THE chance to build a 'fish hotel' and learn about sustainable fishing will be open to youngsters and their families in the September school holidays at a special event held by OzFish in partnership with Reflections Holidays.
Ozfish and Reflections are teaming up to deliver a fun-packed day of fishing and habitat creation at beautiful Reflections Copeton Waters on Wednesday, October 2.
The school holiday event will provide an opportunity to not only clean up the shorelines but also create habitat through the construction of fish hotels, which creates lasting change and sustainable fishing opportunities.
Fish hotels are an innovatively designed wooden construction, that resemble a hashtag: criss-crossed wooden beamsare placed to create a complex system of habitat that sits on the riverbed. Made from natural materials, they are environmentally friendly and a perfect location for native fish to inhabit.
Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said it was great to see Reflections Holidays and OzFish teaming up to support sustainability of waterways at Crown land holiday parks.
"Keeping waterways clean and healthy, supporting fish stocks, and hosting catch and release competitions can help maintain a healthy ecosystem while supporting regional tourism that further benefits local jobs and businesses," Mr Kamper said.
"This will support recreational fishing which is a great low-impact sport for people of all ages and abilities to relax, connect with nature and friends, and hone their focus and patience."
OzFish Engagement Officer Ivan Carter said the organisation's partnership with Reflections was about getting people outdoors and creating events that provided the opportunity to restore habitats and enjoy recreational fishing at its finest.
"This will be a family fun day, with attendees having the opportunity to build fish motels, cleanup the ecosystem and catch native fish at Reflections Copeton Waters," Mr Carter said.
Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the school holiday activity was a chance for children to not only have fun and spend time with their family, but also learn the importance of protecting waterways and fish habitats.
"This event creates a window for families to get together in nature and work together to nurture the environment, and we're grateful to our partners, OzFish, for hosting these activities in our beautiful park," Mr Baker said.
All materials and free catering will be provided for those who register, with the day commencing at 10am with a shoreline cleanup and building fish motels, followed by lunch and fishing for big Murray Cod on Copeton Waters. Participants must bring their own fishing gear and appropriate protective clothing.
Mr Carter said a similar event family fishing earlier this year the Reflections Copeton Waters had highlighted the strong interest in recreational fishing, habitat restoration and creating a more sustainable fishing ecosystem.
The event comes just ahead of the launch of the Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series, three angling competitions in premier fishing destinations in New South Wales.
The Reflections Sustainable Fishing Series kicks offs at Reflections Copeton Waters (Series 1: November 1-3, 2024), proceeds to Reflections Burrinjuck Waters (Series 2: March 21-23, 2025), and concludes at Reflections Lake Keepit (Series 3: May 16-18, 2025).
All profits from entry fees will be allocated by OzFish, the only fishing conservation charity in Australia, to restore fish habitat in the local catchment area.
Tickets to the October 2 event are available at ozfish.org.au/event/
This project is funded by the Australian Government's Environment Restoration Fund, Australian Government through the CRC Program, Reflections Holidays and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
