Tag: West coast demersal

Recfishwest at the 2023 Perth Boat Show – the views, the issues and the most colourful lure designs you’ll ever see!

Recfishwest got the chance to catch up with hundreds of mad keen recfishers on the weekend (15-17 September) at the Perth Boat Show. 

Our stand at the heart of the show’s fishing section was a hive of activity across the three days – we had a steady flow of members from our passionate community wanting to get our take on all the hot fishing issues of the day.  

Our kids’ lure colouring comp – run in partnership with Halco – proved to be as popular a draw as ever, with more than one hundred young fishos entering an array of the most colourful lure designs you’ll ever see.  

The lucky winner judged by an expert Recfishwest panel will have their lure design made up into an exclusive Recfishwest lure and win a tour around Halco’s HQ in Freo, along with receiving 10 of their own design lures! 

Dozens of boat show attendees also took advantage of our boat show special offer of joining up as a premium Recfishwest member at the show for just $10 and were given an exclusive past winning design of a Recfishwest/Halco lure.  

It is great to have new members on board joining our cast of thousands and hundreds of you at the show came over to tell us you were already members and love the work we’re doing on behalf of the community. The overall support we received at the Show from attendees and other exhibitors was truly amazing and we are very grateful to be able to represent such a great community.  

Hot topics 

From marine parks, to plans for offshore windfarms, clarification on new lifejacket rules or the state of play for west coast demersals – an array of fishing topics came up at the boat show from fishers across a wide range of locations, ages and backgrounds – once again highlighting the diversity of the cast of thousands that is the WA fishing community.  

Being able to hear your views and answer your questions helps us better advocate to fisheries decision-makers on your behalf to improve fishing experiences, access, safety and sustainability throughout WA. Here are some of the questions that came up and some of our answers: 

The Recfishwest crew spoke with hundreds of friendly fishers from all around WA during the 2023 Perth Boat Show.

1) When will the west coast demersal fishery be open and closed over the coming months?

Given there are numerous opening and closing periods for the west coast demersal season over the coming months along the West Coast Bioregion (Kalbarri down to Augusta), there is understandably some confusion surrounding when fishers have the green light to bottom fish off boats for demersal species.  

Here is a rundown of the open and closed periods for demersal fishing in the West Coast Bioregion until winter, 2024.  

  • Demersal fishing is open during the school holidays from September 23 until midnight on October 8. 
  • It is then closed from October 9 until December 15 (inclusive). 
  • Open from December 16 until the end of January. 
  • Closed from February 1 until March 31.  
  • Open from April 1 until July 31.  

Note, fishers can catch demersal species when beach or drone fishing off the land 24/7 and 365 days per year. From 1 August until 31 January, however, to protect pink snapper spawning aggregations, you are not allowed to fish for pink snapper either on the water or from shore within the mapped area in Cockburn or Warnbro Sound (pictured below).  

Fishing for pink snapper off the land or by boat is not allowed in Cockburn and Warnbro Sound (see closure boundaries above) between 1 September – 31 January.

Recfishwest is keenly awaiting the outcome of the Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Scheme (VFAS) later this year – which gives commercial fishers the opportunity to surrender their share of demersal catches for fair and reasonable compensation.   

If there is a significant amount surrendered, it could create a more equitable sharing of the sustainable catch between recreational, charter and commercial fishing sectors allowing for more time out on the water for mums, dads, kids and mates fishing for iconic demersals.  

2) What is happening with plans for Marmion Marine Park? 

The boundaries of Marmion are planned to extend further north from Trigg up to Two Rocks. It will also stretch out west to some parts of the Three Mile Reef, nearly quadrupling the park in size with extensive no fishing sanctuary zones expected to be included. Plans for this extension of Marmion Marine Park could be released for public comment as early as October.

The Government has planned to extend Marmion Marine Park further north past Two Rocks and out west past Three Mile reef, near to quadrupling the current size of the marine park with potentially significant no fishing sanctuary zones included.

Recfishwest and the Perth metro community that enjoy wetting a line throughout this stretch of coastline share concerns about fishers being locked out of their favourite fishing beaches and spots out on the ocean throughout this area.   

We urge everyone to have their say on areas important to them by making a submission to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) when the time comes, so check in on our social media channels for the latest and join Recfishwest’s Cast of Thousands to give us more power to represent WA’s 700,000 fishers. 

Click here for more information on Marmion Marine Park and how you can get involved.  

3) What is happening with the new south coast marine park? 

The proposed south coast marine park will span more than 1,000 km of coastline, from east of Bremer Bay to the WA/SA border. It will likely include all beaches and coastal areas up to the high-water mark, save for a small radius around the Esperance townsite covered by Port waters. Plans for this new marine park could be released for public comment as early as October.  

