Recreational fishing forum – ongoing algal bloom and its impact on local tackle businesses

AFTA’s South Australian Director Alicia Bolitho (Tackle World Port Lincoln) convened an AFTA recreational fishing forum to discuss strategies for managing the ongoing algal bloom and its impact on local tackle businesses at short notice in Adelaide on 11th August.

We thank RecFish SA for allowing us to utilise their boardroom. The meeting was attended in person by AFTA Directors, President Greg Seeto (Daiwa), Vice President Billy Parsons (JM Gillies), and Chad Rodgers (Shimano).

The Hon Emily Bourke, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing, was present, along with Shadow Minister The Hon Tim Whetstone. Minister for Small Business Andrea Michaels was represented by Dr Andrew Dunbar. Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven was represented by her Chief Advisor, Mat O’Brien, and Gavin Begg, Head of PIRSA.

With over 45 people in attendance, many of them AFTA members, either in person or via video link, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity for AFTA, RecFish SA, and government representatives to hear directly from tackle retailers regarding the impacts of the bloom on their businesses and to gather feedback on potential forms of support. It was encouraging to see retailers—typically competitors—collaborate constructively in response to this unprecedented situation. The meeting generated several constructive ideas, and AFTA, RecFish SA, and government agencies are committed to working together to develop effective solutions.

Left to Right: Andrew Harris (RecFish SA), Dr Andrew Dunbar (Industry, Innovation & Small Business), Billy Parsons (AFTA & JM Gillies), Barry Brown (RecFish SA), Professor Gavin Begg (PIRSA), Asher Dezsery (RecFish SA), Karl Beckmann (Gawler Fishing & Outdoors), Lyn Castle (Spot on Salisbury), Chad Rodgers (AFTA & Shimano), Steve Castle (Spot on Salisbury), Matt Coleman (SAFTA), Ian Clift (Sportfishing Scene), Tom Treloar (Tackle World Adelaide), Jamie Rymell (Tackle World Adelaide), Jaki Humphreys (RecFish SA), Steve Lewis (SWL Distributions), Alicia Bolitho (AFTA & Tackle World Port Lincoln), Kerrie Briggs (JM Gillies), Jamie (The Bait Shop), Greg Seeto (AFTA & Daiwa), Steven Lord (Anaconda), Peter Sellwood (Anaconda), Lisa Wheare (BCF), Mat O’Brien (Minister’s Chief of Staff), Jasper Hammond (BCF) & Simon Johnson (BCF).