Hundreds of local fishers and families turned out for this year’s Snapper Guardians event, joining Recfishwest to hand-release 5,000 juvenile pink snapper into Cockburn Sound.
The fish were released at 111-days old and approximately 7cm in length, along the sheltered shoreline in a heartening show of grassroots care for these cherished fish and support for the health of this vital waterway.
The fish were hatched and reared by the team at DPIRD’s Marine Finfish Hatchery from eggs collected in Cockburn Sound – giving the fish a better survical rate having been nurtured through the most vulnerable part of their life cycle.
Alongside the WA Fisheries Minister, Jackie Jarvis, who rolled up her sleeves to help release fish herself, were around 500 mums, dads, grandparents and kids, sharing in a moment that has become one of Perth’s most powerful grassroots marine conservation events.
Daiwa Australia, proud stocking partners of Recfishwest, sent a videographer to the event who produced this great video!
Cockburn Sound received another big injection of juvenile snapper in January, with 55,000 released as part of the State Government’s one-million-dollar commitment to increase snapper stocking in the West Coast Bioregion for their 2023 West Coast Demersal Recovery package.
The Government aims to release a total of one million pink snapper to boost recreational fishing opportunities as part of this broader stocking program.
A proudly community-owned event
Since the inaugural Snapper Guardians launched back in 2016 following the community outcry around a pink snapper fish kill in the Sound, the event has grown from strength to strength in connecting local people with the Sound and its famous pink snapper – which spawn here every year.
“Cockburn Sound’s sheltered waterway on Perth’s doorstep is home to one of the largest aggregations of pink snapper on the West Coast. With demersals firmly in the public spotlight, it’s a very pleasing sight to see an army of fishers make the effort to take part in community-owned and cherished events like Snapper Guardians,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.
“Events like Snapper Guardians are more than a one-day activity; they help build long-term stewardship, educate younger generations about marine conservation, and provide direct, tangible benefits for fish populations.”
Fishers getting around the Sound
Many metro fishers came down to show their support this year and Recfishwest had the chance to ask them why Snapper Guardians is important to them.
Local fisher Ben, who loves his demersal fishing and returned for his second Snapper Guardians event alongside his son, said it sets a great example for younger generations.
“I think we should be doing more of it, and I think this is what our licence money should be going to. It helps the kids become custodians of the fish and improves their respect for the pinkies when they catch them,” said Ben.
Check out the video below to catch what attendees love about Snapper Guardians.
Are you passionate about protecting Cockburn Sound? Visit savecockburnsound.org.au to find out how you can get involved and support efforts to safeguard this precious waterway.
