Landmark recfishing development plan sets future agenda for Government’s support for fishing in WA

The Fisheries Minister Don Punch has announced a landmark fishing development plan that sets out a roadmap for delivering a set of bold initiatives and actions that will shape fishing in WA over the next three years and beyond.

The WA Recreational Fishing Development Plan is a program for better fishing access, less restrictions and fisheries management focused on positive experiences through initiatives such as more artificial reefs, FADs, jetties, and the development of freshwater fisheries, as well as better data and communications.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WA RECREATIONAL FISHING PLAN IN FULL

The plan – developed with the full support of the Minister and Government – will guide investments that maximise fishing enjoyment all within the boundaries of sustainable fisheries management.

The plan focuses on four key areas outlining specific initiatives

  • Better understanding, capturing and promoting all the benefits recreational fishing provides;
  • Maintaining and improving fishing access for both land and boat-based fishers;
  • Stewardship and leadership of recreational fishing; and
  • Utilising digital technology in an everchanging world.

 

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said “The release of this plan is a great outcome, having ascertained a commitment from the Premier prior to the 2021 election to see this plan implemented.

“At a time of competing priorities for Government, the plan will provide a clear pathway to navigate the challenges of a growing population, improved technology, changes in community expectations, environmental changes and finding the right balance with other stakeholders often with differing views on how our fish are best managed.

“This is a sector-driven plan aligned to the purpose of Recfishwest in representing and delivering outcomes in the best interests of the State’s fishers. This plan will help ensure regulators and agencies understand the needs of our sector and support good outcomes for fishing.

Speaking in Parliament about the plan, Minister Punch said, “Our recfishing agenda is going to be guided by the recfishing plan that Recfishwest is working on and will really guide the priorities for how we support recfishing into the future.”

He added in his media release on the subject, “I look forward to seeing the Government and Recfishwest work together to deliver on this plan over the next three years.”

Continue Reading

April 01, 2025

Recfishwest welcomes new Fisheries Minister

Recfishwest welcomes the recently appointed new Minister for Fisheries, the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLC.   Minister Jarvis was appointed the new Fisheries Minister following a cabinet reshuffle after the recent State…

Read More

April 01, 2025

Billfish tags and fish samples galore at GAMEX 2025

For 57 years, GAMEX has cemented itself as one of Australia’s biggest and best fishing tournaments. Recfishwest Operations Officer Levi De Boni, an avid game fisher himself, was on the frontlines with our Fishing…

Read More

March 27, 2025

King Reef’s “underwater laboratory” boosts scientific understanding of artificial reef benefits

Exmouth’s King Reef is proving a win for both recreational fishing and marine science, with a growing body of research highlighting the ecological value of artificial reefs built with repurposed steel structures…

Read More

March 26, 2025

Recfishwest in national media – AUKUS defence must not come at the expense of Cockburn Sound

Recfishwest has joined growing calls for a full public environmental review of the AUKUS submarine development’s impacts on Cockburn Sound.  In an Australian Financial Review article earlier this month, Recfishwest…

Read More

March 24, 2025

Fishing leaders welcome long overdue national workshops on tackling shark bite-off

WA fishing experts and Recfishwest have welcomed the opportunity to have their say on beginning to combat the wicked problem of shark bite-off at a series of workshops throughout WA and several other states.   The…

Read More

March 24, 2025

South coast fishing flexes might at Esperance offshore classic despite rough conditions

A rollicking 21kg Samson fish was enough to claim top prize – and a staggering $24,000 worth of prizes – at last weekend’s Esperance Archipelago Offshore Angling Classic.  Despite the gnarly south coast…

Read More