Pilbara fishers played a hands-on role in fisheries science at two of the region’s biggest comps – the Dampier Classic and Mack 10K in Onslow – through our Fishing for Science program.
The idea is simple but powerful – anglers donate their catches at the weigh station, and our team records vital data and samples. At this year’s events, that meant more than 150 Spanish mackerel provided for research – adding to the 1,000-plus fish sampled across Pilbara tournaments over the past five years.
Why it matters
Working alongside DPIRD scientist Paul Lewis and Fisheries Management Officer Liv Rynvis, we collected otoliths (ear bones), genetic samples, and measurements to reveal fish age, growth, feeding habits and stock structure. This information feeds into DPIRD’s next mackerel assessment, giving researchers a clear picture of Pilbara mackerel stocks by comparing recfishers’ catches with commercial samples.
This knowledge is gold for managing our fisheries – helping track recruitment, maturity and age structure to ensure healthy stocks for the future.
Learn more about our Fishing for Science program here.
Check out the video below to see the kind of work that goes into our Fishing for Science program from the recent MACK10K competition!
Fishing for Science program now flourishing
Ashburton Anglers Secretary Suzanne Wilson said the competitors’ willingness to learn more scientific details about Spanish mackerel is gathering steam each year.
“Each competitor receives a team pack that has scientific details of the fish being caught from the previous year and we now have youngsters and adults easily recognising what fish are male or female, so it’s great to see this keen interest in fishers wanting to learn more,” said Suzanne.
“A few years ago around a quarter of fishers would donate their mackies for sampling at the MACK10K, now it’s more than half of them – fishers are happy to give back to a program that works for a species that provides memorable fishing experiences.”
More than just science
Fishing for Science isn’t only about data – it’s also about community. At both events, we ran kids’ fishing clinics and saw the social and cultural value fishing brings to Pilbara towns was once again joyfully highlighted and celebrated.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “ What stood out this year was the teamwork – anglers, Recfishwest and DPIRD working shoulder-to-shoulder around the sampling table. It’s a genuine example of community, Government and industry pulling together for the future of WA fishing.
“Tight-knit communities, healthy fish stocks, kids fishing clinics and strong partnerships – these all help make fishing in WA so special. With Woodside Energy’s support, Fishing for Science bridges the gap between anglers and researchers for the benefit of everyone.”
