AUF Spearfishing is a sports club located in Camden Haven, Australia, dedicated to promoting and advocating for the sport of spearfishing and freediving. Spearfishing and freediving have gained significant popularity in Australia due to the country's clear water, large fish, outdoor exercise opportunities, amazing seafood, and educational experiences.
As a national not-for-profit organisation, AUF relies on the support and contributions from marine enthusiasts across Australia and around the world. With their financial capacity and public mandate, AUF is able to advocate for the sustainable use of the marine environment. They believe in the importance of safe, sustainable, and selective seafood practises.
Safety is a top priority for AUF and they actively promote safe practises in spearfishing. They provide a safety code to new members, supply safety equipment to clubs, and offer training on how to use it effectively, such as oxyviva. Safety discussions and practises are regularly addressed in meetings to ensure members are well-informed. AUF also initiated the Spearsafe campaign, which focuses on promoting safety across the entire spearfishing community, including addressing cultural aspects and providing training opportunities for participants.
Spearfishing is considered an ecologically sustainable form of fishing as it does not produce bycatch. There are limitations on where and when spearfishers can hunt, such as visibility, water depth, and strong currents. These factors help to minimise the potential impact of the sport and ensure the conservation of fisheries resources.
AUF members participate in the sport in a selective manner, taking only enough fish for their immediate needs and respecting the marine life they encounter. The promotion of safe, sustainable, and selective practises is a major focus for AUF, with the Spearsafe campaign supplementing their ongoing efforts.
The Spearsafe initiative, supported by some of Australia's top divers, aims to improve safety for spearfishers nationwide. It seeks to create a cohesive view on safety issues associated with spearfishing and has the potential to save lives and reduce injuries and fatalities across Australia.
For more information, visit the Spearsafe website or contact AUF Spearfishing. AUF is passionate about bringing together sport, conservation, and awareness to the underwater world, and they welcome new members to join their community. Stay updated with the latest AUF news and events by following their social media pages and website.