Access And Allocation Arrangements For The Commercial 'Wetline' Fisheries, Proposals For Discussion.

Western Australia's scalefish stocks, while low in productivity by world standards, provide an important resource for both commercial and recreational fisheries. The level of fishing activity by both of these sectors has increased in recent years and represents a threat to the long-term sustainability of demersal/reef species such as dhufish and pink snapper.

Western Australia's scalefish stocks, while low in productivity by world standards, provide an important resource for both commercial and recreational fisheries. The level of fishing activity by both of these sectors has increased in recent years and represents a threat to the long-term sustainability of demersal/reef species such as dhufish and pink snapper.

Figure 1: Integrated Fisheries Management and ESD Click here for an enlarged view

Therefore the new integrated approach will demand more effective management arrangements to contain the take of each user group within specified catch allocations. The introduction of new management frameworks across all sectors is an essential first step in the introduction of a new integrated management system within which allocation issues can be addressed.

This process has already commenced in the recreational sector with the introduction of a regionally based management framework for fishing tour operators (charter boat sector) and with the implementation of new recreational management arrangements for the West Coast and Gascoyne bioregions. These initiatives have included a licensing system for charter boats, a reduction in recreational bag limits for vulnerable species and the introduction of a statewide possession limit applying to recreational fishers.

A major recreational catch survey will be undertaken in 2006 to provide up to date information on the recreational catch on the West Coast. Planning processes for the South and North Coast regions are also well advanced and it is likely new recreational plans will be introduced for these regions in 2005.

The current ‘open access' arrangements for the commercial take of scalefish by line in most parts of the State (commonly known as ‘wetlining') can not ensure the sustainability of these commercial fisheries nor the security/viability of those fishers operating in them.

The primary consideration must be the long-term sustainable management of scalefish stocks and the provision of quality scalefish for consumers via the commercial industry. The establishment of managed wetline fisheries may also enhance the opportunity for operators to maximise returns in meeting market demands.

The Minister for Fisheries established this review of open access (wetline) commercial fishery arrangements to provide a more effective management framework for wetline fishing and to complement the recreational initiatives. This must involve the removal of excess fishing capacity, including latent effort, from the fishery and the establishment of a dedicated commercial fishery with clear entry criteria and an appropriate limit on catch in each bioregion.

However it must be made clear that the ‘wetline review' is not a sectoral resource sharing exercise. Following the implementation of new management arrangements for the ‘wetline' fisheries, the appropriateness of the existing levels of use between the various user groups in the West Coast region will be examined under the new integrated fisheries initiative.