Tag: South Coast Marine Parks

Making fishing better in the year past and the year ahead for the Cast of Thousands

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.”  

Join the Cast of Thousands as a Recfishwest member to help make fishing even better in 2025 and to meet the challenges ahead for the way of life we love.   

The reopening of crabbing in Cockburn Sound (top left), a better outcome for South Coast Marine Parks (top right), west coast demersal reallocation (bottom left) and vehicle access to South Mole being restored (bottom right) – just some of our wins this year!

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. 

Fishing community secures a better outcome for fishers in South Coast Marine Parks

Recfishwest is pleased the State Government has listened to thousands of recreational fishers and accepted more than 80 per cent of the key points raised in Recfishwest’s South Coast Marine Parks submission.  

The result ensures that South Coast fishers can continue to fish in locations that have been fished for generations that would have been closed under the original marine parks plans. 

Click here to see Recfishwest’s South Coast Marine Parks submission ‘scorecard’ 

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “On behalf of the cast of thousands, we’re pleased to see the Government adopt large scale changes in today’s announcement and we’re grateful for the thousands of fishers who united to make their voices heard.  

“Fishing is central to the South Coast way of life and this more balanced outcome ensures south coast fishers and future generations can continue to enjoy fishing in cherished spots like Trigelow, Warrenup, Poison Creek, Thistle Cove and Kennedys.  

“Today’s result underscores the immense value of fishing to our coastal communities and Recfishwest will continue leading efforts to protect fishing and the huge benefits it provides to West Aussies.”  

Hear Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland’s response in the video below.

Since plans for the South Coast Marine Parks were announced more than three years ago, we have worked closely with local fishers and fishing clubs, hosting workshops, conducting surveys and assisting fishers with their individual submissions.  

Recfishwest’s submission to the Government reflected the fishing community’s feedback and emphasised the need to rethink many of the proposed no-fishing zones. 

Twenty-three of Recfishwest’s 28 key recommendations in its submission were adopted in the final plans. 

Today’s outcome shows what we can achieve when we stand together as a community. If you’re not already a Recfishwest member, join the cast of thousands because we’ve got more work to do.

Click here to become a Recfishwest member.

West Aussie fishers and future generations can continue to enjoy fishing in much loved places like Warrenup (pictured), Poison Creek, Thistle Cove, Trigelow and many others thanks to thousands of fishers standing up and making their voices heard.

How 200 metre setbacks could help protect access to cherished land-based fishing spots on our South Coast

There is nothing quite like standing on a south coast beach, rod in hand, facing the salt spray as the water laps at your feet.

Dreams of mulloway, salmon, big tailor and skippy, or maybe a snapper often become a reality on many of the pristine beaches between Bremer Bay and the SA border. Many of these beaches are things of folklore in recreational fishing networks, having been at the centre of many fishing milestones for generations of fishers.

It’s therefore important to note that the draft zoning scheme for the South Coast Marine Parks considers “moving the boundaries of some sanctuary zones 200 metres from the mainland high water mark to allow for commercial and recreational fishing from and close to the shore.”

While this might have shore-based fishers sigh in relief, it’s important to note that it’s by no means a done deal. Unless enough people comment on specific sanctuary zones requesting a setback, the base case would be no fishing from the shore.

That is why Recfishwest is urging everyone that when you complete your submission, you specifically reference your support for a 200m setback in sanctuary zones to allow for shore-based fishing.

A simple 200m setback could help ensure land-based and nearshore boat fishing could continue off beaches earmarked for no fishing sanctuary zones in the Government’s proposed South Coast Marine Parks, including Trigelow Beach near Bremer Bay (pictured).

Protect our way of life on the South Coast

In all our conversations with local fishers, it has come through loud and clear that shore-based fishing at these prized locations – including Poison Creek, Warrenup, Twilight Cove, and areas around Cape Le Grand – must not be impacted by the marine parks.

Fishing from the beach along the south coast is part of our culture. It is accessible to those without a boat, provides the remote wilderness experiences, and due to the unique geography of granite headlands and beaches with varying aspects, can often scratch a fishing itch at times when weather conditions prevent going out to sea in a boat. Even the most avid boat fisher will usually have a surf rod or two in their fishing arsenal.

Even if you’re predominately a boat fisher seeking changes to offshore sanctuary zones, such as the ones around Figure of Eight or Woody Island, consider asking for setbacks on beaches where your family and friends go camping and fishing.

This doesn’t need to be complicated; for instance, if you are writing about your favourite beach to fish from, it can be as simple as “I believe a 200m setback should be in place to allow for beach fishing at this location.” A sentence as simple as this as part of your submission is the best chance to make a difference.

Need some help with your submission process? We’ve got your back. Check out our tips and advice for making a submission on the Government’s proposed South Coast Marine Parks.

The remote beaches at Twilight Cliffs to the east of Esperance is a cherished fishing and camping spot. A 200m setback would help protect these great experiences.

Talk to DBCA marine park planners at dedicated information stations

After mounting concerns and confusion over the details of the marine parks, DBCA have committed to providing face-to-face information sessions for the latter half of the public comment period.

A dedicated information help desk is now located at Esperance Lotteries House, 3 Forrest Street, and is open from 9am-3pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. We understand that dedicated sessions will also be hosted in Hopetoun and Bremer Bay, and will keep you posted when we find out more.

Since the beginning of the public comment period, we have heard your frustrations with the complex nature of the maps and management plans for the proposed marine parks, as well as issues navigating the online portal and being able to put in a simple submission. These sentiments have been echoed by the Shire of Esperance, who have highlighted the lack of in-person engagement from DBCA to help locals understand the information and to be able to put in an effective and well-informed submission.

While we have been more than happy to step up and fill the void by attending fishing comps and talking to fishers about what the plans mean and how to put in an effective submission, we are pleased to see that DBCA have listened to feedback from us, the local community and the Shire of Esperance and are now providing an avenue for in-person assistance.

We encourage you to make use of this service if you require further information on the proposals. As always, we are also available and here to answer your questions or help you put in a submission.

Want to stay up to date with our South Coast Marine Parks updates? Sign up to our newsletter by clicking here.