Tag: State Government

Recfishwest calls on Government to listen to local fishers and re-think illogical and unjustifiable no fishing zones

Recfishwest says that some of the proposed no-fishing zones in the Government’s South Coast Marine Park plans released today are “completely illogical and unjustifiable”.

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “Proposing no fishing zones in front of caravan parks, boat ramps and along several popular beaches demonstrates marine park planners in Perth are out of touch with the south coast community.

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE REGULAR RECFISHWEST UPDATES ON SOUTH COAST MARINE PARKS HERE

“We stand firmly for sustainability; however, we cannot support the marine parks in their current form.

“None of the evidence we have seen supports the need to implement no fishing zones over the top of places where people have fished for generations, and they simply cannot be justified.

“The Government must genuinely engage with the local community – if they had done this in the first place, they would not be proposing to implement these zones where they have.”

SEE A MAP OF THE PROPOSED MARINE PARK ZONES HERE (the green zones are the proposed no fishing zones).

 

Orleans Bay Caravan Park sees thousands of mums, dads and kids venturing down each year to enjoy the great fishing on offer from the beach and off boats. If implemented in their current form, several of the proposed marine park zones will see great fishing experiences like this off limits to fishing families along the south coast.

In December, the Environment Minister Reece Whitby is on record saying that the Government “had listened to recreational fishers” and that fishers would “be impressed by what they see at the other end.”

“We confirm that we are not impressed by what we see in these proposals,” said Dr Rowland, “The views of local fishers have clearly been ignored and it’s now time the Government genuinely starts listening.

“We ask the Government to seriously re-think several zones and join us at the table to deliver a truly positive outcome for fishers, the environment and our future.”

“These plans are now open for public comment until 16 June and Recfishwest encourages all fishers with an interest in this coast to study the details and engage in the consultation process.”

Recfishwest will be on the south coast this week encouraging locals to have their say over the coming four months. Make sure you join our Cast of Thousands as a Recfishwest member to help us protect access to our prized fishing spots.

A recfishing boost package resulting in more places to fish and more fish to catch!

Recfishwest welcomes today’s announcement by the Premier Mark McGowan and Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley of a multi-million-dollar package focused on fishing including three new artificial reefs, fish stocking programs and celebrating WA’s world-class fishing.

Recfishwest CEO Andrew Rowland and Chairman Tim Bray with the Premier and Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley at today’s announcement which is going to create more places to go fishing and more fish to catch!

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said today’s package would greatly improve fishing enjoyment, assist the recreational fishing sector get back on track with generating its $2.4 billion annual spend and see WA’s 750,000 fishers play a role in helping get our great State back on its feet.

“It’s great to see the Premier and the State Government recognise the importance of fishing and the key role it has in contributing to our economy, our lifestyle and the health and wellbeing of the one in three West Aussies who go fishing each year,” he said.

WATCH: Premier McGowan reveals recfishing package

“Artificial reefs installed along our coast over the past six years from Esperance to Exmouth have been brilliant for fishing.

“Underwater fishing playgrounds like the King Reef installed off Exmouth are bursting with marine life and create new fish habitat, increase fish productivity, are good for the environment, good for tourism, good for regional economies and, most importantly, provide more places to go fishing.

“To have three new reefs earmarked in this announcement over the next three years really is exciting news for fishers and the Albany community in particular will be buzzing with this news.”

Today’s announcement will also boost fish stocking programs over the next three years including the well-established and successful Lake Kununurra barramundi stocking program.

“This will see millions of fish released into WA waters and support existing fish stocking programs giving a huge boost to the popular barramundi stocking program in the Kimberley where the 850,000 fingerlings released into Lake Kununurra over the last seven years are now resulting in fish over a metre being caught on a regular basis,” Dr Rowland said.

One of many tagged barramundi released into Lake Kununurra.

Click here to view all the fish stocking programs we’ve done over the years!

“It will also allow us to develop exciting new innovative stocking programs releasing popular sportfish like yellowtail kingfish in metro waters.

“Well-managed fish stocking programs can play an important role in future-proofing our fish stocks by helping increase fish abundance, as well as creating great new fishing opportunities.

“We have great fishing here in WA and by delivering exciting fishing trails we can help fishers discover new adventures along the expansive 12,000km coastline in our own backyard.

“It’s great to see the Government getting behind fishing and we are already looking forward to hitting the ground running tomorrow and working with Government to turn these great initiatives into a reality and continuing to make fishing even better in WA for all West Aussies.”

Stocking programs for great sportfish like these yellowatail kingfish will open fantastic new fishing opportunities for WA fishers.