Growing up by the rich waterways of our region, I have always been passionate about fishing. It offers not just recreation, but also a connection to nature and a respect for the delicate balance of our ecosystems. However, as a regular fisher, I've witnessed firsthand the troubling decline in the population of golden perch, a beloved sport fish critical to our aquatic biodiversity.

The culprit? Overfishing, mainly due to the current regulations that are failing to protect our precious breeding stock. Right now, regional recreational fishers are allowed to take home up to 5 golden perch from lakes and rivers, but this is unsustainable. Large breeding females, crucial to the continuation of the species, are being removed from their habitats, and with no closed season currently in place, the problem is escalating.

I propose that we adjust the bag limits immediately to ensure a future for our golden perch. Specifically, we need to reduce the bag limit in lakes from 5 to 2 per person for all rivers and lakes with a maximum size limit of 55cm to protect the large breeding females. These changes are crucial for maintaining healthy, viable fish populations and ensuring that our children and their children can enjoy the same fishing opportunities that we have cherished.

Allowing groups of up to 10 people to each collect their full bag limit is contributing to the rapid depletion of golden perch in our waterways. By reducing the limits, we will ease the pressure on the breeding stock, supporting their resurgence and preserving this vital species for future generations.

I urge regulatory bodies to listen to the voices of those who cherish our natural resources and to act now before it's too late. Protecting our golden perch requires immediate, decisive action and a commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Please join me in signing this petition to save our golden perch populations and ensure the health of our precious ecosystems.