Proper consultation with the south coast community has gone off the rails and we heard widespread concerns firsthand from south coast residents at the boat show that their freedoms such as driving on the beach or bringing their dogs to their favourite fishing spots (which are already restricted on some beach stretches) could be threatened given the DBCA’s track record in park management.  

Fishers care about the environment and we support the principle of marine parks – but they must balance conservation with fishing. Stopping thousands of mums, dads and kids from wetting a line in their favourite fishing spots would be an attack on our West Aussie fishing lifestyle. This will make it even more critical for south coast fishers to have their say when details of the proposed marine park are potentially released for public comment in the coming weeks.  

Click here for more info on what is being planned within the south coast marine park.

Four-wheel-drive access may be restricted across numerous southern coastlines between Bremer Bay and the South Australian border, with potential no fishing sanctuary zones implemented.

4) What are the new rules on safety equipment changes in boats 

We had numerous fishers approach us with questions about The Department of Transport’s new rules and regulations surrounding safety equipment on registered recreational vessels, personal watercraft (PWC), non-registrable yachts/sailing vessels and tenders.  

The length of a vessel will no longer determine how far it can travel from the shore and new laws now require every person to carry a lifejacket while onboard a vessel anywhere in WA. If you’re out on the water in a vessel less than 4.8m long, you must by law now wear a lifejacket at all times. For those with kids aboard, if you’re more than 400 metres offshore in unprotected waters, kids aged between 1-12 years must wear a minimum level 100 life jacket.  

Over the course of a five-year transition, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), or personal locator beacons (PLB) will also need to be GPS enabled, along with a move to more reliable VHF and HF radios being required when more than four nautical miles offshore, with the phasing out of 27-MHz radios. 

For a clear rundown of all the new safety equipment rules from The Department of Transport, click here. 

Recfishwest urges everyone to take responsibility for the safety of you and your passengers when out there on the water, because we want everyone to come home safely from a day’s fishing. 

New laws from The Department of Transport now require every person to carry a lifejacket while onboard a vessel anywhere in WA.

5) What are the plans for windfarms off the WA coast?

The area between Perth and Bunbury has been proposed for offshore wind projects (roughly 3-50km offshore and each turbine could be roughly 70-200 metres in height). A two-month long public consultation process begins in November where members of the community can have their say on this proposal.  

The stretch between Perth and Bunbury is likely to be the most realistic scenario if a windfarm is to be developed off our coastline and no other areas in WA are likely to be considered any time soon.

Recfishwest will only support Offshore Wind Energy (OWE) projects that improve recreational fishing experiences with no net loss of amenity – meaning they need to co-exist with fishers with no loss of access. All offshore wind energy projects should also avoid important habitats such as spawning and nursery areas as well as popular fishing locations.  

To read our views on offshore wind energy, click here.  

The area between Perth and Bunbury has been proposed for offshore wind projects (roughly 3-50km offshore) and a two-month long public consultation process begins in November. Photo: Copenhagen Energy.

6) When will Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) be deployed off the WA coastline? 

Plenty of avid fishers who attended the Boat Show wanted to know when the southern-based FADs would once again make a splash given the great fishing opportunities they provide.  

DPIRD are now coordinating and funding a full-time, State-wide FADs program in partnership with Recfishwest until 2026 and based on our discussions with DPIRD, FADs in Jurien Bay, Lancelin, Perth, Rockingham, Mandurah, Cape Naturaliste and Albany are expected to be deployed sometime around late October to early November of this year and be taken out before winter, 2024.   

DPIRD are hoping to deploy the FADs as we transition into warmer temperatures when the pelagic species tend to fire up so the devices can start to accumulate these species to the months-long benefit of boat fishers – watch this space!  

To stay up to date with all FAD deployment statuses and their exact coordinates across WA along with tips on how to fish them – make sure you visit our FADs webpage and keep an eye on the Recfishwest Instagram Page and Recfishwest Facebook Page for announcements of FAD deployments.  

This stunning dolphinfish landed by Chris Webster at one of the FADs located west of Rottnest Island was just one of many great catches earlier this year and late October to early November should see the re-deployment of these devices between Cape Naturaliste and Jurien Bay!

Making the most of the 1 August west coast demersal closure

With the next west coast demersal closure kicking off at midnight on Monday, 1 August until the start of the two-week long September/October school holidays (re-opening September 23), it doesn’t mean fishers have to stop wetting a line with plenty of other great fishing options available.  

From squid and King George whiting across the broken sand and weed patches within our Sounds and sheltered bays, to herring and tailor off beaches, rockwalls and jetties, or targeting rainbow and brown trout in our pristine South-West rivers and dams – we are very lucky to have numerous options available to us.   

