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FADs fishing fanatics in Dampier, Point Samson and Broome are soon to be able to target pelagic powerhouse fishlike billfish and dolphin all year round!
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland joined the new Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis and Kimberley MP Divina D’Anna to announce the introduction of eight new generation FADs off Broome, Dampier and Point Samson now being deployed all year round.
The new reinforced FADs will be deployed off Broome and Dampier in the next couple of weeks and have been re-engineered with more robust chain rigging and modelled to withstand cyclone conditions.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “Recfishwest has been working with the Broome fishing clubs and the fishing clubs in Dampier to find good locations for these FADs. The Department and State Government have put the funding in to upgrade them for all year-round deployment which is a great opportunity to have sportfishing and game fishing for pelagic species throughout the year in those regions.
“So, it’s a great outcome and we’re really pleased to see the State Government continue to back this program in.”
Minister Jarvis added, “FADs help attract species that we know are in abundance based on scientific research and stock management, supporting sustainable recreational fishing across the State.”
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland joined the new Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis and Member for Kimberley Divina D’Anna to announce the introduction of eight new generation FADs off Broome, Dampier and Point Samson!
One of the Dampier FADs will also be used as a platform for a wave buoy, expanding WA’s network of buoys which provide real-time observations of wave conditions.
This live wave and temperature data will be available through wawaves.org allowing fishers to better plan their trips. The data will also be used by University of WA scientists to improve models of how or when the swell arrives in Dampier Port.
Recfishwest will update you with the coordinates once the FADs have been deployed – keep your eyes on our channels for more and check in on our FADs webpage!
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 election, taking over the reins from Minister Punch.
“On behalf of the cast of thousands, we welcome Minister Jarvis to her new position,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland, “With her experience as the Agriculture Minister, Minister Jarvis is already well acquainted with DPIRD and Recfishwest is looking forward to working with her to protect and enhance WA fishing for WA’s 750,000 fishers, who support a $2.4 billion a year industry that creates more than 9,600 full time jobs.
“We will be continuing to work hard to ensure Minister Jarvis and her Government deliver on WA Labor’s election promises, as well as advocating for a wide range of initiatives and policies that can ensure our access to quality fishing is protected and enhanced.”
Recfishwest welcomes new Minister for Fisheries, the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLC.
To recap, here is what Premier Roger Cook and the WA Labor party have promised WA fishers.
$3 million to increase marron stocks at Harvey Dam, Logue Brook Dam and Wellington Dam through improved productivity and habitat enhancement.
$2 million towards a new fishing platform at Quinns Rocks.
$2 million towards a new fishing platform and universal access toilet at Hillarys Boat Harbour.
$200,000 towards planning for a new all abilities fishing jetty in Albany, with Emu Point the preferred location.
$200,000 over four years to help Fishability expand its important work into regional WA, with the Pilbara a focus.
$150,000 to rebuild the northern part of the Collie River Bridge fishing platform in Australind.
$400,000 to replace the closed Port Denison jetty with a floating platform and create a foreshore playground with shade areas.
New boat ramps and a fishing platform are included as part of a broader $116 million commitment to construct a tourism and boating hub at Tantabiddi in Exmouth.
Commitment to not introduce mandatory catch reporting for recreational fishers.
Marron stock improvements through habitat enhancement (left), $200,000 towards an all abilities fishing jetty at Albany’s Emu Point (centre) and $200,000 funding over four years towards Fishability (right) were some of Labor’s promises to fishers following their election victory.
“We look forward to hearing Minister Jarvis’s schedule for implementing these commitments and working with her on a range of other initiatives that can deliver great outcomes for the WA fishing community recognising the importance of fishing in the WA lifestyle and culture,” added Andrew.
In addition, Recfishwest bids farewell to the outgoing Minister Don Punch and thanks him for his contribution to WA recreational fishing during his time in office, which included overseeing a number of positive developments for WA fishers. Some of these included:
A 20-tonne reallocation of west coast demersal scalefish to the recreational sector following voluntary fisheries adjustment scheme.
Commitment to State Government funding and running of the highly popular Statewide FADs program.
Ongoing support for a range of stocking programs for a range of popular fishing species including pink snapper, yellowtail kingfish, barramundi, marron and trout.
The reopening of Cockburn Sound to crabbing after a 10-year hiatus.
Delivery of Ocean Reef artificial reef and ongoing support for the Statewide artificial reef program.
Supporting the recreational fishing community’s call for increasing the Australian herring bag limit from 12 to 20 following the strong recovery of the stock.
Andrew said, “Thank you Minister Punch and to your office for your professionalism and efforts in supporting WA recreational fishing during your time at the helm and we wish you well for your new portfolios.”
Recfishwest wishes former Fisheries Minister Don Punch well in his new role as Minister for Climate Resilience, Water and Aboriginal Affairs.
