Cranbrook State School students, teachers and parents will learn the importance of sustainable fishing tomorrow (Thursday 21 September) when they gather at Pallarenda for their year five to seven ‘Fishing Classic’.

Staff from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) will attend the ‘Fishing Classic’ to teach the students the importance of sustainable fishing practices.

GBRMPA’s Reef Guardian Schools Programme Manager Megan Sperring said Cranbrook State School only recently joined the Reef Guardian School programme, an education initiative by the GBRMPA, yet were already displaying excellence in environmental management.

“We are looking forward to attending the ‘Fishing Classic’ where we will hold a ‘Responsible Reef Practices’ workshop with the students teaching them about zoning within the Marine Park and responsible fishing practices. We have lots of fun activities planned for them,” Ms Sperring said.

Cranbrook State School Teacher Margaret Peasley said the ‘Fishing Classic’ is always a great day for the students as it allows them to participate in a fun leisure activity whilst also teaching them important fishing practices.

“We like to provide a range of practical activities for students to engage in that may benefit them in the future,” Ms Peasley said.

“As we live right along side the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park we are encouraging students to get outside and enjoy what is in their own backyard.

“Not only are the students participating in practical activities about the Reef but they are also learning all about the management of the Reef and the plants and animals within it.

“We have received great community support for the event with local Townsville business Pro Tackle providing hand lines and Bremer Bait supplying frozen bait for the day. Mr and Mrs Gary Williams, parents of the school, will donate 10 tackle boxes filled with fishing gear as prizes for the day.”

Photo and vision opportunities will be available at Robertson Park, Pallarenda between 1:30pm and 2:30pm with staff from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and students and teachers from Cranbrook State School.