Not only does targeting different species expand your fishing skills while giving demersals a break – but trolling for some tuna, jigging for a Samson fish, throwing out a squid jig for some tasty calamari or flicking soft plastics around for five-star quality redfin perch can still provide you with a delicious feed. 

To receive our free weekly State-wide fishing report with all the tips on what’s biting and more become a Recfishwest member. 

Squid are highly abundant and easy to catch throughout the winter months while also tasting delicious. To check out our latest video on YouTube containing tips for catching squid, click here. Photo credit: Matt Bielecki.

 

Finding a better, fairer way

The latest west coast demersal closure again highlights the need to find a better and fairer way of managing the west coast demersal fishery that gives families and friends more time on the water with the chance to catch a quality bottom fish.  

With the $2.5 million west coast demersal Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Scheme (VFAS) now open, commercial operators can apply for fair and reasonable compensation to voluntarily exit the fishery 

It means the Government has a golden opportunity to deliver a better return for the recreational fishing community and restore a more equitable share of demersal catches towards the end of 2023. 

“The VFAS can potentially pave the way to a fairer and more equitable sharing of the overall sustainable catch between recreational, charter and commercial fishing sectors,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland. 

“This is long overdue with 64 per cent of the west coast demersal catch currently reserved for private profit and only five per cent of demersal fish caught in WA waters taken by recreational fishers. There has to be a better way to maximise the social and economic benefits from the sustainable catch for the Western Australian community – that is what the Government is obliged to do by its own legislation. 

“And that means giving back mums, dads, families and friends more time back out on the water with the chance to catch a demersal scalefish for dinner.” 

Giving mums, dads and kids more time on the water with the chance to catch fish like this will help maximise the social and economic benefits from the sustainable west coast demersal catch.

 

West coast demersal $10m support package – a golden opportunity to support better decisions that cannot be missed

As the dust settles on the new fishing rules for west coast demersals, Recfishwest says the Government has got to get right the way $10 million of public money is spent on supporting the fishery.

The Government heralded the funding boost as part of the west coast demersal management changes package announced by Fisheries Minister Don Punch in December as “the biggest investment in the recovery of a fishery in WA history”.

To date, though there has been little detail provided of exactly how the money will be spent other than the following breakdown given to Recfishwest by DPIRD and given in question time in the WA parliament.

West coast demersal $10 million support package break-down

  1. Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Scheme (VFAS) – $2.5 million
  2. Public education and awareness campaign – $1.75 million
  3. Science and monitoring – $1.8 million
  4. Statewide FADs – $1.5 million
  5. Snapper restocking – $1 million
  6. Digital catch reporting for recreational fishers – $674,000
  7. Charter tourism business diversification – $500,000
  8. Charter sector management reform – $260,000

Recfishwest believes it is crucial that the Government closely involves the recreational fishing community and industry in the design and delivery of the package.

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “This is a significant amount of public money and the Government has got to get it right this time. Invested properly, this money can go a long way in redressing the fundamental inequity in the way this valuable public resource is managed.

“It can plug significant knowledge gaps that can inform much better management of the fishery and promote better fishing behaviours that can speed up the recovery and ultimately lead to optimising the social and economic benefits these fish provide for our community – this after all is the goal of fisheries management enshrined in WA law.”

$1 million is currently set to be poured into further pink snapper stockings, providing a boost to current fish stocking initiatives such as Recfishwest’s Snapper Guardians. 

Commercial buy-back scheme can pave the way for a better, fairer way

The VFAS commercial licence buy-back scheme earmarked for $2.5 million of the package will provide operators compensation to voluntarily reduce the number of commercial fishing units, Recfishwest understand this scheme is due to open this month.

Andrew said, “We are particularly keen to understand how the VFAS will work given it can potentially pave the way to a fairer and more equitable sharing of the overall sustainable catch between recreational, charter and commercial fishing sectors.

“This is long overdue with 64 per cent of the west coast demersal catch currently reserved for private profit and only five per cent of demersal fish caught in WA waters taken by recreational fishers. It’s about how the maximum amount of social and economic benefits can be attained from the sustainable catch for the Western Australian community.

“That means giving back mums, dads, families and friends more time back out on the water with the chance to catch a quality bottom fish for dinner.”

Recfishwest will continue to fight in ensuring a fair amount of time on the water for recreational fishers, while pushing to protect spawning dhufish with a February-March demersal closure for all sectors.

Better knowledge, better fishery management

Other elements of the support package including the science and monitoring, and digital catch reporting investment can help plug some of the knowledge gaps scientists and fishery managers have around west coast demersal scalefish.

