Planning has formally begun for the proposed Exmouth Gulf Marine Park – and Recfishwest is pleased to see local fishers consulted early.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) kicked off the first of eight stages of their community engagement plan by recently holding a meeting with local fishers at Exmouth Game Fishing Club.
Recfishwest Operations Lead, Matt Gillett, joined fishers who deeply value the fishing experiences in the Gulf to have their say and raise any concerns.
“This early phase is an important point in the process. It provided an opportunity for nearly 20 local fishers to engage with decision makers and draw their attention to how important fishing in Exmouth Gulf really is,” said Matt.
“The most common concern raised to the DBCA by fishers at this meeting was around the Government’s announcement of a target of 30% no-catch sanctuary zones in the Gulf, prior to any consultation with the local community.
“The preference for local fishers is to provide high-level protection to many remote areas of the Gulf through low impact catch and release fishing zones, which still meet biodiversity conservation objectives without extinguishing the value of these areas to fishers. Much of the eastern part of the Gulf is accessed only by fly and sport fishers who catch and release species such as trevally and permit.”
Local fishing guides have built very successful businesses that attract clients from across the globe who visit to access this remote and highly valued fishery, and Recfishwest see no reason why this should not continue.
The next stage of DBCA’s eight-stage planning framework for this marine park includes preparation of draft zoning schemes for their 30% no-catch sanctuary zones, which is expected to take place later in 2026.
To view the whole planning process for the Gulf’s marine park, check out our previous news article here.
Recfishwest is helping ensure that local recreational fisher knowledge, experience and data form the foundations being used to inform the marine park planning.
“If you fish Exmouth, whether you’re a local or visiting, it’s crucial you engage constructively when you are given the chance to provide feedback. A well-designed park includes the views and values of recreational fishers, and its important the decision makers understand these,” added Matt.
Recfishwest has already engaged locally, deployed a spatial fishing values survey and secured dedicated fisher engagement sessions. We’ll make sure fishers have a clear voice in the conversation and keep you informed as the process unfolds.
