Master Fishermen Program Casts New Wave Of Knowledge In Cardwell

A major sustainability-focused training initiative washed over Hinchinbrook last week, as the final session of the OceanWatch Master Fisherman Program took place in Cardwell last Tuesday the 8th of April.

Delivered by national not-for-profit environmental organisation OceanWatch Australia, the program has travelled across the state, offering a series of six one-day workshops designed to boost environmental knowledge and promote sustainable fishing practices among professional fishers.

Master Fisherman Program Takes Place In Cardwell

OceanWatch spokesperson David Schubert said the training aims to equip Queensland’s inshore net fishers, particularly those operating in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with tools to continue their work responsibly and ethically.

“These face-to-face training sessions are an opportunity to provide information about the latest research discoveries and practices involved in protecting the marine environment while fishing, especially safely handling interactions with what are called threatened, endangered or protected species (TEPs), such as turtles, dugong and sawfish,” shared David.

“It is also an opportunity to bring fishers together formally and exchange information and observations amongst the fishers themselves, so they benefit from each other’s practical experience on the water - these fishers are on the water virtually every working day and have enormous knowledge about the marine environment.”

Sessions were previously held in Townsville, Ayr, Mackay, Gladstone, and St Lawrence, before wrapping up in Cardwell and David believes the program is about more than just theory.

“We believe the OceanWatch Master Fisherman program can play an important role in protecting vital habitats, promoting healthy waterways and ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems, while providing top-quality seafood products to the public,” added David.

OceanWatch CEO Lowri Pryce also travelled from Sydney to attend the Cardwell session, emphasising the value of formal recognition for participating fishers.

“The fishers participating in this program are recognised by OceanWatch as our Master Fishermen,” Lowri said.

“They value our marine environment and do their utmost to keep it healthy and productive through their actions on water and this program paves a way for fishers to demonstrate ethical and responsible practice, so they can continue to bring seafood to Queensland families.”

An ongoing initiative supported by the Australian Government, the program is delivered in partnership with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and will launch a series of digital modules this August to continue strengthening the link between commercial fishing, conservation, and community trust.

To access more information, visit www.oceanwatch.org.au or view the program’s introductory video by searching OceanWatch Master Fisherman.