Examples of these are around to what extent the recovering Gascoyne pink snapper stock underpins numbers of those fish in the north of the west coast bioregion and how climate change might be impacting on spatial movement of the west coast demersal stock overall.

“Combined with clearer recreational catch data, better scientific understanding of dhufish, pink snapper and other prized demersals will help DPIRD fishery managers make better and more informed management decisions when the latest west coast stock assessment is due next year,” said Andrew.

“A comprehensive education and awareness campaign can also have a positive impact on fisher behaviour, reducing post-release mortality, spreading fishing effort away from west coast demersal species and ultimately speeding up the recovery. This campaign needs to involve fishers as well as charter operators and tackle stores who talk to fishers every single day.

Want to play your part in ensuring a better future for west coast demersals with better fish care and by diversifying the species you target? Check out our tips here.

Concerns for the charter fishing sector

“The charter fishing sector has been neglected in the new management package putting significant pressure and risk on the $110 million the sector contributes to the economy every year and the 830 jobs it supports.

“Twenty tonnes of the available 375 tonnes is simply not in line with significant benefits this sector provides to the Western Australian public. There will be more to come from us on this in the coming weeks.”

Getting answers to questions that have to be asked

In our role advocating for the interests of the WA fishers, Recfishwest will continue to ask the questions of Government that need to be answered on how this money is invested and how a fairer more equitable way to manage the fishery can established in the future.

“Make no mistake, this is a golden opportunity to set things right,” said Andrew, “But it has to be done right and it has to be done transparently – it’s simply too important a chance to squander.”

West coast demersal fishing open until 31 July – what you need to know

The February-March demersal fishing closure in the West Coast Bioregion ends on Saturday 1 April and recreational fishers are to be congratulated for playing their part in helping the recovery of these iconic fish and other demersals during this time.  

We continue to press the Government to apply this closure across all sectors to ensure dhufish are given the full protection they deserve during their spawning period.  

Fishers can now target bottom fish once again in the West Coast Bioregion from 1 April until 31 July. New rules now apply – you can check out these new rules on Recfishwest’s fishing rules app.

Once again, recreational fishers are doing more than their fair share to help the recovery of these fish.  

The removal of the dhufish size limit was intended to allow fishers to keep a fish suffering from barotrauma that would otherwise die if released. So, while the size limit for dhufish has been removed (as well as for breaksea cod and baldchin groper), there is no reason why you shouldn’t return smaller dhufish if they’ve been caught in relatively shallow water and are in good condition.  

There is plenty of evidence that shows small dhufish caught in shallow water survive release if the fish are looked after well and returned quickly using a release weight if needed.  

In addition, while the boat limit for dhufish has been removed, there is an individual bag limit of 2 dhufish and a demersal boat limit of 4 fish. This does not mean you have to catch two dhufish or target four dhufish every time you go out on the water with mates.  

There are plenty of other great fishing options available in the West Coast Bioregion such as pelagics, squid, nearshore species etc. Consider spreading your effort and giving other types of fishing a go, rather than only targeting demersals every time.  

Going for pelagic species rather than demersals such as tuna, mackerel, cobia or dolphinfish like this recent beauty landed by Jarryd Sewell at one of the Recfishwest FADs provides great fishing experiences off the WA coastline.

Have questions? We’ve got your back  

There were a lot of questions around the new rule changes from many of you, so here are some of the responses from DPIRD below. 

Broader West Coast Bioregion: 

Question) Given that size limits have been removed for some species, does this mean fishers have to keep the first two fish they catch?  

Answer – No, however fishers are encouraged to retain the first two legal size demersals they catch and then switch their fish to other nearshore or large pelagic species once they reach their limit.  

Question) Does the ‘one hook per line’ rule apply to offshore demersal species such as hapuku and others?  

Answer – Yes, it applies when fishing for all demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion. 

Question) What sized hooks are considered to be targeting demersal scalefish?  

Answer – There is no regulation on hook size or number of hooks provided you don’t use more than one bait or lure per line when fishing for demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion. 

Once you reach your demersal possession limit, make sure you switch your fishing to target nearshore or larger pelagic species.

Abrolhos Islands:  

Question) In the event that a fisher catches a demersal scalefish that renders greater than 5kg of fillets, can the additional fillets be shared amongst any other people on the boat?  

Answer – Yes  

Question) Additionally, do these people have to be in possession of a fishing license?  

Answer – No 

Question) If a fisher enters the Abrolhos FHPA with a fish caught outside the FHPA, do the possession limits apply?  

Answer – Yes 

For the latest DPIRD Fisheries update on pelagic finfish bag limits for the Abrolhos Islands, please click here to see the latest recreational fishing guide.

