THE WA government has moved to introduce a 50 per cent catch reduction of iconic fish species at risk from overfishing.
Eleven recommendations aimed at saving some of WA’s most vulnerable fish, including dhufish, pink and red snapper, baldchin groper and breaksea cod, were released today.

WA Fisheries Minister Jon Ford said a new approach to managing recreational fishing was imperative to ensure the survival of the sought-after fish.

Scientific research had shown those fish populations were at risk of collapsing because of overfishing, the minister said.

The proposed package is designed to achieve a 50 per cent catch reduction of key species from north of Kalbarri in WA’s midwest to Augusta in the state’s south.

“Our best scientists say this is a necessary target to help stabilise and replenish these fish populations,” Mr Ford said.

The measures include reduced bag and boat limits for certain species, increased size limits for pink snapper, a split seasonal restriction for the vulnerable species and greater protection for fish in the Abrolhos Island fish habitat area.

Mr Ford said it was vital for West Australians to note the package of recommended changes only applied to iconic species most at risk.

“The changes that I am recommending will allow recreational fishers to still catch a wide range of fish species,” he said.

“Specifically, the proposed package will not apply to people fishing for the usual fish species that are caught from beaches, jetties and groynes.

“Nor will changes apply to people fishing for species such as squid, whiting, skippy or fishing for ‘pelagic’ fish such as Spanish mackerel and tuna.”

Source : PerthNow