15 August 2007

Cranbrook State School is gearing up to host its annual Fishing Classic at Pallarenda Beach on Thursday 16 August.

The Fishing Classic is designed for students to have fun and to learn sustainable environmental practices.

Reef Guardian Schools Programme Manager, Megan Sperring, from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), has seen the school’s environmental attitudes mature over the past two years. 

“Fishing is a popular activity in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Projects like the Fishing Classic teach students how to use natural resources wisely,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to see our Reef Guardian Schools getting out there and fostering environmental appreciation within the community.”

The Fishing Classic was instigated four years ago by Cranbrook State School Principal Norm Hart. This year’s competition will be the last for the avid fisherman who will be taking on a challenging new role leading the Queensland Principals’ Association in Brisbane next year.

“I wanted to share my love of fishing and of the marine environment with my students,” he said.

“The Fishing Classic has become a school institution. It started with just two classes participating and now we have more than 250 students who attend along with their family and friends.

“We take the students fishing as a good example of sustainable environment use, which has become the focus of an entire unit of study based on environmental best practices.

“This event cultivates the idea that the best part of fishing is having a great day out on the water with family and friends. This year we hope to take home our first fish!”
 
The Cranbrook Fishing Classic is generously sponsored by Mr Gary Williams of Bremer Bait and Tackle who provides all the bait for the day as well as 10 tackle boxes for prizes.

The event is the culminating activity for the young Reef Guardians who last week participated in an in-school Responsible Fishing Clinic.

The students met with representatives from the GBRMPA, Townsville City Council’s Creek to Coral programme, Conservation Volunteers Australia and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to learn about safe boating practices, the role of fisheries management in maintaining healthy fish stocks, and the importance of healthy creeks and catchments in maintaining fish stocks.

More than 120 schools and 52 000 students participate in the Reef Guardian Schools Programme, an education initiative of the GBRMPA. Reef Guardian Schools work with the GBRMPA, natural resource management agencies, industries and community partners, to learn about and do their bit to protect the Great Barrier Reef.