Habitat and Conservation

The promotion of sustainable fishing is reflected in many of Recfishwest’s policies and is a key pillar of our beliefs and values.

We’re always looking for better ways to build resilience within our oceans and waterways, minimise the impact of pollution on our environment and advocate for better, safer and cleaner recreational fishing experiences for all West Aussies.

Recfishwest oversees a number of projects which restore, enhance and create new habitat for fish, whether that be through investments as part of the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF) or accepting and administering projects put forward by WA’s recreational fishing sector through our Community Grants program.

Recfishwest’s Tim Grose embraces the South West’s clean and rubbish-free freshwater waterways.

With a network made up on individuals, communities, organisations and government working together, we are proud to lead the way in sustainable fishing and play our role in:

  • Minimising the impact of waste and rubbish on our aquatic environment;
  • Maintaining healthy coastal and estuarine environments;
  • Improving the water quality of our river and estuarine systems;
  • Improving and creating fish habitats; and;
  • Contributing to a better fishing future.

Check out some of the projects we’re involved in to improve our marine and fishing environments:

Supporting plastic-free initiatives

As stewards of the aquatic environment, it’s critical recreational fishers do our bit to keep the ocean clean.

Recfishwest is always eager to find new innovative products to improve fishing practices in this regard and that’s why we’ve partnered with Perth-based seafood company Mendolia Seafoods to launch two innovative and ocean-friendly alternatives to plastic bait bags in an effort to reduce litter in our ocean, rivers, estuaries and streams.

Find out more in the links below:

Recfishwest Operations Lead Matt Gillett with Mendolia Seafoods’ Bait Box!

Fishing line disposal bins

To help reduce the impact of discarded fishing line and tackle – which could potentially harm dolphins, water birds and other animals – Recfishwest have partnered with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and Native Animal Rescue to install fishing line disposal bins at popular metro beaches, along the Swan and Canning rivers and along the south coast.

We also work alongside the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to raise awareness on whale entanglements.

Read more about the Reel It In fishing project here.

Keeping WA’s coastline pristine is extremely important to Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.

Creating new fish habitats

Recfishwest takes great pride in establishing partnerships to develop and deploy purpose-built artificial reef structures for our aquatic environments with the purpose to create, restore and enhance habitat for fish, fishing and other recreational activities.

Artificial reefs mimic the characteristic of natural reefs by creating new habitats and providing shelter, feeding opportunities and varied changes to the water column.

The benefits of artificial reefs are recognised around the world and complement WA’s robust and adaptive fisheries management approach ensuring fish stocks remain sustainable.

Artificial reefs are rapidly shaping WA’s expansive coastline, with six reefs already deployed from Esperance in the State’s south to Exmouth in the north.

Find out more here.

Recfishwest’s James Florisson at the artificial reef off Bunbury!

Clean-up days

Fishers are fantastic stewards of the environment and often take part in clean-up days across the State to keep our waterways clean.

Check out events we’ve been involved in, alongside our partners, to remove rubbish from important waterways:

Maintaining rubbish-free aquatic environments is critical.

State-wide SunSmart fishing clinics

Since 1999, Recfishwest has partnered with Healthway to host fishing clinics for kids and community groups across WA.

The fishing clinics promote the joys of recreational fishing, while also promoting good fishing practices, marine environment stewardship and refishing participation.

Over the years, we’ve partnered with a number of community organisations and delivered SunSmart fishing clinics to more than 40,000 participants and spectators.

SunSmart and Recfishwest promote recfishing as a fun outdoors activity through fishing clinics.

Seminars sharing knowledge

Recfishwest attends and presents at various seminars and events, including the Science for Sustainability seminar held by the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development.

At these events, Recfishwest emphasises the importance of habitat restoration projects, such as the Seeds for Snapper seagrass restoration initiative, stocking programs including Snapper Guardians and our artificial reef program.

All these initiatives can help build fish stock resilience through creating fish abundance, leading to enhanced fishing experiences and community ownership and stewardship.

Codes of Conduct

For many regional town, fishing is a lifeblood of the community.

In previous years, places like Shark Bay and the Kimberley, have applied for Community Grants through Recfishwest to develop a Code of Conduct for their area.

With the aim to educate, inform and help maintain quality fishing experiences, while supporting the protection of the environment and ensuring the human footprint is minimised for current and future generations in these regions, we’re proud to have helped them achieve their goals. Click below to view the Codes of Conduct:

Kimberley Code of Conduct

Shark Bay Code of Conduct