Your licence fund making fishing better

Fisheries Minister Ken Baston has today announced that the Expression of Interest (EOI) period for Round 4 of the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF) is now open. Funding is available for incorporated individuals, research institutions, government departments, clubs/organisations or community groups and joint applications are encouraged.

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said the RFIF provided funding to enable initiatives, projects and research that is aligned with recreational fishing community priorities and enhances recreational fishing in Western Australia.

“Recfishwest is once again excited to see recreational fishing licence money being reinvested into projects that will enhance the recreational fishing experience,” Dr Rowland said,

Since the RFIF was established in 2011, more than $6.5 million of recreational fishing licence money has been invested into projects including:

  • Habitat enhancement projects such as the Bunbury, Dunsborough and Mandurah artificial reefs as well as metropolitan fish towers and fish aggregation devices;
  • Stocking of important recreational species including prawns, black bream, mulloway, barramundi and pink snapper;
  • Research into the biology and ecology of important recreational species including squid, black bream, blue swimmer crabs, prawns, mulloway, pink snapper and various gamefish;
  • Research into the wellbeing benefits of recreational fishing and mapping of fishing locations for fishers of all ability; and,
  • Development of the next generation of recreational fishing including young future leadership programs and post graduate scholarships.

Grants will only be made to projects that promote or benefit recreational fishing in WA. A list of broad strategic areas considered for funding can be found on the 2015 Expression of Interest form available at www.recfishwest.org.au.

The EOI period for 2015 RFIF funding closes at midnight on Sunday the 8 February 2015.

“This program is highly valued by the community as it continues to deliver tangible returns for fishing licence contributions,” Dr Rowland said.

Recfishwest advocates for sustainable fishing resources and policies that ensure long-term benefits to all recreational fishers. For more information on Recfishwest.

Fast facts:

  • Every year 25 per cent of recreational fishing licence revenue is allocated to the RFIF;
  • Recfishwest administers the RFIF process and provides advice to the Fisheries Minister;
  • Since its inception in 2011 more than 20 projects valued at over $6.5 million have been funded
  • RFIF funding has seen more than 750,000 school prawns stocked in the Swan River and Canning River.

Recfishwest administers the RFIF process and Fisheries Minister has absolute discretion in the application of all RFIF funds.