We recently held our 2024 Annual General Meeting and had time to reflect on what Recfishwest and the fishing community achieved in FY 2023/2024 – and on the challenges we face ahead to protect our fishing and make it better in the year ahead.
Five top wins for fishing in 2023/2024
Writing in his CEO’s Report for Recfishwest’s 2023/2024 Annual Report (read the full report here), Dr Andrew Rowland commented, “It’s been another huge and intensive year for Recfishwest as we’ve worked hard to ensure fishing in WA continues to be accessible, sustainable and enjoyable for the 750,000+ strong fishing community.
“Thanks to the passionate support of our members and the broader fishing community, we’ve not only accomplished some great wins this year but have prepared ourselves and set our sights on future challenges that we will tackle together.
“From a better outcome for fishers with the final South Coast Marine Parks plans, the long-awaited reopening of Cockburn Sound for crabbing and vehicle access being restored to South Mole – we have had a significant year of wins and progress, but there is still plenty of work to be done.”
Some key challenges ahead in 2025
New and better infrastructure to create more places to fish
We’ll be pushing for more fish habitat enhancement and restoration as well as ongoing improvement of fishing platforms and jetties around WA. It’s great to see the Government has already committed to funding projects like the new Ammo Jetty in Coogee, Mount Henry Jetty in the Swan River and a new oceanic fishing platform in Bunbury, each supporting enhanced fishing opportunities for mobility-impaired fishers. These facilities are critical for providing safe, accessible fishing spots, and we’ll continue advocating for more of them.
Future marine parks
Having achieved a more balanced outcome for South Coast Marine Parks, there are significant challenges ahead in protecting fishing access in the planned extension to Marmion Marine Parks and a new marine park planned for Exmouth Gulf. Once again, these marine parks will require a careful balance between conservation efforts and maintaining access to fishing spots that locals hold dear. We’ll continue to advocate strongly to ensure these parks don’t shut fishers out from the places they love.
Tackling shark bite-off – a persistent blight on fishing
Shark depredation remains an ongoing frustration for fishers in the northern half of the State. More research and investment in science-based solutions are needed, along with the development of effective deterrent devices to minimise this growing problem. Recfishwest will keep pushing for progress on this issue to reduce the impact sharks have on recreational fishing experiences.
Protecting fishing ground and access in Offshore Wind Energy (OWE) developments
We’re also closely engaged in the growing interest in offshore wind energy development. While we support renewable energy, it’s essential that these projects are carefully managed so that they don’t restrict fishing access or harm the local marine environment. We’ll continue working with both the Commonwealth and State governments to protect recreational fishing as these developments progress.
Changing focus on South-West freshwater fishing and marroning in the face of a drying climate
Our focus on South-West freshwater fishing and marroning is also sharpening, especially in the face of a drying climate. Water levels and temperatures in our favourite rivers throughout summer are taking a toll, particularly on trout. It is critical that the Government supports the development of a comprehensive strategy and plan to ensure we can continue to enjoy inland fisheries in the South-West. It’s clear that focus and efforts must shift towards enhancing dam-based fisheries, marron stock enhancement and trialling alternative species to trout.
