We are certainly not out of the woods yet, but significantly decreasing COVID-19 daily infection rates in WA would suggest the measures put in place are being effective in ‘flattening the curve’ and protecting our community from the pandemic.
In the last few weeks, it has become abundantly clear how important fishing is for many people’s mental health and wellbeing and to be able to put a meal on the table for those doing it tough right now and their families. With this in mind, it has been heartening to see recfishers play their role in reconsidering fishing trips and carefully adhering to social distancing guidelines at boat ramps and on beaches.
Read our COVID-19 and fishing FAQ if you want to find out more about minimising the risks of infection if you choose to fish.
Check out Recfishwest’s Mike Minutillo’s top tips for home based activities preparing for when we can fish again restricions-free.
Working with Government for a great future for recfishing
Recfishwest has been greatly encouraged to have both the Premier and the Fisheries Minister’s offices acknowledge the recfishing community’s adherence to the guidelines and also the important role recfishing will play in the social and economic recovery from COVID-19.
This has opened the door for us to work closely with the Government in developing a package of initiatives that will provide a significant boost to regional and State economies as well as support jobs and community wellbeing. Fishing will offer the opportunity for fishers and their families to get out into the fresh air once again and participate in an activity that offers many mental health and wellbeing benefits, getting people off their couches and kids off their electronic devices and enjoying the beautiful WA environment.
And with international travel looking to be off the agenda for some time, fishing trips and holidays to the wonderful locations throughout WA will be a great option for many to get a much needed break and bring sought after dollars to regional towns and communities.
The Premier and the Government understand well the economic clout of recfishing in this fishing-mad State of ours – West Aussies spending $2.4 billion on recfishing in WA every year. That figure alone will help ensure recfishing will be very much at the fore of plans to get the WA economy and jobs powering up again post-COVID 19.
Keeping the boat powering forward
Recfishwest continues to ‘power the boat forward’ in progressing projects and initiatives that take its purpose forward in providing: “great fishing experiences for all in the WA community forever.” So, while Recfishwest’s office in Hillarys may be closed, the team is working remotely harder than ever to progress new initiatives designed to remove barriers to fishing, enhance current fishing opportunities and create new fishing options for all West Australians once restrictions are lifted.
Recfishwest will be using this time to fast-track a range of initiatives and pushing for the red tape to be slashed to make real advances in:
- Getting more reefs in the water;
- Native Australian species stocking to create new freshwater fishing opportunities;
- More FADs for the Statewide FADs program;
- Improving land-based fishing access;
- Supporting WA fishing club flagship tournaments and events;
- Stocking of a range of great recreational species; and
- Promoting iconic WA fishing experiences, destinations and local businesses.
These are just some of the projects that Recfishwest will be throwing all its organizational weight and resources into to make happen, resulting in real, meaningful and multiple beneficial outcomes for West Aussie anglers.
Rest assured, Recfishwest will keep you informed and up to date with progress made in helping deliver these projects. In the meantime, keep you and your family safe and reach out and check in with your fishing mates through social media and virtual meeting technology.
All the staff at Recfishwest join you in looking forward to when we can all get back out there to wet a line restrictions-free.