Have questions for us? Feel free to reach out to Recfishwest here.  

Ensuring a better future for west coast demersals  

Recfishers care about these iconic fish, and it’s important our sector play our part to help further speed up the recovery of the demersal fish stocks, potentially leading to a quicker relaxing of the fishing restrictions put in place. 

“Fishing for bottom fish in the West Coast Bioregion begins again as of April 1st and many will be able to enjoy the quintessential West Aussie experience of getting out on the water fishing with families and friends and catching a top-quality feed of dhufish, baldies or snapper,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland. 

“Recfishwest will continue to fight in ensuring these fish get the proper spawning protection they deserve while also ensuring fishers are given access to our fair share of the fish that are available.” 

Click here for tips on better stewardship for west coast demersals to play your part in ensuring a better future for west coast bottom fish and helping to speed up stock recovery.  

Click here to see a wide range of tips on correct fish handling, reducing post-release mortality and much more for west coast demersal species.

West coast demersal changes – time to set right a broken fisheries policy with commercial licence buy-back scheme

From tomorrow (Wednesday 1 February) the west coast demersal fishery will be closed to recreational fishing until the end of March as part of new changes introduced by the Government in December (see below for more details about the rule changes).

Recfishwest called for this late summer closure as it coincides with part of the peak spawning period for dhufish and we are proud it is widely supported by our members and our Expert Working Group because we care passionately about the future of these fish.

However, we remain disappointed that the closure will not apply to all sectors with the commercial fishing industry able to continue to target spawning aggregations of dhufish during this period.

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “If the Government truly cares about ensuring the sustainability of demersal fish between Augusta and Kalbarri, they need to explain why they do not support better protection for spawning dhufish.

“It’s yet another example of the fundamentally inequitable way this fishery has been managed for decades and it’s too important for old and embedded sectoral favouritism to continue to underpin management decisions.

“Fisheries management should ensure the greatest good is delivered to the greatest number from the sustainable catch of fish – that is simply not happening under the current regime with 64 per cent of the west coast demersal catch reserved for private profit.

“We need a fairer more equitable and sustainable approach, giving spawning dhufish more protection and fishing mums and dads more time out on the water to be able to optimise all the social, mental and well-being benefits fishing brings.”

HEAR WHAT ANDREW HAD TO SAY ON THE ABC REGIONAL DRIVE PROGRAM HERE

The Government claims there is no evidence that dhufish aggregate to spawn. This image and evidence from DPIRD’s own research scientists suggest otherwise. Video still: @fbk3lly YouTube channel.

Commercial licence buy-back scheme details must be thrashed out as soon as possible

Recfishwest will always support action to ensure sustainability but shutting out 700,000 West Aussies from being able to catch dhufish and pink snapper for six months of the year is an unnecessary overreach.

Part of the $10 million package put forward by the Fisheries Minister to support the west coast demersal changes included a yet-to-be specified amount to be allocated to a Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Scheme (VFAS) to offer commercial operators fair and reasonable compensation to voluntarily exit the fishery.

“We need the Government to thrash out the details and progress the VFAS as quickly as possible,” said Dr Rowland. “There is a great opportunity here for the Government to put right an outdated and broken fisheries policy that places profit before the public good.

“We need a comprehensive and transparent buy-back scheme that can assure the community that every tax-payer’s dollar spent on it is delivering the best return through a sustainably and equitably managed system in line with the harvest strategy for this fishery.”

Changes to the west coast demersal rules – 1 February 2023

The free upgraded Recfishwest app contains all the fishing rules at your fingertips including outside of mobile range. You can download the app for free on the App and Google Play stores.

The new demersal rules will go live in the new app from Wednesday when they come into effect – in the meantime see below for the rule changes in full.

Annual demersal fishing closed seasons in the West Coast Bioregion:

– 1 February to 31 March (to 28 March in 2024 to accommodate Easter) (inclusive);

– 1 August to the beginning of the September/October school holidays (22 September 2023); and

– end of the September/October school holidays (9 October 2023) to 15 December (inclusive).

Note: this does not apply to land-based line fishers, charter fishers, or commercial fishers.

  • Bag limit of two WA dhufish within the mixed species bag limit of two demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion.
  • Demersal scalefish boat limit of four (excludes charter boats).
  • Remove the WA dhufish boat limit.
  • Remove size limits for WA dhufish, baldchin groper and breaksea cod.
  • A maximum of one bait or lure attached to a line can be used when fishing for demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion.
  • Extend the timing of the pink snapper spawning closure in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 August to 31 January (inclusive).
  • Realign the baldchin groper spawning closure at the Abrolhos Islands from 1 October to 31 December (inclusive).

