Shades Fishing News

Recreational fishers will be required to comply with reduced bag limits, a boat limit for high-risk fish and keep a recreational fishers’ logbook as part of a revised package of recreational fishing rules effective from January.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today unveiled the revised recreational fishing regulations to manage finfish species under pressure on WA’s coast.

Increased size requirements and new possession limits of 10kg of fillets at the Abrolhos Islands fish protection area are also part of the package.

Mr Moore deferred a decision regarding a previous proposal to impose seasonal bans on fishing for those species which have come under increased pressure.

“Research shows dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper are over-fished in the West Coast bioregion, between north of Kalbarri to east of Augusta,” he said.

“The West Coast bioregion has a number of fish species that live on or near the ocean floor.

These demersal (bottom-dwelling) species – considered an indicator species for other bottom-dwelling fish – are under increased pressure as our population grows.”

Mr Moore said he found a strong case to reduce fishing pressure after considering management options made public by the previous government.

“However, I am concerned that the previously proposed closed seasons for recreational fishing may not be the most effective approach,” he said.

“I have approved the workable elements in the previous management package as an interim measure, while I consider further action.

“The revised recreational fishing rules will still include reductions in daily bag and boat limits and an increase in the minimum legal size for pink snapper.”

The modified regulations will take effect at the same time as the new commercial fishing sector arrangements.

Details of the new recreational fishing management changes are at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au

Source : The West Australian

Fishermen and conservationists remain divided over looming fishing bans for five of WA’s popular fish species, with the Fisheries Minister due to announce today whether he will back away from the controversial reform package.

The previous government introduced measures this year to protect key fish stocks from overfishing, including bans due to take effect by October 15 on anglers taking pink snapper, dhufish, crimson or red snapper, baldchin groper and breaksea cod, but drafting of the regulations was not finished before the State election.

WA Fishing Industry Council chief executive Graeme Stewart said commercial fishermen had been banned from fishing in the metropolitan zone since late last year and subject to increased restrictions in other areas in order to maintain the sustainability of WA fisheries. “We would be disappointed if (the recreational bans) didn’t go ahead because it was part of the entire package that each fishery reduce their catch by half and if you don’t do that you are wasting your time,” he said.

The Wilderness Society WA has also warned urgent action is needed to protect the iconic species dubbed the “vulnerable five” while recreational fishing groups have claimed annual bans of up to four months over the popular summer fishing period would be too harsh.

JODIE THOMSON

Source: The West Australian

Flathead have made Swan River fishing more interesting with increased numbers, with Fremantle and Claremont yielding good numbers.

Try near the Police Academy in Maylands for bream.

Sand whiting to 30cm were a treat for boat fishers close to shore at City Beach and Hillarys, Simon Darthwaite and Brendan Earle catching good numbers off Mindarie.

Good size skippy were caught around Mindarie and the Five Fathom Bank. Garfish and herring made for good targets at marinas, heaps of small garfish around Fremantle rock walls.

Reasonable numbers of pink snapper have been nabbed from Cockburn Sound, which will close to fishing on October 1.

Some squid around, but numbers are decreasing with warmer waters.

Busselton

Busselton is supporting large numbers of squid and crabbing is a popular pastime, drop netting from both boats and the Jetty productive. Herring are another Jetty species on tap, early morning and just before dusk best.

King george whiting fishing is best in good conditions. In good weather larger boats have found good jewfish towards Naturaliste Reef and off the west coast, one weighing 23kg and another 24kg. Shore anglers have landed some excellent tailor near Dunsborough.

Albany

Weather governs what you can do in Albany. Reasonable mixed bags have resulted from deep sea outings, pink and red snapper and the odd jewfish featuring and the odd queen snapper, breaksea cod and samson fish. Leatherjackets remain a problem.

The story is similar for waters from Walpole to Bremer Bay. Shore fishing is a tad quiet, small herring and skippy are biting with fair numbers of sand whiting.

Salmon are a possibility east of town at Cheynes Beach, Bluff Creek and Bremer.

Be careful where you choose to 4WD and rock fish. Salmon spots around Albany yield the occasional fish, Gull Rock, Nannarup and Little Beach turning up the odd salmon.

