing a good job. Frequently this does not attract attention or support (but it can often get some thanks and recognition and it is noted and appreciated) because it is after all, only logical that we support the only opinion that really matters - that of the individual in question.
However, when Recfishwest deviates one iota from the course of action that you feel is destined or totally correct - then many feel that we are worthless/useless/non-representative and you threaten to withhold your membership that you probably never got around to paying anyway.
One problem is that the next guy is doing the same thing from a completely different perspective - demanding that we support their position that may be 90 or 180 degrees away from yours. It is a balancing act and it is all too frequently done on a sabre's edge and it is very difficult to dodge bullets at the same time.
We niggle each other and disagree frequently in a fairly sporting way. Recfishwest and people like Ian Stagles and Terry Fuller put their heads higher above the parapets and consequently attract more flack, but that are also around when the chips are down and the hard, depressing slog of negotiating with philosophical opponents is being done. The members to this site (and also others) are the thinkers of recreational fishing and have a lot to contribute. Filling up with alcohol and a modem and venting your spleen at individuals and the Minister does no good and in many cases does considerable harm.
The truth is that sites like this ARE monitored by the powers that be and honestly we are a joke. Recreational anglers lost the Blackwood River commercial fishing debate due to a single poorly considered post on (a different) web site. Some of the posts on the a number of recent threads have done uncalculable harm to the legitimacy of recreational fishers to be an active part of a considered and strategic approach to marine conservation planning in this state.
While the sentiments are reasonable and the proponents mean well, they have ignored every personal and private entreaty to remember the war and not the battle and have continued to run an agenda (their agenda) and have seriously undermined the credibility of recreational fishing as a legitimate stakeholder in the process. I know that this was unintentional but I'm sorry - it is being done because I deal with the train wreck of divided opinion on the process failures almost every second of every day.
This is not about toeing a line or repressing debate. It is about a little bit of trust and staying focussed on the outcomes. We have more doubting Thomas's than just about any industry around. And we carry on like little children (yes this also applies to me on more than one occasion) when we don't get the bag of lollies at the checkout.
Almost every one of you (and me too) have expressed an opinion and reacted or over-reacted to another, also legitimate, response.
Things take enormous amounts of time to get through the political processes. Recreational fishers are also responsible for the slow pace because of the difficulty in consulting with grass roots or regionally based fishers whose opinions are important but take time to obtain. Frequently Recfishwest is working behind the scenes with the decision makers to achieve an outcome that frequently involves compromise and give and take. When we dig in our heels we lose - simple! That doesn't mean that when we compromise we get anything - look at Ningaloo and there are many behind the scenes discussions that have never and will never become public knowledge even when my parentage or the status of my backside are called into question. Simply put, if we EVER betray these confidences they will never come again. So we might get a moment of glory and some recognition as a peak body with real teeth - but we will be biting our own tails in the future because the avenues to the decision makers will be closed.
You can't have a peak body that only does what everyone wants. Disagree? - then think about it. A representative body has to go to the lowest common denominator and in recreational fishing that is VERY low. If 99% do the right thing, we still have 6,430 total ratbags masquarading as legit recreational fishers. A peak body leads from the front and that means that your back is exposed (I already have the complete set of steak knives thanks!). Sometimes you get it wrong, at the practical or political level. While I strongly and honestly believe that a general recreational fishing licence is essential for future legitimacy and funding sources, the greater public and the politicians do not agree. Smart anglers back down pretty quickly at a BBQ when the resident social engineer takes them on to proclaim that it is 'an offense against humanity' or some equally banal comment. The opponents may not be right, but they are numerous and the road is a long and dangerous one on this issue.
So it is a matter of timing and opportunity and sometimes incredible flexibility to achieve an outcome (remember that it was us who preserved the recreational boating facilities money!!). This will not be to everyones liking but winning the war for legitimacy is a very long term battle and one that can NEVER, EVER be won with a 100% pass mark. And if I am spending all my time on a single issue in a small area like shark fishing - I might make a few individuals happy, but the fish habitat protection proposals for the Kimberley that have principle and applied importance go through to the keeper without recreational involvement. Our definitive letters on the topic only get 95% and that is considered a failure to way too many.
Take netting for example which has been debated several times on this web site. The 1990 review recommended it being phased out -yet there has been almost no deifinitive action in this regard. Those who net fight with their last breath to protect it, citing historical use and specious statements about the need to catch mullet. Bottom line - since 1990 there has been no real reson whatsoever to allow recreational gill netting in Western Australia - yet it continues to this day - in my opinion to the shame of a state that likes to think it is progressive and manages its fisheries well. Many sit on the fence and say - awwwww let 'em be - they ain't doin' too much harm......
Then we bitch and moan when the commercial estuary or SW salmon fishers rely on historical rights as the only real reason for them to continue fishing!!
Incredibly, for all the opinions on Recfishwest, very few contribute. We find it difficult to get Board members. I might get a few new paid up members after a post like this but it is not much. I will probably get a few PM's of support or antagonism from those who felt that they were being singled out - this isn't about singling out people I can assure you - this is about getting the capacity to have some trust and accept that if you need to win, you will be disappointed in fisheries management.
I will have a rest for a while from web posting. It is too emotionally and spiritually draining. I am certain that Terry Fuller and others will continue to post, even though I wonder why somethimes.
Recfishwest puts all its submissions up on the web and they are the product of much more than mine or any one members of the Board. They are pretty good, although none of them can ever make the 100% pass mark that so many set as the minimum.
Frank Prokop
< Message edited by Frank Prokop -- 3 May 2006 12:46:11 >
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The pass mark is at 100% - 
RE: The pass mark is at 100% - 
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