Abrolhos Islands: The Abrolhos Island Fish Habitat Protection Area is being managed as a Wilderness Fishing Area to allow visitors to experience unique marine-based activities, while appreciating a sense of remoteness, amenity and lifestyle.

The following changes to bag and possession limits provide for low take, low takeaway recreational fishing at the Abrolhos Islands while also contributing to the recovery of demersal scalefish stocks in the West Coast Bioregion;

  • bag limit of one demersal scalefish;
  • possession limit of:

– 5kg of fillets from any species, plus 5kg of fillets from large pelagic finfish (must have skin attached for identification purposes); OR

– one day’s bag limit of whole fish.

Recreational boat fishers will next be able to drop a line for west coast demersal species such as pink snapper from 1 April until the start of the September/October school holidays.

 

Calls for new Feb/March peak dhufish spawning closure to apply all sectors

Fishing for bottom fish in the West Coast Bioregion has begun and many will be able to enjoy the quintessential West Aussie experience of getting out on the water fishing with families and friends and catching a top-quality feed of dhufish, baldies or snapper.

Under the recently announced management changes, fishers will have six weeks to enjoy their fishing until a new February-March closure comes into effect coinciding with part of the peak dhufish spawning period.

Recfishwest recommended better protection of spawning dhufish as part of measures to speed up the recovery after receiving thousands of fishers’ views and advice from our West Coast Demersal Expert Working Group.

The strong support for this measure has reflected on the level of care fishers have for these iconic fish.

Click here to see how you can play your part in ensuring a better future for west coast demersals

Fisheries Management 101 – protecting spawning fish

The February/March closure will only apply to recreational fishers with many in the fishing community questioning the logic of this closure not applying to all sectors.

The only reason publicly given for this decision appears on a frequently asked questions document on the Fisheries website, which says, “A targeted spawning closure for dhufish is not proposed as there are currently no known large spawning aggregations of dhufish in the West Coast Bioregion. Targeted spawning closures benefit species that aggregate in some form and experience higher catchability during peak spawning compared to outside the spawning period.”

CEO Dr Andrew Rowland has highlighted the apparent inconsistency between this statement, multiple pieces of scientific research and fishers’ experience.

“Given every fisher knows dhufish aggerate to spawn over summer and there are numerous published studies by the Department’s own scientific experts that confirm the existence of these aggregations, this response makes little sense,” said Dr Rowland. “Just because dhufish aggregations are not as big as snapper aggregations in Cockburn Sound, it does not mean they are any less important.”

Fisheries scientists freely admit dhufish form spawning aggregations and suggest they are more vulnerable to fishing activity during this time. For example, a 2014 study by leading Fisheries scientists stated “… commercial fishing for West Australian dhufish in the South-West area occurs largely on fish that are aggregating to spawn in a relatively restricted part of that management area in the austral summer”. This is just one of many peer-reviewed scientific references supporting the existence of dhufish aggregations.

“If the Government truly cares about ensuring the sustainability of demersal fish between Augusta and Kalbarri, they need to explain why they do not support better protection for spawning dhufish,” said Dr Rowland.

“The efforts of recreational fishers to give spawning dhufish a break will be largely wasted if the Government continues to allow others to target these same fish.

“This issue points to a fundamental inequity in the way this fishery has been managed for decades and it’s too important for old and embedded sectoral favouritism to continue to underpin management decisions.

“As a sector with a strong track-record in safeguarding fish stocks for the future and in driving fish spawning closures – we have a right to expect clarity on why aggregations of snapper and baldchin should be protected, but aggregations of dhufish shouldn’t.

“We will continue to make this case to the Government and ensure that the commercial licence buy-back scheme announced by the Minister is implemented quickly, efficiently and in a way that can at last meet community expectations of equitable management.”

Government’s six-month west coast demersal ban an unreasonable, unnecessary overreach

Recfishwest is deeply disappointed by the Fisheries Minister’s decision to impose a six-month ban on west coast demersal fishing.

Recfishwest has always supported action but shutting out 700,000 West Australians from being able to catch dhufish and pink snapper for six months of the year is completely unnecessary.

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “Our sector has a strong-track record in putting the fish first and we agree there needs to be some changes to help stocks continue to rebuild.

“We presented clear, science-backed alternative proposals to Government which would have reduced recfishers’ catches by 50 per cent, met sustainability targets and allowed people the freedom to spend more time fishing with families and friends.

“Yet, the Minister has decided on extended bans for the recreational fishing sector and has put commercial profit over the public good with the lion’s share of this fishery given to a small number of commercial operators.

