Opportunity for recfishers to help shape demersal scalefish stock recovery
- Recfishers to have their say on stock recovery measures for iconic dhufish and pink snapper
- Recfishwest to lead consultation with the recfishing sector on proposed management changes to meet new total catch limit
- McGowan Government working closely with recreational, commercial and charter sectors so there are fish for the future
Recreational fishers are being encouraged to work with peak industry body Recfishwest to develop new measures to help boost the recovery of demersal scalefish stocks between Kalbarri and Augusta.
The State Government has called on all sectors to work together on how to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in the total catch limit for the West Coast Demersal species, including fishing favourites and indicator species dhufish and pink snapper.
The decision to reduce the total catch limit to 375 tonnes followed the latest scientific stock assessment which showed the resource was not recovering fast enough in line with the 2010-2030 recovery plan.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working closely with Recfishwest, the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) and Marine Tourism WA to develop new measures to protect the sustainability of the resource.
From today until April 29, an industry-led consultation process will see Recfishwest consult with recreational fishers to seek a broad range of ideas and views on how to manage the reduced total catch limit and help the stock recover.
During this time, Recfishwest will also be engaging an expert working group with charter, tackle industry and fishing club representatives to provide input, consider recreational sector feedback and work with DPRID to investigate preferred management arrangements.
DPIRD is also continuing to work with WAFIC and Marine Tourism WA on proposed changes for the commercial and charter sectors.
Following consideration of feedback and proposed management options from Recfishwest, WAFIC and Marine Tourism WA, DPIRD will release a proposed management package for recreational, charter and commercial sectors to achieve the reduced fish mortality and catch limits for broader community consultation mid-year.
Following consideration of the outcomes of consultation, the final management packages to support the recovery of demersal stocks by 2030 will then be provided to Government for consideration and approval.
Management changes are expected to be implemented over the summer of 2022/23.
Recreational fishers can have their say by visiting https://recfishwest.org.au/west-coast-demersal-consultation.
For more information on the consultation process visit the DPIRD website here.