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Hurt diving industry wants reef fishing amnesty lifted

DIVE operators on the Coffs Coast have joined a chorus of marine conservationists calling on State Premier Mike Baird to honour a commitment and lift an amnesty on fishing in shore-based sanctuary zones.
The State Government introduced a 12-month amnesty in March last year while research was conducted into the impacts of recreational fishing on inshore reefs.
Now 15 months on, Dive Industry Association president Richard Nicholls questioned whether a commitment given by Mr Baird to improve marine park protections was a hollow promise.
“Mr Baird made the commitment shortly after becoming Premier and this was shared by new Environment Minister Rob Stokes,” Mr Nicholls said.
“No research results have been produced and the dive industry now fears long-term reputation damage.”
http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/hurt-diving-industry-wants-reef-fishing-amnesty-li/2281725/
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