Commercial Fishermen United spokeswoman Esmay Hropic yesterday said the June death of Batemans Bay’s Mattie Barber in Coila Lake had spurred the group to lobby for change.

Ms Hropic was speaking at a combined NSW Government department safety seminar at Batemans Bay’s Soldiers Club, which included officers from WorkCover, Roads and Maritime Services and the Department of Primary Industries’ fisheries unit.

She said her family had fished commercially in Batemans Bay for more than 50 years and the rule restricting a licensed fisherman from using unlicensed crew in an estuary was outdated and dangerous.

“We are representing Matthew Barber, a dear friend of ours,” she said.

“The tragic loss of his life was unnecessary. Out of the 26 endorsed fishing methods in Australia, the Estuary General Fishery (rule) is the only one where you are not allowed to take an assistant on a boat. 

“We want that rule changed. It is outdated. We want our husbands, fathers, sons to come home to us. It is a purely a safety issue. If something happens, and you have backup, they can help you.”

Mr Barber was found dead after fishing overnight in rainy conditions in the popular lake, south of Moruya.

Ms Hropic said the rules restricted him from taking a helper for lighting, backing a trailer, carrying crates or driving to and from the site, as those tasks were deemed to be part of the fishing operation.

“With Marine Parks and the recreational fishing havens, our men have to travel further to work,” she said.

“They have to travel, fish and then drive all the way back. This means driver fatigue is a major safety issue. If we can take somebody out at our discretion to help, lives will be saved and injuries won’t occur.”

Yesterday’s event was part of a series of seminars on the South Coast.

“The tragic death of a commercial estuary fisher in June this year has highlighted the risks that can be faced in the industry,” a combined statement from the three departments represented said.  

“WorkCover, DPI, RMS and industry representatives are combining to ensure that fishers have the information and support they need to work safely.”  

A fisheries’ spokeswoman said reforms were being discussed which could “modify these and other restrictions that impact upon how estuary fishers operate”.

“The crewing issue has already been raised as an option to be worked through during the reform program,” she said. 

“Every fisher can submit ideas and options and all shareholders will be sent a shortlist of options for comment early next year.”

The spokeswoman said there were no restrictions on using licensed crew and fishers could request backup.

“There are no restrictions on how many endorsed fishers work together, so if you are worried about working your gear or unloading your fish alone, seek the help of another endorsed fisher,” she said.

“Fisheries officers can give you authority to carry another person on board your boat, provided they don’t assist with the actual fishing operation. This authority can be given in writing, in person or over the phone.”

The spokeswoman said the crewing issue also related to fish stocks.

“One of the main ways of making sure the commercial harvest of fish in estuaries is sustainable is by limiting how many people can do different activities,” she said. 

“This is especially important in Estuary General fishery, because two or three people working the gear can make a notable difference to the efficiency of the operation and catches, compared to a fisher working alone.”

People wishing to submit comments should visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/commercial/reform or contact NSW DPI.