The Harbours are working for king george, squid and the odd snook, near Frenchman’s Bay and Seal Rock best.

Two Peoples Bay launching is hampered by weed with Wilson Inlet offering salmon, pink snapper and king george among them.

Albany region rivers hold quite cool waters and are fishing slowly because of that, although those near-Albany Kalgan and King are performing better for bream and school mulloway.

Source: Perth Now

A FATHER’S Day fishing trip nearly turned into a disaster for a Lower King family on Sunday.

Eighteen-year-old Matthew Armstrong fell from rocks at the Salmon Holes while returning with his father, David, from a successful day fishing.

“I’m pretty lucky to survive,” he said. “Before I knew it I was in the water.”

He slipped on what he thought was dry, black rock and fell into the sea where he was sucked under by the swell then bashed against rocks.

“I went head-first right under the water,” Mr Armstrong said.

“I used my hands to stop hitting my head on the rocks on the way down.

“A few sets came through and just smashed me against the rocks.”

While his father went to get a buoy from the sentinel post erected by the Drew Foundation, friend Chris Bilecki, who happened to be in the area, rushed to help.

Mr Armstrong said if it was not for Mr Bilecki’s quick thinking, he might have spent longer in the water.

“I owe him my life,” he said.

“He told me to take off my boots and held out a fishing rod and I grabbed it as I scrambled up the rock.

“I don’t know how I got out. It was very steep rock.”

Mr Armstrong was taken to hospital where multiple cuts and abrasions were treated.

A fishing hook that had been snagged on rocks was taken from his leg.

“My dad and myself are pretty experienced and are aware of the dangers, as we go fishing all the time,” he said.

“But from now on I think we’ll stick with the beach and boat fishing.”

Mr Armstrong said he thinks he slipped because he stood on the wet cuff of his jeans.

Source Albany and Great Southern Weekender

THE impact of future plans for recreational fishing could threaten the viability of small local costal communities and businesses.

Jurien Bay Recreational Fishing Club spokesperson Terry Cullen said Fisheries Minister Jon Ford’s plans for recreational fishing will mean that many fish species that need protection will continue to be exploited.

Mr Cullen said the result will be a serious depletion in stocks.

Mr Cullen was a member of the Recreational Advisory Committee appointed to advise the Minister on all recommendations on recreational fishing issues.

He said the JBRFC agrees with most of the recommendations set out in the recently released document by the Minister, but not all of them.

Public submissions have now closed and the group has submitted the changes they consider necessary to the document.

Mr Cullen said JBRFC members disagree with recommendation number four which limits the number of fish on boats when used in conjunction with a seasonal restriction.

“Because of the cost of boats and fuel, if holiday-makers are restricted to fishing for just two weeks over the Christmas holiday period, then this would be disastrous for the town’s economy,” he said.

“January is the worst month for fishing because of seasonal winds and people cannot always get their boats out, leaving them with limited suitable days to fish.”

He said, it has also been stated in the document that there are 80,000 registered boats in Western Australia, but the JBRFC believe that 50 per cent of these would be dinghies, 15 per cent pleasure boats and 10 per cent sail boats, leaving 25 per cent of boats that would actually be able to chase the larger fish species.

JBRFC believes the 80,000 figure has been used more as a tool to over estimate the number of boats actually able to fish the larger species.

Mr Cullen said it is also recommended that a Recreational Fishing Trust Fund be established called RecfishWest, to be funded by the State Government.

One of the recommendations under this peak body was a proposal of participation in a commercial by-back scheme.

“JBRFC do not agree with this. If a commercial fisherman leaves the industry, we as recreational fishers, should not be forced into funding the buy-back of the license,” Mr Cullen said.

He said the group also believes there has not been enough research done into the spawning cycles of the fish, especially dhufish, pink snapper, baldchin groper, breaksea cod and red snapper in the West Coast bioregion.

Source: Central Midlands and Coastal Advocate

One of Western Australia’s biggest fishing competitions has cast off in Carnarvon.

