Government reveals next steps to protect Exmouth Gulf’s wilderness experiences

The State Government has announced its plans to establish a new marine park for the eastern and southern parts of the world-class Exmouth Gulf in order to protect its wilderness experiences.

One of the key values identified by the EPA was recreational fishing and any marine park will need to ensure recreational fishing values and experiences are protected when designing the marine park.

Treasured by many WA fishers and renowned globally, Exmouth Gulf provides a safe and accessible wilderness fishing experience to catch and release amazing species such as permit, giant herring and bonefish.

Thousands of sportfishers travel to the Gulf each year to fish its shallow waters, mangrove-lined creek systems, many shoals and scattered reef while enjoying its serene and secluded setting.

To put it simply, the Gulf is a special place valued highly by local and visiting fishers.

Este Darin-Cooper tempted this queenfish on fly while enjoying the wilderness experiences offered in the Exmouth Gulf. 📸 Ningaloo Fly Fishing

Protecting the Gulf’s wilderness fishing experience

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) released its findings about the potential cumulative impacts of industrial activities and developments proposed for Exmouth Gulf in August.

Read what we had to say following the release of the EPA report, which was good news for fishers, here.

Earlier this month, Premier Mark McGowan announced the Government would progress with its intentions to develop a marine park in the Gulf.

Premier McGowan said the EPA’s recommendations to protect the environmental, social and cultural values of Exmouth Gulf and its surrounds would be implemented.

“The Exmouth Gulf is a unique and incredibly valuable part of Western Australia which will now be protected for future generations,” he said.

Read the Premier’s media release here

Recfishwest is optimistic about this announcement – given there isn’t any benefit in jeopardising this special and precious wilderness fishing experience with future industrial developments.

Importantly, the Government’s statement noted:

“The marine park will make provisions for recreational fishing opportunities.”

There’s still a way to go in this process and Recfishwest is looking forward to hear proposals around how fishing activities will be catered for within the marine park once implemented.

Permit are a sought-after species for fly fishers such as Matt Denton in the Gulf. 📸 Ningaloo Fly Fishing

What’s happened so far?

Recfishwest has been an active contributor to the EPA’s review process.

“In our submission, we strongly made the case that the prized fishing Exmouth Gulf has to offer must be protected,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said.

“The fishing is underpinned by its wilderness value and it’s great that the EPA has specifically acknowledged this.

“We are looking forward to hear how fishing activities will be catered for within the marine park once its established and how its design will protect wilderness experiences while fishers are fishing within it.”

The EPA’s report, which was made public in August, recognised:

  • The key amenity values of Exmouth Gulf include wilderness qualities and the local community’s ability to access and use the Gulf for recreational activities;
  • Any future activities and development must be compatible with the protection of the key values; and,
  • An integrated management approach is required to ensure the conservation and enhancement of the key values of Exmouth Gulf.

Dr Rowland added: “Recfishwest is still waiting to learn when this marine park planning process will start, however, we will ensure the Exmouth recreational fishing community’s interests and values are well articulated and represented in  its development.

“We look forward to continuing in future discussions about how the fishing experiences provided by Exmouth Gulf can be protected, forever.”

Glenn Edwards loves exploring the Gulf in his kayak, fishing for species including giant herring.

Continue Reading

September 29, 2023

Environment Minister acknowledges “critical” importance of seagrass meadows to marine life in Cockburn Sound

Recfishwest was pleased to hear Environment Minister Reece Whitby talk up the importance of Cockburn Sound and its seagrass habitat at a recent partnership agreement signing between Cockburn Power Boats Club (CPBC…

Read More

September 29, 2023

Esperance land-based comp shows exactly why fishing access must be maintained on the south coast

If you want a perfect example of why land-based fishing access and experiences need to be protected on the south coast – then the recent Esperance Land Based Fishing Club‘s Open Classic competition rang the…

Read More

September 27, 2023

Booming barra fishery in the East Kimberley draws biggest ever WA fishing competition

Barramundi mania took hold in Kununurra this past weekend with 1,125 anglers entering the East Kimberley town’s 25th annual Apex Barra Bash making it the biggest fishing tournament in WA history. It is the first…

Read More

September 21, 2023

Recfishwest at the 2023 Perth Boat Show – the views, the issues and the most colourful lure designs you’ll ever see!

Recfishwest got the chance to catch up with hundreds of mad keen recfishers on the weekend (15-17 September) at the Perth Boat Show.  Our stand at the heart of the show’s fishing section was a hive of…

Read More

September 14, 2023

Greenlip abalone closure – necessary, but disappointing and avoidable

DPIRD has advised that from 1 October 2023, fishing will not be permitted for greenlip abalone between Busselton Jetty and Shoal Cape in the Stokes National Park, west of Esperance. In addition: These changes are…

Read More

September 07, 2023

Anglers donate big mack sample haul at Onslow Mack10k!

With 78 boats brimming with 266 competitors all hoping to catch the biggest Spanish mackerel at the recent MACK10K competition in Onslow – our Fishing for Science table was jam-packed with macks!   The annual…

Read More