Anyone who has ever gone fishing can tell you that wetting a line is good for you. It just makes you feel better. But have you ever wondered why?
Researchers from the Centre of Excellence for Science Seafood and Health (CESSH) at Curtin University are set to go fishing for answers, and investigate the health and wellbeing benefits associated with recreational fishing.
“The main reason Australian anglers go fishing, apart from catching dinner, is to relax and unwind. And while it seems logical that there are health benefits associated with recreational fishing,” Professor Alexandra McManus, Director of CESSH, said.
“It seems incredible that we do not fully understand the scale and range of the benefits.”
Professor McManus said the researchers would conduct an extensive review of research activities around the world to identify the benefits of outdoor relaxation, recreational fishing in particular, to health and wellbeing.
“Basically we want to know what research is out there and how it can be related to recreational fishing in Australia.” Professor McManus said.
The CESSH research team is especially interested in the benefits of outdoor recreation for young people.
Mr Frank Prokop, Executive Director of RecFishWest, and a long-standing advocate of recreational fishing said fishing had been shown to improve community wellbeing and to reduce anti-social behaviour in children.
“We have run a number of clinics and events where recreational fishing has been the central activity and the results have been very good. It has helped strengthen family bonds and people to connect that otherwise may not have been able,” Mr Prokop said.
The research study starts this month and is due to be completed by the end of the year. The Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation are providing funding to assist with the project.
Contact:
Professor Alexandra McManus, Director, Centre of Excellence Science Seafood & Health,
Faculty of Health Sciences
Tel: 9266 2115 Mobile 0417 986 171, Email: A.McManus@curtin.edu.au
Kristy Jones, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 9266 9085, Mobile: 0402 517 300, Email k.jones@curtin.edu.au
Teresa Belcher, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 9266 9085, Email: teresa.belcher@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
