As one of WA’s great recreational fishing landscapes, the south coast is hugely important for tens of thousands of recfishers, providing sometimes spectacular fishing opportunities from the shore and from boats alike.
From nannygai, harlequin and yellowtail kingfish from the Southern Ocean depths to metre-long mulloway, salmon, herring and skippy from pristine beaches, there is something for everyone on the south coast, providing also a coastal escape for hard-working families from the Wheatbelt and Goldfields regions.
That’s why Recfishwest is strongly encouraging the south coast fishing community to get involved and get their views and voices heard as part of the State Government’s plans for a new marine park on the south coast.
Get involved as early as possible
This proposed marine park could potentially stretch 1,000km from Bremer Bay to the South Australian border – but there’s a long way to go with plenty time for the community to have their say with the actual initial draft marine park plan not due until March, 2023.
“We’re pleased to see recfishers’ views are being sought right at the start of the south coast marine park process,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said.
“As this didn’t happen initially in consultation around the proposed Buccaneer Archipelago marine parks in the Kimberley and was something we called on Government to address.
“But, while there’s a way to go with the proposed south coast marine park consultation, it’s really important that fishers who care about the south coast get involved early on to ensure we have a chance of ensuring the best outcome.”
Information sessions
Public information sessions along the south coast and Goldfields kick off on Monday 11 October and Recfishwest is urging everyone with a vested interest in protecting the south coast’s fantastic fishing opportunities to get along to find out more.
You can register for these public meetings organised by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) by clicking on the links below.
There is also more information about the proposed marine park on DBCA’s website here.
| DATE | TOWN | LOCATION | TIME | Register |
| Monday, Oct 11 | Albany | Albany Surf Life Saving Club | 6pm to 8pm | Register here |
| Tuesday, Oct 12 | Bremer Bay | Bremer Bay Sports Club | 6pm to 8pm | Register here |
| Wednesday, Oct 13 | Hopetoun | Hopetoun Community Centre | 6pm to 8pm | Register here |
| Thursday, Oct 14 | Esperance | Esperance Yacht Club | 6pm to 8pm | Register here |
| Friday, Oct 15 | Esperance | Esperance Yacht Club | 10am to 12pm | Register here |
| Saturday, Oct 16 | Norseman | Norseman Town Hall | 2pm to 4pm | Register here |
| Sunday, Oct 17 | Kalgoorlie-Boulder | Railway Motel | 10am to 12pm | Register here |
Community consultation is key
WA’s south coast provides high-class fishing experiences for thousands of fishers.
With amazing fishing on offer, the Goldfields-Esperance region spends $146.6 million on recfishing each year, a significant injection into the WA economy.
“While this south coast marine park consultation process appears to have a strong community focus, it’s up to south coast recfishers to get involved and be heard,” Dr Rowland said.
“Be sure to speak up and make sure the fishing experiences you value are protected, enhanced and celebrated in any new marine park.”
