FISH STOCKS —
SHARK BAY
862. Hon DIANE EVERS to the minister representing the
Minister for Fisheries:
I refer to recent news reports that
fish stocks are under pressure in the Shark Bay region due to recent increases
in visitor numbers.
(1) What is the
government doing to ensure the sustainability of local fish stocks in the
immediate term for the north west coast, particularly given the September–October
school holidays are approaching?
(2) Has a reduction in catch limits
been considered for these areas; and —
(a) if yes, what are the details; and
(b) if no, why not?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I
thank the member for the question. The following information has been provided
to me by the Minister for Fisheries.
(1)–(2) The
sustainability of Western Australia's fisheries is the government's
number one priority. The minister has been made aware of recent increases in
recreational fishing participation in Shark Bay and across regional Western Australia more broadly in
response to the COVID-19 travel restrictions. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is
monitoring recreational effort in Shark Bay via cameras mounted on key
boat ramps. Cameras are also used in other locations around WA to monitor
recreational fishing effort in real time.
DPIRD has also recently commenced a 12-month statewide survey of recreational
boat-based fishing that will provide information on the extent of any changes
in recreational fishing catch and participation compared with previous years.
Sustainability is paramount to
safeguard our fish resources. In the interim, the minister is writing to
Recfishwest seeking its advice on the appropriateness of reviewing the existing
finfish possession limit of 20 kilograms of fillets per person in light of the
recent increase in participation. Should any changes to recreational fishing
rules arise from this review process, implementation will be subject to
standard legislation amendment time frames.