Competitve fishing sets bad example

This article, by marine biologist Peter Crabb, recently appeared in the Rodney Times...

Competitive fishing sets a bad example for children and should be stopped, says marine biologist Peter Crabb.The traditional Kiwi activity of taking kids fishing gives them the wrong message, and fishing competitions are wrong because they threaten breeding stocks, especially when anglers target big fish, says Mr Crabb.

But New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council president Jeff Romeril believes the opposite is true.Parents treasure one-on-one moments with their children, especially in an outdoor activity where they can spend quality time together, away from distractions, Mr Romeril says.Because fishing competitions have grown out of people’s enjoyment for the activity, they serve a good purpose and are legitimate, he says.

However, Mr Crabb says using competitive fishing as a way to bond with children is not a valid reason to persecute native marine life for pleasure or prizes. "Encouraging young people to kill fish and touting this as a family pastime is a sad excuse and teaches inappropriate values," he says.

Mr Crabb, a scientist for the New Zealand Underwater Club and an advocate for creating a marine reserve around the tip of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, says there are better ways to enjoy the sea."To organisers of such contests, I say take a kid snorkelling in the marine reserve, go to the library or shore exploring in the rock pools."But I implore you to teach respect for marine life and not make a sport out of it.

"Mr Romeril says most New Zealanders consider competitive fishing part of their lifestyle. While snorkelling is another way to enjoy the sea, it does not mean fishing should stop, he says.

( ORNZ thanks the  RODNEY TIMES for permission to reproduce this article)