Catch! - Recreational fishing news from Fisheries, Western Australia
Issue No. 31, July 2017

Hook up to the recreational fishing rules

Father and son fishing together on a beach

We are always striving to improve the delivery of recreational fishing rules to fishers, so it’s easy to keep up to date.

In 2016 we worked with Recfishwest to enhance the way we delivered rules information to fishers culminating in a major revamp of the rules section on the Fisheries website and the release of the Recfishwest app.

As a result of these improvements, which are designed to help ensure fishers are provided with the most current information, Fisheries will no longer print the Recreational Fishing Guide.

However, the guide will continue to be available to download from the Fisheries website and will be updated with rule changes as they occur.

So fishers can now access the rules in three easy ways: our website; the free Recfishwest app at the App Store or on Google Play; and by downloading the Recreational Fishing Guide in traditional size or the A4 print-friendly version. More.

Licence fees increase to boost fishing sector

A tagged mulloway held by a researcher

As part of the State Government review of fees and charges, recreational fishing licence fees have increased by $5, with all revenue being re-invested into the recreational fishing sector.

It's the first time licence fees have increased in seven years.

Licence fees are used to improve recreational fishing opportunities by funding initiatives including Recfishwest, the peak representative body for recreational fishing in WA, and the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, which funds community-driven projects aimed at enhancing recreational fishing, as well as fisheries management activities.

Fifty per cent discounts will still apply if you are under 16 years, as well as for pensioners and seniors. Line fishing from beaches and jetties remains free of charge. More.

Metro waters closed for garfish

Detailed illustrations of southern and robust garfish

The area between Lancelin and Myalup is closed to both recreational and commercial fishing for southern garfish until further notice. Fishers are still able to take robust garfish from the closed area.

Research showed a significant decline in numbers of southern garfish due to fishing and environmental pressures. The closure will ease fishing pressure and protect the breeding stock.

We will continue to monitor the stock to assess the recovery progress. More.

New future for Fisheries

Fisheries vessel at sunset

On 1 July, the Department of Fisheries became part of the new Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The new department brings fisheries together with the departments of Regional Development and Agriculture and Food, and staff from the Regional Development Commissions.

While we have a new name, everything is business as usual, and we will continue to provide our regular services, including through our website. More.

Shark deterrent device rebate proves popular

Scuba diver drifting above a reef

The WA Government’s shark deterrent rebate scheme is proving a success with almost 500 devices sold within the first two months.

The scheme provides 1,000 rebates for the purchase of the approved Shark Shield Freedom 7, reducing the cost by $200 at the point of sale.

More information about how the scheme works is available via the Sharksmart website, including a list of registered retailers.

The rebate scheme is part of a new multi-faceted shark mitigation strategyMore.