More than 360 competitors will take part in the 17th annual Carnarfin tournament, with 35 per cent of participants travelling from interstate and overseas.

Organiser Wally Dale says it is a fun event for professionals and amateurs alike.

“We don’t promote, publicise or advertise Carnarfin at all,” he said.

“It grows simply by word of mouth and that way we maintain the integrity of the atmosphere which is being created through Carnarfin.

“It really is a fun week where people simply enjoy themselves. If they catch a fish or win a prize, well that’s a bonus.”

Source: ABC News

FISHING charters are booming in WA’s picturesque North-West, writes Brad Elborough.

THE North-West of Western Australia has a great reputation, worldwide, for its reef and gamefishing.

Some say you can’t find better anywhere and it has become big business for charter-boat operators and island managers.

The Montebello Islands is a good place to camp, or catch a charter, and also has a houseboat operation.

There are many islands with shacks in the Dampier Archipelago, but you need to know the owner if you want to stay there. Otherwise you have to camp.

Direction Island, just off Onslow, is developing a luxury resort, so keep an eye out for information on that.

The creeks around Karratha are good for barramundi, as is the creek in Point Samson. Or you can join a charter off Cossack (one of many in the area) for something more sporty.

There’s accommodation in Cape Leveque, but it’s hard to fish unless you have a boat.

Cruise operators, such as Kimberley Cruises, are becoming increasingly popular for fishing charters and vessels like the True North, which cater for 100.

One of the more family friendly spots is the Mackerel Islands, off Exmouth. The Mackerel Islands Resort has airconditioned rooms and chalets that are self-contained.

Western Angler editor Scott Coghlan says it is perfect for the family who likes fishing, diving and other water activities.

“The beach is great and it has a pool also, plus a jetty for fishing,” he said. “It also has the eco thing going on, with turtles, whales, sharks, etc. And on land it has a bar and a games room.”

And, of course, there is Broome.

The Broome jetty is famous for its fishing and there’s a big choice of charters.

“North of Broome is more the wilderness experience, where your fishing trip needs to be more pre-planned,” Mr Coghlan said.

“If you want that sort of trip you need a charter or go into one of the wilderness camps. Generally, they are your remote fishing experiences and it pays to go with someone who knows what they are doing.”

Besides barramundi, anglers head to the North-West in pursuit of red emperor, queenfish, trevally, spanish mackerel and mangrove jack.

“The fishing is good for eating fish and also a lot of sporting fishing,” Mr Coghlan said. “It is completely different from fishing in Perth, but when you get the right spot it is unbelievable.”

More information: www.westernangler.com.au

Source: Perth Now

The Western Australian Government has been told imposing a ban on fishing during the warmer months will not increase fish stocks.

The Government decided late yesterday to extend the public comment period for the proposed ban which was due to end today.

The Government wants to restrict fishing for dhufish, pink snapper, baldchin groper, breaksea cod and red snapper between Kalbarri and Augusta.

Busselton fisherman Phil Tickle says fish will die anyway.

“It isn’t really a conservation measure, it’s just stopping people catching fish but it’s not stopping the killing of fish,” he said.

Mr Tickle says people will not know if they have one of the five species until they have to release them, by which time the fish won’t be able to swim to the sea floor because their bladders will have swelled.

Recreational fishers now have until May 7 to make their submissions.

Source: ABC News

A last minute meeting about proposed changes to recreational fishing rules will be held in Margaret River next week.

A public consultation phase on the changes was conducted late last year, but fishers and local politicians in the south-west have repeatedly called for more information to be shared in the southern fishing areas.

Department of Fisheries’ spokesman Shane O’Donoghue says the Fisheries Minister is making sure he hears the views of all recreational fishers.

“The Minister wants to be thorough and there’s certainly some significant issues in terms of reductions in catch,” he said.

“The Minister’s taken steps in respect to commercial fishing and still there are some significant management challenges for creational fishing.

“The Minister wants to ensure that all the views come in.”

The Margaret River meeting will be held on May 1, a day after the public comment period ends.

Source: ABC News

A package of proposed initiatives to save some of Western Australia’s most popular and iconic oceanic fish species has been released by Fisheries Minister Jon Ford.