“Today’s announcement restricts recreational fishers to an annual catch of 115t, a reduction of more than 50% on current catches, while commercial operators will be able to catch 240t, a reduction of only 12% on current catches.”

Recfishwest’s proposals were developed during months of consultation with the recreational fishing community and a specially convened West Coast Demersal Expert Working Group.

One of these proposals aimed at speeding up the rebuilding of demersal fish stocks included a closure during the dhufish spawning period.

“The fact that this closure will not apply to the commercial fishing industry does not reflect best practice fisheries management,” said Dr Rowland.

“Recfishwest also called for a buy-back of commercial fishing licences and welcomes this element of the Minister’s package.

“A commercial licence buy-back will help deliver a fairer, more equitable outcome which will deliver the greatest benefits for the greatest number in the community.

“The Government has a golden opportunity to fix a broken and outdated fisheries policy by ensuring the prompt and effective implementation of this buy-back and reduce its ill-advised six-month ban.”

West Coast Demersal Update – October 21

Recfishwest is continuing to work closely with the Government towards a package for west coast demersal fish that can ensure there will be fish for the future while keeping fishers on the water.

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “Government is at the table with us. We have put our position strongly to them and that has been received. It is fair to say this is genuine consultation, that no decision has yet been made and that there has been some constructive discussions.”

Key elements of Recfishwest’s west coast demersal package

  • Increased spawning protection for fish, particularly dhufish, from 20 January to 20 March
  • The fishery being closed for a total of 4.5 months.
  • A wide range of other measures including reviewing size limits, better fishing practices education and increasing gear restrictions
  • Better data collection and science including real time recreational fishing data collection, better understanding of the shark bite-off issue and a better understanding of the potential effectiveness of stocking of species like snapper and dhufish.

Find out more about Recfishwest’s west coast demersal package presented to the Government here

“Core to our package is increased spawning protection for demersal fish, particularly dhufish, along with a Term 3 closure,” said Andrew, “This would amount to the fishery being closed for around four-and-a-half months and would be in addition to a range of other measures we have proposed aimed at reducing mortality of these fish.”

Giving increased spawning protection for demersal species, particularly dhufish, is a cornerstone of the Recfishwest west coast demersal package put forward to Government.

Listen to an interview here with Andrew on Karl Langdon’s 6PR Fishing Show about the west coast demersal issue

Following the ongoing discussions, Recfishwest understands a decision on the final west coast demersal package will be announced by the Government in early to mid-November.

Andrew said, “It’s really important to understand we are focussed on sustainability and that is what our package does. We are doing what needs to be done in terms of reducing fish mortality, while allowing people to spend more time on the water avoiding an eight or nine-month closure.”

Andrew said the response up to this point from the recreational fishing community has been “absolutely fantastic.”

“We really want to thank everyone for their genuine support,” he said.  “It’s brought home to us just how deeply people care about these fish. People are happy to play their role but believe there is a better way.”

Banner image courtesy of Daiwa and Fishes of Australia website.

West coast demersal update

Recfishwest continues to work with DPIRD, the Fisheries Minister and the State Government towards a sensible outcome that ensures west coast demersal fish stocks continue to recover without wrecking the lifestyle and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of WA fishers. 

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland met with the Fisheries Minister, Don Punch, last week and had a “frank, but constructive” conversation around the Government’s proposals – further discussions have also taken place with DPIRD fisheries managers around our alternative proposals.  

“I reiterated our sector’s commitment to sustainability and our opposition to a nine-month ban when there are alternative effective measures available,” said Andrew, “The meeting with the Minister was frank, but the communication lines appear to be now open. While the official public consultation period is over, we have received assurances from Government that no decisions have been made. The Minster also told Parliament he has committed to re-discussing the issue with Recfishwest prior to any decision being made.  

“We are continuing to meet with DPIRD and we’re pleased that the conversation is continuing. We’re having discussions around solutions that put the fish first, while delivering a more balanced outcome than the Government’s initial nine-month proposal.

“As WA’s not for profit, independent peak sector recfishing body, it’s really important that Recfishwest continues to impress upon Government that the 700,000-plus West Aussie fishers we represent, who spend $2.4 billion on fishing every year, is too important as a sector to neglect.”

Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland was recently on the road visiting tackle store crews from Geraldton down to Augusta to discuss their concerns and views on the west coast demersal issue.

A loud and clear message from the WA fishing community 

Andrew spent the previous week out on the road talking to local fishing club members and tackle store owners from Geraldton to Augusta. The Recfishwest team also had a big presence at this year’s Perth Boat show and we would like to thank the thousands of fishers who came and gave us their support. 

“What we continue to hear from our community hammers home the level of concern there is out there about the future of our fishing lifestyle, community life and associated small businesses.  

