Tag: salmon holes

Recfishwest welcomes more mobile coverage for WA fishers, but Salmon Holes still left in the dark

Recfishwest welcomes the announcement that the State Government is boosting mobile coverage at dozens of coastal locations around the state.

It includes $2 million set aside for the installation of mobile towers at 35 spots where fishers enjoy wetting a line, with coverage improvements at a further 20 popular beaches now underway following the inaugural announcement of funding in 2023.  

Check out the spots set to receive improved mobile coverage towards the end of 2025 below. 

As part of our Fish and Survive program promoting safer fishing, Recfishwest has consistently called for improved mobile coverage at areas where reception has been slow or non-existent.  

“Everyone deserves to come home safe from a day’s fishing as well as all West Aussies who enjoy experiencing our great outdoors. This announcement will ultimately result in technological leaps forwards to support better connection during emergency situations in these areas, but we would like to see more locations added,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.  

Salmon Holes remains in black hole

While Recfishwest is pleased to see this funding towards these improvements, one infamous and popular fishing spot – Salmon Holes near Albany – a place that has sadly claimed many lives, was not included on the list.  

“With the high levels of technology we have in our society, there really is no excuse for Salmon Holes and adjacent locations to not have phone coverage, certainly not after a coronial inquest following multiple deaths there recommended it over 9 years ago. It needs to be added to the list immediately,” Andrew added.  

While popular fishing spots that have seen incidents before such as Lowlands, Sugarloaf Rock and Moses Rock on our Southern and South-West coast and the Quobba coast in the Gascoyne are set for upgrades – Recfishwest will continue to push for Salmon Holes to be included.  

Have you noticed black holes in mobile coverage at fishing spots near you that need urgent attention? We want to hear from you – contact us here.  

Safety Technology to Improve Emergency Response Time at Salmon Holes

Safety Technology to Improve Emergency Response Time
– Emergency phone for regional mobile black spot
– Funding provided by Colin Holt, Minister for Housing, Racing and Gaming
– Personal responsibility remains best safety precaution
– Educational and awareness campaigns are essential to behaviour change

The Albany community recently received a boost for fishing safety, with the instalment of an emergency telephone at Albany’s notorious rock fishing location, Salmon Holes.
The Minister for Housing, Racing and Gaming Colin Holt, received a recommendation from the Gaming Community Trust to fund and install an emergency telephone at the well-known high-risk fishing location.

Recfishwest Chief Executive Officer Dr Andrew Rowland said the support from the Government to improve public safety should be commended and as the recipient of the grant, Recfishwest were more than happy to assist in delivering improved safety outcomes.
“This telephone runs on a 3G network in a location with limited to no service. It will provide access to emergency services in a reduced time and complements existing safety infrastructure in a continued effort to keep fishers safe in Albany,” Dr Rowland said.

‘While the emergency phone is a welcomed addition to the state-wide Rock Fishing Safety Strategy, Recfishwest still urges fishers to not become complacent as personal safety is always an individual’s responsibility when fishing.’

The ongoing commitment from Albany’s Department of Parks and Wildlife, local Police, Albany Sea Rescue, Department of Fisheries, Albany Offshore Boating and Fishing Club, the City of Albany, the Life Jacket Loan stores and local volunteers to drive positive change in their local community has been fantastic.
To read the Minister’s Media Release click here.

It is as simple as following these safety steps:
– Know the conditions
– Wear a life jacket
– Wear the correct footwear
– Wear suitable clothing
– Know how to swim

ENDS
Media Contact: Tim Grose 9246 3366, tim@recfishwest.org.au

Easter Campaign a Safety Success

Once again this year, Albany’s popular Salmon Holes was the scene of a fantastic rock fishing safety initiative over Easter, with the Albany Offshore Boating and Fishing Club coordinating a safety stand at the popular fishing location.  This year’s stand was an unprecedented success, offering fishers the chance to borrow life jackets (PFDs) for free and enabling volunteers to pass on the crucial messages regarding rock fishing safety to many inexperienced anglers.

In previous years there has been a general reluctance to take the PFDs, which are also available to loan for free from retail outlets across the state, but the rock fishing safety message appears to be getting through and this year fishers were actually queuing up to receive them.

It was the first time in two years all the lifejackets had ever been loaned out. Organisers, including members of the AOBFC, were delighted with the unprecedented response from recreational fishers.
At the end of the weekend, the life jackets were donated to local migrant resource centres.

The stand was also supported by Recfishwest, with staff in attendance over the weekend, the Department of Parks and Wildlife, which controlled parking and limited visitor numbers when necessary at the Salmon Holes.

There were a couple of near misses over the Easter weekend but fortunately there were no fatalities.  Special mention needs to be made of local youngster Cowan Wise, who manned the stand across the entire four days and did a tremendous job of spreading the rock fishing safety message and assisting recreational fishers.

To purchase a life jacket, visit the fish and survive website.
We strongly recommend anyone going salmon fishing to fish from the beach and keep the sand between your toes.