Catch! - Recreational fishing news from the Department of Fisheries, Western Australia
Issue No. 27, January 2017

Rock lobsters rocket back

A pair of rock lobsters in a reef environment

A study by Fisheries scientists indicates there are the highest numbers of western rock lobster present along the west coast in decades – a bonus for licensed rock lobster fishers.

During the past two years, researchers have tagged 15,000 lobsters along the coastline.

By using data such as the number, date and location of tagged lobsters caught by commercial fishers, they estimate the lobster population has had a healthy increase – possibly back to 1960s levels.

As well as there being more lobsters, the tagging program, which has one more year to run, has also identified that warmer sea temperatures can help accelerate lobster growth rates. More.

Lobster pot offenders’ boats seized

The seized boat of a fisher alleged to have interfered with others' pots

Our Fisheries and Marine Officers have seized several boats of fishers allegedly interfering with others' lobster pots as part of Operation Bagana.

Offences being targeted include interfering with another person’s fishing gear or catch and selling recreationally-caught fish, potentially resulting in fines up to $400,000, prison sentences of up to four years and loss of boats, vehicles and equipment. 

We are currently promoting the operation in the Mid West with mobile road signs and a seized vessel on display at boat ramps and other relevant locations to remind people to stick to the fishing rules.

Also in relation to the fishing rules, we are seeking your views on recreational fishing licence sanctions for serious fishing offences by completing this online survey.

2017 marron season underway

A marron in its natural habitat

Marron is only found in Western Australia and this tasty freshwater crayfish is highly sought-after during the four-week recreational season that began this year at midday on 8 January.

Around 11,000 fishers are expected to get a marron licence and take part at their favourite marron fishing spots in the South West.

Members of our education team will be at camp grounds and popular fishing spots, giving information to fishers, while Fisheries and Marine Officers will carry out patrols.

Please use the correct fishing gear − traps of any kind are illegal and a potential hazard to other native species. More.

Summer school for Peel-Harvey crabbers

A Fisheries community education officer with our crabbing rules brochure and crab gauge

Our education staff and Fisheries and Marine Officers are talking to fishers in the Peel-Harvey region during the school holidays about crab fishing rules and handing out free crab gauges.

The blue swimmer crab fishery there is one of the most popular in the region, with locals and holidaymakers alike enjoing crabbing.

The lead up to Australia Day and the day itself is a particularly busy time for crabbing in the Peel-Harvey and places extra pressure on the fishery.

To maintain the fishery’s health, it is important for everyone to keep to the rules and look after the crab population. More.

Fishers reel in licence fee benefits

The new 'fish tower' artificial reef structures

Two 12-metre high ‘fish tower’ artificial reefs are to be installed between Rottnest and Garden islands early this year as part of the ongoing reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees.

Following on from the success of the South West artificial reefs trial, the towers will be the first of their kind in Western Australia and are being built by a Henderson-based local company to attract pelagic species such as Samson fish, yellowtail kingfish and yellowfin tuna. 

The fish towers are funded by the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, which receives 25 per cent of all recreational fishing licence fees in WA. More.

Safety first with abalone

Recreational abalone fishers flock to a reef

Watch the weather and water conditions when fishing for abalone during the licenced season.

Since 2012, four people swept off reefs have died and more than 100 have been rescued around the State while fishing for this prized shellfish.

So when fishing for abalone, you should wear a wetsuit or light clothing and protective footwear and carry your catch in a loose-weave net that doesn’t become heavy when wet.

You should also attach your measuring gauge to your wrist; don’t hang it around your neck.

If you do get into trouble while abalone fishing, try to stay calm and raise one arm to attract help. More.

Image credit: Rock lobster photo by Henrique Kwong.