LegaSea received a real boost last month from a group of Whangarei based companies. In mid July around 50 people representing 20 businesses with links to the construction industry gathered for a Building LegaSea presentation.

Warren and the crew from Warren Hay Marine were superb hosts. They have to be rated as one of the most outstanding boat and tackle stores you will find anywhere in the country.

Scott Macindoe led the LegaSea presentation with his passion and commitment clearly demonstrated.

The crowd was understandably amazed when Scott read out some core arguments made by Seafood New Zealand in their 2013 submission on snapper. Seafood NZ refers to the money we spend on our passion for recreational fishing as “wasteful consumption”.

How dare they.

Seafood New Zealand is the commercial fishing industry and their words project the thoughts and feelings of that industry.

Their sense of entitlement and arrogance will shock you, especially given some of their own wasteful trawling practices.

It was therefore very refreshing for LegaSea when 10 Northland entities immediately signed up to Building LegaSea, at a contribution rate of $100 per month.

To really have a chance of achieving change in fisheries management and rebuilding our fisheries we need to have significant public support, and the support of New Zealand’s construction industry through the Building LegaSea initiative.

Thank you Whangarei. You really understand what fishing means to your community.

For those of you wishing to follow Whangarei’s lead simply contact LegaSea.

For more information on how to join the Building LegaSea initiative visit www.legasea.co.nz/building

This article was originally published in the New Zealand Fishing News magazine, August 2014.