The Wire

Around the country fishing laws are a serious issue for indigenous people for whom fishing constitutes an important part of their cultural practices and traditional diet. The conflict between government law and traditional practice came to national attention when Tasmanian ATSIC commissioner Rodney Dillon was fined for fishing breaches. Community members, industry and government are gathering in port Stephen this week to review the first 12 months of the NSW fishing strategy. Their goal, to find middle ground between culture, fishing and the law. NSW State ATSIC Chairman Sam Jeffries says the diverse range of people attending is a reflection of the issues that will be discussed. Traditional fishing practices is just one of the many issues on the agenda, but it is certainly one of the most important. Mr Jeffries says ATSIC would like to see some kind of pardon for Indigenous fishermen practicing tradition.