WHITSUNDAY school pupils will be learning about fish conservation and sustainability, thanks to a government grant.
Bowen State High School applied for, and was awarded, a community fishing grant of $4,800 to increase awareness of recreational fishing in the school and also in the community.
The Queensland Government has delivered a total of $400,000 in grants for fishing initiatives to support Queensland’s commercial, charter and recreational fishers.
The Fishing Grants Program focuses on ensuring the long-term sustainability of Queensland’s fisheries, with grants awarded to commercial operators, community groups and schools all over Queensland.
Bowen State High School will use its grant to create a fishing club, providing fishing workshops to educate students about sustainable fishing practices.
Principal Robert Harris said the Head of Department: HPE and Aquatics, Steve Moore, had been the driving force behind the grant.
“Bowen State High School is thrilled to receive a Community Fishing Grant for 2025,” Mr Harris said.
“With this support, our school will finally be able to create our vision of a Bowen State High School fishing club.
“The club will provide fishing workshops that promote recreational fishing, in our school and local community, by educating students and their families about sustainable fishing practices and fish habitat protection.”
Mr Harris said overfishing was a serious threat to the future of recreational and commercial fishing in Queensland.
“Educating the next generation about sustainable practices is a proactive approach to ensuring fish for the future and also the increase in biomass of many threatened species in our oceans, rivers and dams,” he said.
“By familiarising our students with fisheries legislation, and fostering an attitude of conservation, our students can help restore Queensland’s fisheries to sustainable populations.”
PHOTO:
Year 8 student Savannah Land presents principal Mr Harris with an artwork she made of a whale shark, for display in his office.
