30 May 2008

A Townsville Reef Guardian School are gearing up for a catch and release fishing competition to help raise money for turtle research this weekend (Sunday 1 June).

The Rowes Bay Junior Rangers from Belgian Gardens State School will donate the proceeds of the event to the Sea Turtle Foundation.

Belgian Gardens State School Teacher Brett Murphy said the students were excited about contributing to turtle research.

“The fishing competition is a fantastic idea – it’s an opportunity for the students to learn about the environment as well as raise money for something they’re very passionate about,” he said.

“The students have been involved in a range of environmental activities like cleaning up local beaches and are very keen to come up with other ways to give back to the environment.

“Holding a fishing competition to raise money for turtle research is a great place to start.

“The Rowes Bay Junior Rangers have managed to get the whole school onboard so we’re expecting the event to be quite a success.

“The fishing competition is catch and release so the fish caught will not be harmed, and students will have the opportunity to learn how to release them properly.”

GBRMPA Reef Guardian Schools Coordinator Megan Sperring is pleased the students are taking an active interest in marine turtles. 

“The Rowes Bay Junior Rangers are wonderful environmental ambassadors and we’re really impressed with the good environmental work they’ve been doing,” she said.

“We’re delighted to be able to assist the school with the fishing competition as it is a fun and educational way for them to learn about the environment and help turtles by raising money for research.

“One of the great things about the Reef Guardian Program is that students don’t just sit in a classroom and learn about what they can do to protect the marine environment, they actually get out there and do it.”

The fishing competition is taking place on Sunday (1 June) from 7am to 9am at the Rowes Bay foreshore. The competition is for children aged from prep to year seven, and younger siblings. Prizes and display viewing is taking place from 9:1 5 - 10:30.  Reef HQ’s Lucky T Turtle will also be at the event.