Glen Jakovich Goes On Fisheries Patrol

West Coast Eagle Glen Jakovich will be not only be busy with A.F.L.,but also in his role as the face of “Fish for the future” education campaign aimed at the State’s recreational fishers.

Glen is one of more than 600,000 Western Australians who enjoy fishing for recreation and is keen to promote responsible fishing to ensure fish stocks are protected now and in the future.

Glen the Eagle will work with another elite program - Fisheries WA’s Volunteer Fisheries Liaison Officers (VFLOs) who were winners of the prestigious Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management in 1998.

June 2002: Recreational fishers have the chance to meet star West Coast Eagle Glen Jakovich over the coming weeks as he goes on mobile patrol around some of Perth’s most popular fishing spots with Volunteer Fisheries Liaison Officers (VFLO’s).

When not on the football field, Glen likes to champion responsible fishing to the 642,000 West Australians who participate in fishing for recreation each year. As a father, Glen understands how important it is that the State’s precious fish stocks are preserved for future generations.

The Eagles champion became the public face of the Department of Fisheries successful Fish for the Future campaign two years ago promoting responsible fishing practices and is keen to continue in his role as a roving ambassador while on VFLO patrol during the next three weeks.

The VFLO program is well known is the WA community particularly after it won the 1998 Premiers Award for Excellence. Volunteers, who are easily recognisable in their bright yellow shirts and caps, present information on recreational fishing issues, give practical assistance to fishers and promote a strong conservation ethic in both the recreational fishing sector and the general community.

Glen will don the distinctive VFLO uniform for patrols on June 4, 11 and 18 between 6pm and 8pm. Places to look out for him include the Ammo Street Jetty in Coogee, Woodman’s Point and Point Walter, the E-Shed jetty in Fremantle and the Causeway and Narrows Bridges.

Footnote: The 29-year-old Jakovich was diagnosed with an irregular heart beat last Friday night (7th June 2002), forcing him out of the Eagles last match. Four-time club champion Jakovich spent Friday night in a Perth hospital after his heart rate was racing at almost three times its regular resting pace.

However the team doctors have given the all clear and he should be back on the paddock this weekend (15th June 2002)

Source: http://www.wa.gov.au/westfish/media/2002/2002-5-31-142.htm