Issue #78 April 2023
Catch!
Recreational fishing news
West Coast Demersal fishing season now open!
Fishing for your favourite demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion (from Kalbarri to Augusta) reopened on 1 April, in time for the Easter break and the school holidays.
The decision to open the fishery during all school holiday periods is in support of regional communities and businesses, as it is when people are most likely to visit and fish.
Fishers are reminded that as well as new seasonal dates, there are new bag, boat and size limit rules to help ensure the fishery recovers to sustainable levels by 2030.
These include measures to help reduce fish mortality such as:
- new recreational seasonal dates to help reduce total catch;
- new closure dates for all sectors to protect spawning fish in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds and the Abrolhos Islands;
- introduction of one bait/one lure rule when fishing for demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion, so that only one fish is caught at a time;
- changes to boat and bag limits to encourage fishers to keep the first demersal fish caught, then switch to other species once you reach your limit; and
- removal of size limits for WA dhufish, breaksea cod and baldchin groper which have a high chance of post release mortality due to barotrauma. By removing size limits for these species, it reduces the number of fish that need to be released that are likely to die anyway.
Check out the bite-size YouTube videos at the links below:
The State Government is also investing $10 million into initiatives to boost sustainability, including expanding the juvenile pink snapper enhancement program and extending the Fish Aggregating Device (FADs) program.
For more information, check the updated recreational fishing guide, soon to be available in print from DPIRD fisheries offices and major tackle shops
New rules and guide for Western rock lobster
Our new Rock lobster recreational fishing guide outlines changes made to the landing and possession of rock lobster to simplify the rules.
The intent of the changes allows for a person to take rock lobster tails to a friend’s house for a feed, but still allow fishers to use lobster heads for bait or burley.
Regulations have been amended to generally allow a person to process tails, except when they’re on a boat - rock lobsters must be landed whole to allow compliance officers a chance to inspect your catch.
We would also like to draw fishers' attention to catch care of lobsters – return any protected lobsters to the water within five minutes. If they are undersize, carrying eggs or tarspot, they have a better chance if returned quickly, and with care to avoid damage to legs.
A current licence is required to fish for any species of rock lobster, and you can fish for them year-round. Check the new guide for bag and size limits and more detail on the new rules.
River tagging for bull sharks
The McGowan Government will extend its highly successful shark tagging research program to include bull sharks and monitoring in the Swan Canning Estuary.
The tagging program currently focuses on white sharks which present the greatest risk in southern waters. The Department has tagged a total of 163 white sharks with 10 tagged this season as part of its Shark Monitoring Network.
The expanded tagging program to include bull sharks and more receivers will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the movements of these and other sharks which may be present in the estuary, which is critical to informing what mitigation measures may prove effective.
Tagging of adult and juvenile bull sharks will operate in the summer and autumn periods.
DPIRD will work with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to build on its current research program that includes tagging and tracking movements of juvenile bull sharks in the Swan Canning Estuary.
Beach, estuary and river users are encouraged to download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed. It is also very important for anyone who sees a shark to report it to Water Police immediately on 9442 8600.
BEN signs milestone
1500 Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs have now been rolled out along WA’s coastline, from the South Coast through to the Mid-West.
After beginning as an initiative by the City of Mandurah and Rick Gerring (pictured), following the fatal injury of Rick’s brother Ben in 2016, BEN signs are now available to help beachgoers in need across 36 Local Government Authorities.
Since their installation, the signs have helped more than 600 people who called for WA Police assistance and a further 880 who required ambulance support.
The signs can also be used to report shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600, making surf lifesavers and the public aware of shark activity.
A map of all existing BEN signs is available on the SharkSmart WA app and website.
In house testing for biotoxins
In a WA first our scientists can now complete in-house testing for shellfish biotoxins.
Rather than sending samples interstate, DPIRD’s new high-end equipment can test for 27 different toxins that may be found in the flesh of shellfish such as oysters or mussels.
DPIRD is utilising the technology to protect WA’s reputation as a clean, safe producer of seafood by meeting stringent international testing requirements. This capability supports the WA shellfish industry to expand and access international markets.
This project would not have succeeded without our valued WA producers, who generously provided seafood specimens throughout the test development and close collaborations with the scientific community and international leaders in the field.
Blowie warning
Do you take your dog down to the water? Do they keep you company while fishing, or going for a walk along the beach?
