THE fisher at the centre of the Portland Bay gill netting storm says he and his workers and family have had to put up with death threats, intimidation and a “disgraceful” campaign to get rid of them – but he isn’t doing anything to harm the marine life of the area or the recreational fishing sector.

Phil McAdam has spoken out after a campaign to ban netting in the Bay year-round gathers momentum, the Victorian Fisheries Authority having issued a draft Fisheries Notice – open for public comment until Monday – that would see that introduced, as well as a ban on long lines.