This package, being released for a four-week consultation period, comes as WA faces unprecedented pressure from its escalating recreational fishing fleet.

The package of 11 recommendations is aimed at saving some of the State’s most vulnerable iconic fish by improving the management of recreational fishing off a section of the WA coast (between north of Kalbarri and east of Augusta, called the West Coast Bioregion).

Mr Ford said a new approach to managing recreational fishing was imperative to ensure the survival of some of the State’s most sought-after fish - especially the ‘Vulnerable 5’ - dhufish, pink snapper, baldchin groper, breaksea cod and red snapper.

The Minister said recent scientific research showed that populations of some of the State’s most vulnerable and iconic species were at risk of collapsing because of overfishing. One of the contributing factors to this overfishing had been the burgeoning recreational fishing sector.

‘These warning signs tell us that we have to act now to save our vulnerable and iconic fish.

Everyone has a role to play to save our fish to ensure we have fish for current generations as well as fish for the future,’ he said.

‘A balance between preserving the enjoyment of the recreational fishing experience and saving our iconic fish is achievable. And importantly, it’s crucial that we strive to achieve this balance.

‘I believe the package of recommended changes that I am releasing today will achieve this balance between the social value of recreational fishing and the need to save our fish for the future.

‘The package is designed to achieve a 50 per cent catch reduction of these key species in the West Coast Bioregion. Our best scientists say this is a necessary target to help stabilise and replenish these fish populations.’

The package of 11 recommendations includes reduced bag and boat limits for certain species, increased size limits for pink snapper, a split seasonal restriction for the ‘Vulnerable 5’, and greater protection of fish in the Abrolhos Island fish habitat area.

Mr Ford said it was vital for Western Australians to note that the package of recommended changes only applied to iconic species that were most at risk - especially the ‘Vulnerable 5’.

‘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.’

The Minister said the proposal for a split seasonal restriction would prohibit the take of the ‘Vulnerable 5’ in two parts; October 15 to December 25, and February 1 to March 31. This split approach to the seasonal restriction would reduce the amount of fish caught over any year and offered some spawning protection.

‘This split season restriction is a balanced approach to offer reasonable protection to our most vulnerable fish, while also giving people the opportunity to still catch these fish during the height of the summer holiday season, which is when most Western Australians want to go fishing,’ Mr Ford said.

The recommendations, which apply only to the West Coast Bioregion (between Zuytdorp Cliffs, north of Kalbarri and Black Point, east of Augusta), include:

1. Reducing the individual mixed bag limit of Category 1 ‘high risk’ Fish from seven to four fish;
2. Reducing the daily bag limit of pink snapper from four to two fish;
3. Increasing the size limit of pink snapper from 41cm to 50cm;
4. Introduction of a boat limit of two daily bag limits for Category 1 ‘high risk’ Fish. Charter
boats will be allowed to have a bag limit of two Category 1 ‘high risk’ Fish per customer;
5. Seasonal restriction that prohibits the take of the ‘Vulnerable 5’ species - dhufish, pink snapper, baldchin groper, breaksea cod and red snapper. The restriction will apply October 15 to December 25, and February 1 to March 31 each year;
6. Prohibiting spear fishing on compressed air for ‘high risk’ Fish. Also prohibiting the use of power-assisted fishing reels;
7. Initiating discussions with fishing clubs to discourage public fishing competitions from targeting high risk species such as the ‘Vulnerable 5’;
8. Reducing the finfish possession limit at the Abrolhos Islands, and the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Area;
9. Enhancing the existing voluntary Recreational Angler Logbook program to provide additional data;
10. Establishing a Recreational Fishing Trust, using existing current revenue that is raised through existing fishing licences; and
11. Investigating the introduction of large fish reserves.

The Minister urged Western Australians to make their submissions to this package of recommendations, contained in the Ministerial Position Paper. Submissions can also include references to additional proposals and issues detailed in the Fisheries Management Paper 228. Both documents and submission details can be found online at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au.

The deadline for submissions is 5pm, Wednesday, April 30, 2008.

Source: http://www.biawa.asn.au