Catch!Issue 58, June 2021 Recreational fishing newsNew fishing rules from 1 July 2021The introduction of trip limits; changes to the rules for filleting at sea; and the definition of whole fish are some of the key changes to Western Australian recreational fishing rules to come into effect on 1 July 2021. The new rules are a proactive management response to issues raised by the WA fishing community, in consultation with WA’s peak recfishing body, Recfishwest, to help manage the potential impact of increased fishing activity on catches of demersal finfish. The most important change is the introduction of trip limits. The possession limit on a fishing trip is 10kg of finfish fillets, no skin required, plus an additional 10kg of fillets from large pelagic species with skin on. The trip limit will be reviewed after 12 months to allow DPIRD to gather data on current catch levels in key regional centres. Fishers will welcome updates to filleting at sea and the definition of whole fish, which include the removal of the 30cm minimum fillet length; and that whole large pelagics can now be cut in two pieces and still be considered as one fish. For both rules, skin will need to be attached while still at sea. To help support catch care principles across the State, release weights will now be required for the master of all fishing boats, both recreational and commercial anywhere in WA, not just in the West Coast Region. These rules have been introduced to help protect our ocean resources and ensure sustainable, quality fishing experiences now and into the future. For more details, read our media release or FAQ. For information about current travel restrictions within and out of the Perth and Peel area, go to wa.gov.au Abalone virus found in VictoriaThere has been a recent re-occurrence of abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) in Victoria in a group of wild abalone, for the first time since 2010. This is a significant disease which severely affected both wild and farmed abalone sectors in the Eastern States when it first occurred from 2005. AVG is not known to infect humans and there are no known food safely implications. It has not been reported in Western Australia, and existing import protocols are in place to protect our abalone resources and minimise the risk of introducing AVG and other abalone diseases. However, all abalone fishers are encouraged to be biosecurity aware, report pests and diseases and follow biosecurity protocols to ensure abalone in WA continue to be one of the most sustainable abalone fisheries in the world. A lucky pink snapper caught off Wright’s Bank has bagged Dunsborough fisher Mat Allen the latest quarterly prize in our Send us Your Skeletons program. Thanks to WA’s peak recfishing body, Recfishwest’s generous support, Mat has won a Daiwa rod, reel and braid combo and a Crewsaver life jacket, and it seems they are well-earned as records show he has donated many frames since 2014. A keen fisher, Mat has a few favourite spots ranging from Geographe Bay around to the West coast between the Capes and enjoys boat fishing as well as diving, but mostly the thrill of landing a shore caught pink snapper. Motivated by support for the research, Mat is happy to recommend SUYS to his mates and would encourage others to help this important work. To find out more about how to donate, visit our website. Every fisher who donates their fish frames has a chance to win one of our quarterly prizes or the annual prize of a charter trip to the Montes, courtesy Montebello Island Safaris.
Operation PendleA joint operation between our officers and WA Police in the waters and beaches off Esperance last month showed that the vast majority of fishers inspected were fishing responsibly and within the rules. As part of ‘Operation Pendle’, recreational and commercial fishers from Esperance to Cape Arid were inspected while involved in a wide range of fishing activities. Working together to join forces and resources meant Operation Pendle had a wider reach, with shared equipment including a major size patrol vessel, aerial surveillance and all-terrain vehicles. PV Houtman supported the sea-going part of the operation to enable fisheries officers to board vessels at sea, and quad bikes on land provided access to remote, tucked away locations. To report suspected illegal fishing activity, call FishWatch on 1800 815 507. Yellowtail kingfish releasedLast month 5,000 yellowtail kingfish, hatched and reared at our Fremantle finfish hatchery, were released at Coogee as part of the recreational fish stocking program, funded through the WA Recovery Plan. Kingies are a fast-growing species and will grow to around 3kg in just 18 months. They are popular as an aquaculture species and ideal for fish stocking as they are hardy and a great table fish. They also have a reputation for giving recreational fishers a run for their money. This group joined 10,000 also released recently into Perth metro waters, taking the tally to more than 20,000 yellowtail kingfish hatched, reared and released by DPIRD this year, with support from Recfishwest. Take it easy on the localsThe new jetty at Esperance is already a popular spot to do a bit of fishing – but did you know the waters around the jetty are popular with some of the ‘other’ locals too, such as both black and smooth stingrays? Not only are these animals protected, but they play an important role in the marine ecosystem as scavengers and predators. They also tend to be inquisitive and often placid. If caught, black and smooth stingrays must be released immediately without being harmed. It’s easy to keep up to date with WA’s recreational fishing rules online at www.fish.wa.gov.au/rules. For help with identifying unfamiliar or protected species, download the Recfishwest App, free from the App Store or Google Play. Changes to support Western rock lobster fisheryThe commercial fishing season for the western rock lobster fishery has been extended to provide support to businesses affected by the ongoing closure of the Chinese market. Other relief mechanisms include the continuation of back of boat sales and access fee instalments. For more information, read the full media release.
