Social Media Policy

Codes of Practice

Prepared with assistance of many contributors – Version February 2022

Spearfishers Think Twice!

Due to the growing popularity of social medial, the AUF would like to provide you all with some things to think about. While social media offers the opportunity for spearfishers to gather in online communities to share, discuss and consume spearfishing content, it also provides for constant monitoring of both real and imagined wrongs and countless unmonitored discussion forums. It is therefore fundamental that we all take care not to bring the sport, the AUF or its affiliate clubs into disrepute through the inappropriate use of social media. Things such as inter-sport political spats and personality clashes should not be aired through the use of social media.

Respect our marine life: Conserve our fish stocks and take only what you need. Nobody likes the look of your entire catch spread out across the floor; photographs can easily be taken out of context and often make spearfishers look bad.
Be sensible: Never post content that results in public disfavor towards our sport and if you see something along these lines speak up; we are all ambassadors for the sport when we contribute online and we must mentor and educate our fellow and beginner divers as the need arises.
Bigger is not better: There is a misconception among spearfishers that bigger is always better and constantly sharing photos of large fish only perpetuates that myth. Continually targeting large fish from a handful of species is unsustainable and we strongly discourage this practice.
Are we adding unnecessary pressure to the fishery? Sharing photographs of your catch often leads to intense and unnecessary pressure in your favorite spot and the fishery in general.
Be humble not boastful: Constantly posting photos of your catches might make you feel good, but does it really do anything positive for our sport? We ask that people think twice before constantly posting photographs as it can create an unfavorable impression of spearfishers.
Others are Watching and Waiting: We should all consider the effectiveness of the use of photos by activists in having the Greyhound racing industry shut down in NSW with dubious claims being lobbied. The same activists have now started a campaign against commercial fishing using photos depicting struggling fish in nets and on the decks of vessels. Just think about the mass of photo’s of large reef and pelagic fish they will use in their next campaign against recreational fishing, in particular spearfishing. Guess who’s providing all the ammunition they need? Please Just Think About It?
Guard our seas from lawbreakers: We trust that all spearfishers immediately report any unlawful or suspicious fishing activities to their relevant state authority.
Log off and sign-up: Spearfishing clubs are usually brimming with knowledge and know-how and they are a great place to meet other divers. Participating in a club and learning from experienced divers is undoubtedly the fastest way to improve your diving.
Public perception is incredible important to the future of Spearfishing. By adopting the above practices and by spreading the word, you can help ensure that the sport has a viable future.