This column first appeared in the Port Stephens Examiner over 30 years ago with around 1600 Stinker articles to date.
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Over this period certain patterns of fish population have emerged that I find interesting and in some cases concerning.
When considering the movement of fish, many variables must be taken into account.
The direction, strength and range of ocean currents are vital considerations along with associated water quality, temperature and salinity.
Impacts on sensitive habitat by tourism, urban sprawl, industry, drought and floods will all be felt.
These are but some of the factors that determine the health and distribution of fish and other marine creatures.
To best illustrate these points one need only travel to the far north of the country to the relative wilderness of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland where the waters teem with life.
Thought must also be given to the reality of "boom and bust" with fish populations rising and falling.
It is recognised that fish availability is cyclical with some months being far more productive than others.
Taking all these variables into account how, you may ask, has Port Stephens been impacted over the past 30 years? This question will be answered in next week's article.
Got a pic or tip for Stinker?
- If you've got a picture of a whopper, or a fishing yarn to share, you can email it to stinkerfishing@yahoo.com with your contact number and details about your catch.