Abrolhos-specific regulationsThe Abrolhos Islands are popular with many recreational fishers and feature a rich biodiversity of marine life. Visitors travelling to the islands are reminded that although the daily bag limits, minimum legal sizes and other recreational fishing regulations that apply across the West Coast Bioregion also apply in the waters of the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area (FHPA), there are a number of fishing regulations specific to the Abrolhos Islands to be aware of, including:
Remember to follow all other recreational fishing rules and catch care principles. Protected species reminderTo help protect some of our more vulnerable, threatened or socially important fish, both salt and freshwater, several species are classified as protected and must not be taken in WA waters. This includes the Queensland groper, an impressive and relatively rare fish. Growing to at least 2.7 metres and weighing up to 400 kg, the QLD groper has a slow growth rate and is totally protected from commercial, recreational and customary fishing in Australian waters. Other protected species in WA include sawfish, coral, some species of rays and seadragons. For more information about protected species, check our Recreational fishing guide 2021 or visit our website. Report suspicious sightings to FishWatch on 1800 815 507 and help protect our precious sea life. All reports are strictly confidential. Artificial reef modulesA seventh purpose-built artificial reef has been installed seven kilometres off Ocean Reef recently. Consisting of 292 concrete modules, the reef is 27 metres deep and spans an area of 150,000 square metres. The reef will create a unique, safe and easily accessible recreational fishing experience off the metropolitan coastline. Funded through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, the State Government worked closely with Recfishwest to select the location. Previously installed artificial reefs are located at Dunsborough, Bunbury, Mandurah, south of Rottnest Island, Esperance and the Exmouth Gulf. Plans are underway for three more, including one off Albany. Monitoring network maintainedCheck out this video of our research technical officers, servicing shark monitoring receivers off Esperance as part of our maintenance program. There are 34 acoustic receivers in place along WA’s coastline, located throughout the Perth Metropolitan area, Geographe Bay, Yallingup, Gracetown, Albany and Esperance. Regular maintenance of this network is an important part of our operations, so that we can continue to deliver important public safety information on shark activity.
NibblesPlease note - for information about current travel restrictions within and out of the Perth and Peel area, go to wa.gov.au Season closures
In the courts – Three offenders were ordered to pay a total of $8,400 in Mandurah Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to possession of 30 undersized crabs between them at Island Point, Herron in January 2020. If you see any suspected illegal fishing activity please report it to FishWatch on 1800 815 507. All reports are confidential and help us protect WA's fish resources for future generations. Rock fishing safety – As we head into winter, weather patterns will bring rougher weather conditions along our coast. We remind fishers to consider the dangers when fishing, particularly from rocks. Think safety first and choose to fish from the beach, rather than rock ledges or coastal outcrops. Catch care tips – Make the most out of your catch by filleting carefully and minimising any waste. The wings and cheeks are edible parts and do not count towards your possession limit if kept. Avoid catch and release fishing and stop once you have reached your bag or boat limit to help ensure we have fish for the future. fish.wa.gov.au/catchcare SharkSmart WA app – there are now more than 60,000 Western Australians using the free SharkSmart WA app available from Google Play or the App Store. Help us to inform others by switching on your Sea Sense and reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600 or through the SharkSmart WA app. Help keep our waterways pest free – You can help us protect WA’s aquatic environment by emailing Aquatic.Biosecurity@dpird.wa.gov.au, or calling FishWatch on 1800 815 507 if you see or catch any ornamental or unusual fish or pest species and please, do not return them to the water. Find us on Facebook – We regularly share information about fishing rules, safety and aquatic biosecurity through our Facebook page, as well as information of interest to recfishers. Check us out at Fisheries WA and give us a ‘like’ to keep us in your news feed. FishWatch – If you see something that looks a bit fishy, please report it so we can investigate. Anyone who has information on illegal fishing activities is asked to call FishWatch on 1800 815 507. Illegal fishing could include someone netting in the river, exceeding their bag or possession limits, taking undersize fish, fishing in a closed area, having more fishing gear in the water than they should, or selling or attempting to sell recreationally caught fish. Important disclaimer The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it. Copyright © Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 2021 |