LOCAL schools are being encouraged to register for a free and fun NSW Schools Program being conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Thousands of NSW school students have joined in the program, which introduces them to all things “fishy”.
There are a number of benefits when your school registers to the free Get Hooked … It’s Fun to Fish program, designed for students from Stage 2 in NSW, including high school students.
The program includes:
• Teaching students the basic skills necessary for recreational fishing with the view that it will become a lifelong interest
• Introducing students to the concept of sustaining quality aquatic habitats by practicing safe and responsible fishing
• Teaching students the importance of our state’s fisheries, and best practices for sustainable fishing for the future
• Allows all NSW schools equitable access to the program
The program consists of six teaching modules which form a Junior Fishing Code and are derived from the National Code principles.
The codes have been aligned to the Australian curriculum and meet syllabus outcomes across all key learning areas in both junior and senior outcomes.
The six codes are:
1: Take only what you need – The importance of the food chain and how taking too many of one species of fish may affect the entire chain, so only take enough for your own needs.
2: Fish with friends – Learn all about safety near waterways, safe fishing conditions and why having a responsible fishing friend to go fishing with you is important.
3: You’re the solution to water pollution – Learn how to identify and reduce the impact of your actions on our waterways and the impact litter can have on aquatic species.
4: Put the little ones back – Learn the rules and regulations that relate to the size of fish you can catch and why we need to keep certain species and sizes of fish for the future.
5: Don’t leave your tackle behind – Learn ways to reduce the risk to aquatic species by ensuring they are responsible and careful fishers by respecting the environment they are fish in.
6: Quality catchments equal quality fish – Learn about the complex nature of a catchment and develop an understanding of the impacts of human activity in one waterway and how it can impact the entire catchment.
Your school will receive:
• An easy to follow manual, which includes fun in class and outdoor activities
• A resource kit, filled to the brim with all the goodies needed to do the activities
First hand guidance by dedicated Fishcare volunteers and staff
• The chance to wet a line in a local waterway where all the in-class lessons are put into practice
• Visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/fishing-workshops/get-hooked/get-hooked-registration-form to find out more or to register your school.
Registrations close on April 30.