Pet owners are advised to take extra care as there have been increased reports of blowfish on shorelines recently, which can be deadly to your pets.
Blowfish contain a neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin in their organs and skin. Pets that eat blowfish may vomit soon after eating them, and show signs such as drooling, panting, dullness, and lethargy. This may progress to wobbliness/weakness, usually starting in the legs. Ingestion of blowfish by pets can be life-threatening, so seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet has had contact with, or eaten a blowfish.
Fishers – if you catch a blowie, return it to the water immediately. Blowfish play an important role in the ecosystem by cleaning up scraps. To keep our jetties and beaches clean and pristine, please don’t dump dead blowies on or near jetties, boat ramps, or at popular swimming beaches. Put them in the bin, or if there is none available, take them home, use as fertiliser or dispose of through your rubbish pickup.
Two Rocks Marine Park reminder
DPIRD’s Compliance team would like to remind recreational fishers that Two Rocks Marine Park has a no-go zone for recreational fishing. The marine park is located 5km offshore in Commonwealth waters and recreational fishing is allowed in most of the park except in the National Park Zone which is set aside as a 'no-take' area. Check the new signs at Mindarie and Ocean Reef Marinas, or for more information, check the Recfishwest app or visit the Parks Australia website.
Alexandrium update
Crabbers are reminded that Alexandrium is still present in the Swan River, and crabs that are to be eaten need to be cleaned properly. While the algal plumes that were seen in February have subsided, Alexandrium is still being detected between East Perth to Maylands, and in the Canning River, and can move with the tide. For more information on how to clean crabs, visit our website.
Caught out!
Busted for using illegal marron gear and fishing out of season
DPIRD Compliance Officers worked with WA Police to apprehend targeted offenders fishing for marron in the Moore River. Fishers were busted with more than 30 pieces of fishing gear and were fishing out of season, which makes any marron fishing activity illegal.
Snippets
Crab education video
The DPIRD Education team have put together an informative video on the best way to carefully handle and measure blue swimmer crabs. Check it out, send the link to family and friends and stay safe and legal while crabbing.
New recreational fishing calendar!
You asked, and we listened! Check out our NEW recreational fishing calendar - now live on our website. At a glance, you can see which species you can catch around WA.
Abalone season wrap up
The 2022/23 abalone sessions delivered improved safety outcomes this summer, with a dramatic fall in rescues. Read more on our website.
Salmon run safety
Stay safe if you’re ‘Switching your fish’ to salmon during the Autumn salmon run by following a number of safety tips.
Carpet sea squirt
DPIRD's quarantine protocols have helped prevent the spread of a marine pest called carpet sea squirt, which was first detected at a Henderson marine facility.
Events galore!
March was o-"fish"-ally the month of Fish events for DPIRD. We had fun attending the Channel 7 Crab Fest, and the Fremantle Boat and Seafood Festival. Thanks to all those who attended the DPIRD stalls to learn about sustainable fishing.
Seasonal notes
Fishing for demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion is now open from 1 April to 31 July (inclusive).
Fishing for blue swimmer crabs in Cockburn Sound is closed until further notice.
BEN signs
Take note of your nearest BEN sign when heading down to the beach. These signs provide important location information in the event of a beach emergency.
Be SharkSmart
Join more than 100,000 people who have already downloaded the SharkSmart WA app. Report shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600 or download the SharkSmart WA app for near real time updates of the latest reported sightings.
Rock fishing safety
Keep the sand between your toes and stay off the rocks – but if you do choose to fish from the rocks, fish with a buddy, always let people know where you are going, and make sure you wear a type 1 life jacket, rock boots and follow the rock fishing safety tips on RecfishWest's fish and survive website.
Aquatic biosecurity
You can help us keep WA’s aquatic environment pest free 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 please do not return them to the water.
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 can call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or report it online at: https://www.crimestopperswa.com.au/organisation-report/fishwatch/
Illegal fishing could include someone netting in the river, exceeding bag or possession limits, taking undersize fish, fishing in a closed area, or selling or attempting to sell recreationally caught fish.
Before you report, make a note of as much detail as possible, such as who, what, when, where and how, including registration numbers. All reports are confidential. For your own personal safety, it’s not recommended that you approach anyone involved in illegal fishing activity.
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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 © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2023.