“It also highlighted how united our community is in finding a better way to speed up the recovery of the fish stocks without the social and economic fall-out of a nine-month demersal ban. The Government needs to understand this.” 

“The messages we have received loud and clear from fishers, fishing clubs and businesses is everyone cares deeply about sustainability, supports protection of fish during peak spawning times and are happy to support science-backed rule changes. There is also great concern about fair and equitable sharing of publicly-owned fish stocks and the lack of consideration given to the social and economic impacts of management proposals.”   

The online petition is another example of just how much the fishing community’s oppose the Government’s proposals. At nearly 18,000 signatures, it is the biggest online Parliamentary petition in WA history! There’s still time to sign it if you haven’t already done so, but be quick as we hear it is planned to be tabled in Parliament next week. 

How’s this for a show of strength! Lancelin Angling and Aquatic Club showing how united they are on this issue.

What you can do 

While the official community public consultation is over, the Government is yet to make a decision – so you can still make your views known by: 

  1. Contacting your local MP and let them know how the proposals will impact you and your family. Find tips on how to reach out here.  
  2. Calling your local talk back radio station and let listeners know what fishing means for you and your family. 6PR and ABC mornings are great places to start in Perth. 
  3. Writing a letter to the West Australian newspaper - all letters must be SIGNED and include the writer’s full-name, address (not postal) and telephone number.   
  4. Sign the petition if you haven’t already and encourage your family and mates to do the same. 
  5. Become Recfishwest members to show recfishers are united in support a more sensible outcome.  

Let’s keep working together to make sure the Government continues to listen – our collective voice must be heard!  

(Banner image sourced from Daiwa and Fishin Wishin Life)

 (Feature image sourced from Ozfish website)

Recfishwest continues to call on Government to adopt a more sensible approach to west coast demersals

Following the Government’s proposed nine-month ban on fishing for more than 100 demersal species from Augusta to Kalbarri, the call for an alternative – including a dhufish spawning closure – continues to build in the fishing community.

Recfishwest has been communicating with thousands of fishers concerned about the impact a nine-month closure will have on them and their families, as well as regional caravan park owners, charter operators and tackle shop owners who hold very real concerns about the future of their businesses.

Coral trout will be one of the iconic species to come under the nine-month ban from Kalbarri to Augusta if the Government’s proposal goes through. Photo: Al McGlashan.

Fishing clubs, who have been a central part of their communities’ social fabric for generations, have told Recfishwest the Government’s proposal will force them to close their doors.

The current proposals will also bankrupt genuine long-term charter fishing operators, depriving the community of great fishing and tourism experiences.

“We are all committed to the sustainability of this great fishery,”  said recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland. “We have a strong, extensive track record in supporting dhufish and snapper conservation including tagging programs, release weight research and subsequent legislation, snapper spawning closures, released fish survival projects, investments in shark deterrents and the Snapper Guardians program,”

“Recfishwest knows there is a better way to speed up the rebuilding of these fish stocks without the massive social and economic damage, which is why we reject the Government’s proposed nine-month ban.”

Good friend of Recfishwest and editor of Western Angler Magazine, Scott Coghlan, summed up the Government’s proposals on the front page of this week’s Albany Advertiser, “It’s like using a chainsaw to fillet a herring,” he said.

It’s been great to hear from so many of our members who, supporting our efforts, want to know what they can do to help.

What you can do – ask the Government to adopt a more sensible approach

Encourage your family, friends and fishing mates to:

  1. Sign the parliamentary petition to voice your opposition to DPIRD’s proposed nine-month ban. You can find the petition here – more than 10,000 people have already signed – make sure you add your name and encourage anyone you know to do the same.
  2.  Contact your local Member of Parliament and let them know how the proposals will impact you and your family. If you need tips on how to reach out to your local MP, our guidelines here will help.
  3. Encourage your family and friends to join Recfishwest – send a clear message that recreational fishers are united in supporting a more sensible outcome. They can join through this link here.
Come and see Recfishwest at the Perth Boat Show next week from Friday 16 September to Sunday, 18 September.

The better way – in case you missed it 

A WA fishing community record survey of nearly 6,000 respondents also helped inform the package of recommendations.

The package was well balanced and focused on protecting the sustainability and spawning of the fish while delivering the best social and economic benefits, along with better fishing rules, enhanced education and more research.

The story has attracted more media attention than any other fishery-related issue in recent times, reflecting just how important this fishery is to the Western Australian way of life.

Read some of the articles that have featured in the media on the west coast demersal issue here. 

We hugely value your support – and we’ll keep working hard to protect these fish as well as all the benefits this fishery provides to so many West Australians.