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Open forum in Mandurah on new rec-fishing management arrangements
Date: Thursday, 20 August 2009
The Department of Fisheries will hold an open forum for the community and recreational fishers in Mandurah on Tuesday August 25, to discuss the new recreational fishing management arrangements.
Principal Management Officer Nathan Harrison said anyone interested is welcome to attend.
“New arrangements have been approved to help sustain Western Australia’s most popular recreational fisheries,” Mr Harrison said.
“Importantly, the new arrangements include the establishment of a new recreational boat fishing licence which will be used to create a database of boat-based recreational fishers in Western Australia.
“This move aims to benefit everyone who wants to see sustainable fish stocks for our future generations.”
Key changes are also being implemented to provide additional protection for highly valued demersal (bottom-dwelling) fish, such as West Australian dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper, which are at risk.
Independent reviews of the Department of Fisheries scientific evidence indicate that WA’s key demersal scale fish in the West Coast are at risk unless immediate action is taken.
“The biology of these popular species, combined with population growth and the greater use of equipment such as GPS and echo sounders has made a huge impact on fish stocks,” Mr Harrison said.
“The use of GPS means fishers can return to the same locations repeatedly to target fish, meaning numbers of fish in a small area can be depleted very rapidly.
“Management of all fishing sectors is required to ensure the long-term sustainability of the stocks and the ability to catch or buy these fish in the future.
“The department is keen to be open and transparent about the recently announced changes and to discuss the new regulations with local anglers and the wider community.
"We accept that the new recreational fishing rule changes are not going to be popular with everyone, but the Minister has had to take tough action on the basis of expert research that has shown unless the recreational catch of demersal scalefish is cut by half, some of our most iconic species could collapse.
“These changes are designed to help ensure recreational fishing can continue to be enjoyed as an intrinsic part of the lifestyle for many West Australians and ultimately ensure our children can enjoy fish for the future.”
The new recreational fishing regulations include:
“We have attempted to be family-friendly in our approach, with children under 16 able to fish from a boat and for demersal scalefish without a licence, as long as they are within the accompanying licensees bag limit,” he said.
“Discounts also apply to pensioners.”
Mr Harrison also said the Department of Fisheries had appreciated the support of many recreational fishers, who had donated fish frames for years to assist in age analysis to help determine stock status and sustainability.
“It is hoped that this cooperation will continue,” he added.
Event: Information Forum
Purpose: Briefing on status of some key recreational fish stocks and new recreational fishing regulations and how they will be managed by the department.
Date: Tuesday 25th August 2009
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00 or 9:30pm (club bar will be opened at close of forum)
Venue: Mandurah Offshore Fishing & Sailing Club (MOF&SC)
Breakwater Parade, Mandurah (tel: 9535 6251, a/h: 9535 6351)
Principal Management Officer Nathan Harrison said anyone interested is welcome to attend.
“New arrangements have been approved to help sustain Western Australia’s most popular recreational fisheries,” Mr Harrison said.
“Importantly, the new arrangements include the establishment of a new recreational boat fishing licence which will be used to create a database of boat-based recreational fishers in Western Australia.
“This move aims to benefit everyone who wants to see sustainable fish stocks for our future generations.”
Key changes are also being implemented to provide additional protection for highly valued demersal (bottom-dwelling) fish, such as West Australian dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper, which are at risk.
Independent reviews of the Department of Fisheries scientific evidence indicate that WA’s key demersal scale fish in the West Coast are at risk unless immediate action is taken.
“The biology of these popular species, combined with population growth and the greater use of equipment such as GPS and echo sounders has made a huge impact on fish stocks,” Mr Harrison said.
“The use of GPS means fishers can return to the same locations repeatedly to target fish, meaning numbers of fish in a small area can be depleted very rapidly.
“Management of all fishing sectors is required to ensure the long-term sustainability of the stocks and the ability to catch or buy these fish in the future.
“The department is keen to be open and transparent about the recently announced changes and to discuss the new regulations with local anglers and the wider community.
"We accept that the new recreational fishing rule changes are not going to be popular with everyone, but the Minister has had to take tough action on the basis of expert research that has shown unless the recreational catch of demersal scalefish is cut by half, some of our most iconic species could collapse.
“These changes are designed to help ensure recreational fishing can continue to be enjoyed as an intrinsic part of the lifestyle for many West Australians and ultimately ensure our children can enjoy fish for the future.”
The new recreational fishing regulations include:
- Introduction of two new licence categories:
- a State-wide Recreational Boat Fishing Licence, and;
- a West Coast Demersal Scalefish Licence;
- Removal of the recreational umbrella licence;
- Changes to existing recreational fishing licence fees;
- A two month seasonal closure (15 October to 15 December inclusive) on the take of demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion by recreational fishers; and
- Additional bag limit changes to medium risk and lower risk species.
“We have attempted to be family-friendly in our approach, with children under 16 able to fish from a boat and for demersal scalefish without a licence, as long as they are within the accompanying licensees bag limit,” he said.
“Discounts also apply to pensioners.”
Mr Harrison also said the Department of Fisheries had appreciated the support of many recreational fishers, who had donated fish frames for years to assist in age analysis to help determine stock status and sustainability.
“It is hoped that this cooperation will continue,” he added.
Event: Information Forum
Purpose: Briefing on status of some key recreational fish stocks and new recreational fishing regulations and how they will be managed by the department.
Date: Tuesday 25th August 2009
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00 or 9:30pm (club bar will be opened at close of forum)
Venue: Mandurah Offshore Fishing & Sailing Club (MOF&SC)
Breakwater Parade, Mandurah (tel: 9535 6251, a/h: 9535 6351)
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