Dr Adam Smith- National Chair
Dr Adam Smith has been the leader of the Australian Underwater Federation National Spearfishing Commission in Australia since 2002. The Spearfishing Commission contains 4 state commissions (Qld, NSW, Vic, WA), 25 clubs (and growing) with over 700 members. The role of the National Chair is to develop and implement the AUF constitution, national strategic plan, bylaws, rules, annual planning and general meetings, sponsorship, organise national and international competitions, research, review, communication, media, develop relationships with private and government stakeholders and politicians and continuous improvement. An essential task of the National Chair is to make a difference to ensure that spearfishing interests are taken into serious consideration by management agencies (particularly Marine Protected Areas, threatened species and size\bag limit changes).
Adam strongly believes that recreational spearfishing is sustainable, selective, safe and provides fresh seafood- and is the most environmentally friendly method to harvest fish (no bait, no bycatch, no habitat damage, no impact on threatened species).
Contact Adam at spearfishing@auf.com.au or 0418726584
More – I was a mad keen fisherman and SCUBA diver but now prefer freediving and spearfishing. I have freedivied for 30 years mainly in NSW and Qld and have also competed in several national, state and local titles and represented Australia at World Championships for spearfishing (Spain) and freediving (Italy) and the Interpacific (New Zealand, Tahiti and New Caledonia). I won the national “Superdiver” for spearfishing, finswimming and underwater photography.
Author of a book “Underwater fishing in Australia and New Zealand” (2000), numerous articles on fish and diving and publisher of annual Fantastic Fish Calendar and appearances on numerous DVDs and videos. Awarded “Skindiver of the year”, “Sportsman of the year” and national “Beau Beere award” for outstanding administration and services.
Adam has a BSc(Hons) and PhD in Marine Science, Masters in Business Administration and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Environment Institute of Australian and New Zealand.
