Volunteers

Many people would be surprised to learn that the sustainability of our fisheries relies heavily upon the work of volunteers – ordinary West Australians who give their time to promote community support for conserving fish stocks and habitats, take part in fish research projects or provide expertise on advisory committees.

Effective management decisions are based upon the results of quality research. WA's vast size, coupled with budget limitations, means our research scientists depend heavily on community participation in their various projects.

The Department of Fisheries acknowledges the valuable work of our fisheries volunteers, research volunteers and advisory committee members in helping ensure fish for the future.

Want to do something different?

Fisheries Volunteers are a dedicated team of recreational fishers and community members who provide a link between the Department and recreational fishers. They enjoy the outdoors while interacting with people with similar interests. They can be seen at popular fishing spots throughout the State informing fishers about current fishing rules and regulations and giving tips on catching fish and caring for the catch. They also conduct practical workshops with school and other community groups. All training is provided. Programs vary in regional areas, based on community needs.

More information on Fisheries Volunteers such as the nomination form and details on how to join the program is available here.

Help with Research

You can help make a difference by joining a volunteer research group to assist with fish tagging and other projects. If you don't want to join an organised activity, you can still help out by passing fish frames (skeletons) or heads and catch details onto Department of Fisheries scientists. These “left overs” provide valuable data on fish health, size and age.

Many research volunteers are avid recreational fishers who indulge their passion while “giving something back”. For some it is as simple as filling out catch details in a logbook. Others take part in catch and release programs. Science graduates, work experience students and retired people all fill the ranks of research volunteers. The recovery of the pink snapper fishery at Shark Bay is one example of a successful project that relies heavily on its volunteer force.

More information on Research Volunteers research projects and how you can take part is available here.

Community-based advisory committees

The Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee and its 12 regional counterparts provide community involvement in the management of Western Australia's recreational fisheries. Committee members are drawn from the general community, fishing clubs, the Department of Fisheries, charter operators and the tackle and commercial fishing industries. Positions are advertised as they become vacant and the successful candidate is appointed for a two-year period. The committees meet four times a year and advise the Minister on issues affecting recreational fishing throughout the State.

In addition, the committees have helped in the provision of fish-cleaning stations and creation of artificial fish habitats, responded to draft management plans in the interests of recreational fishers on access to fishing areas and fish stocks, actively worked with the Department to promote the ‘fishing for the future' ethic and fish stocks and identified and reviewed key strategies for the management and enhancement of recreational fishing within Western Australia.

More information on the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee is available here.

There is also a range of other advisory committees dealing with commercial fisheries and fish habitats.