Get Hooked on Fishing App 2018 – 2019
Project Description: Recognising the way in which the community accesses information and consumes content has been revolutionised with digital technology. This project proposes to develop an innovative and interactive ‘Get Hooked on Fishing” app. The development of an app will allow anyone, anywhere to participate in the Fishcare program with tutorials, tips and demonstrations on how to get involved in sustainable & responsible recreational fishing. It will also provide a valuable resource for those who have attended a Fishcare clinic and need support to continue fishing on their own. The app will have wide appeal to both community and children and can be utilised by school student-led curriculum-based activities.
What’s Under the Water – 2018 – 2020
Project Description: Replicate an underwater marine experience that demonstrates how litter impacts aquatic animals and habitats in a pool environment by developing an underwater education pack. The pack includes a suite of Victorian fish species, sea weed and other props and strategically placed rubbish, (in particular soft plastics, straws, fishing line etc.) that clearly demonstrate their impacts on marine environments to be set up in a pool lane.
Each participant then uses an underwater slate to record the species and litter sighted. This program would be complimented by an in class session and a rubbish collection activity.By educating participants through fun, interactive and practical learning experiences, they are more likely to understand and appreciate the impacts of litter on the marine environment and question their own behaviours in regards to their waste management with the aim of encouraging sustainable choices.
The threat of soft plastics and consumer waste has never been more real, especially in regards to the marine environment. By changing mindsets and behaviours we will be creating lasting protection through more informed and sustainable living choices and encouraging a sense of stewardship of our marine environments and fisheries.
Litter Warriors – Protecting Our Bay 2018 – 2019
Project Description: To deliver incursion and excursion activities directly related to marine litter and their impacts within the bay. Educational resources specific to the impacts of litter in Port Phillip Bay will be developed including props, videos, resource sheets and online learning resources. The resources will be aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and delivered as a part of the Fishcare Program which is administered by Fishcare Volunteers and Staff.
Creating Sustainable Anglers 2016 – 2019
Project Description: Fishcare’s “Creating Sustainable
Anglers” Project builds on the momentum created by Fishcare’s growth over the past 3 years to reach further throughout the community than ever before. Fishcare will refine and build it’s Victorian Schools Program using “Creating Sustainable Anglers” funds to include an array of classroom and event activities that build respect for the environment and our waterways, build fishing knowledge, increase awareness of Fisheries rules and regulations and build interest in taking up recreational fishing as a sport or hobby.
Activities in “Creating Sustainable Anglers” programs include:
- Rules and Regulations – Fish Identification, understanding and demonstrating relevantrules and regulations, as well as learning to investigate and determine rules and regulations for a variety of recreational fishing circumstances.
- Pest Species – Identification and best practice actions of various aquatic pest species such as European Carp, Northern Pacific Sea Stars, European Green Shore Crab etc.
- Fish Anatomy – A basic puzzle based activity looking at Fish Anatomy to draw connections for participants between form and function of various body parts of fish, building an understanding of the roles/niches various species fill in different ecosystems as well as enabling participants to learn how to “target” various angling species.
- Fish Handling – Highlighting through demonstrations the importance of fish handling to ensure safety for the fish and the angler. Using props to demonstrate and assess participants in landing methods, hook removal and release techniques.
- Sustainable Fishing Activity – Using simple props in the classroom, participants will take part in fishing “seasons” to build an understanding of stock depletion and replenishment times for some of our key recreational and commercial species. Once participants have identified the issues with unregulated fishing they will take part in designing their own fishing regulations and using our simple props will model their regulations to assess their effectiveness.
- Plug Casting Lanes – mastering a variety of casting techniques for all situations, participants target timber “fish” with casting plugs to build confidence in their technique and accuracy prior to getting onto the water.
- Knot Tying Stations – Various levels for different age groups with a variety of knots that incorporate modern fishing techniques such as soft plastics and braid lines. Production of a “Fishcare Knot Tying for Beginners” pamphlet.
