Issue #75 February 2023
Catch!
Recreational fishing news
New demersal rules now in place
Management changes to help boost the recovery of demersal scalefish stocks from Kalbarri to Augusta are now in place.
From 1 February 2023 there will be three closures for fishing for demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion throughout the year, with open seasons timed so that people can still fish during all school holiday periods.
The first closure for 2023 is now in place. Catching demersal scalefish from a boat* in the West Coast Bioregion is prohibited from 1 February to 31 March (inclusive). Any demersal fish caught unintentionally during the closure need to be immediately and carefully returned to the water – but you can still go fishing for non-demersal species.
New measures to help protect our important demersal stocks also came into effect on 1 February. These include changes to bag, boat and size limits and gear restrictions.
The individual bag limit for WA dhufish has been increased to two fish. The removal of the WA dhufish bag limit of one, within the mixed species bag limit of two is being trialled with the aim of reducing the need to release WA dhufish and therefore reduce post-release mortality. To be effective, this change relies on recreational fishers not to high grade their catch, but to stop fishing once they have reached their demersal scalefish bag limit.
Other changes to catch limits include a boat limit of four demersal scalefish per vessel and the removal of the WA dhufish boat limit. Size limits for WA dhufish, balchin groper and breaksea cod have also been removed to limit barotrauma.
*Recreational demersal closures in the West Coast Bioregion apply to all recreational fishers except recreational shore-based line fishers. Fishers should be aware that spearfishing (from a boat or from shore), and fishing from a kayak or similar vessels for demersal scalefish is not permitted during the demersal scalefish closures.
For more detail, download our brochure or the new Recreational Fishing Guide using the links below.
Keeping fishers safe during abalone season
We use Surf Life Saving WA’s (SLSWA) surf prediction modelling to help keep abalone fishers safe for each of our metro abalone fishing sessions.
SLSWA modelling uses the best available information on conditions from a variety of sources, and rates the risks for factors such as wind speed, wave height, tide, swell period and direction.
We are now half-way through the metro abalone fishing season. The first two sessions for the 2022/23 season had a low to medium risk rating, so fishers were able to proceed with caution. The final two dates are 4 and 18 February 2023, from 7.00am to 8.00am.
As with any abalone fishing, licensed fishers taking part also need to evaluate the ocean and weather conditions themselves, before entering the water, to ensure they have sufficient water skills to manage the conditions safely.
It is very important that participants have suitable clothing and gear for abalone fishing and familiarise themselves with the rules, available from the Abalone recreational fishing guide and on the recreational fishing rules website.
Please note - fishers who want to head to Penguin Island on designated abalone fishing dates need to be aware of the potential closure of the Island if the forecast temperature for the day is 35 degrees Celsius or over. Boat fishers can still fish for abalone offshore from Penguin Island, provided vessel occupants don’t go onto the island when the closures are in place. Stay up to date on Penguin Island closures via the DBCA Park Alerts website - https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au/
Sound science
Our researchers are looking beneath the surface of Cockburn Sound to better understand how key marine species use the area during different life stages.
The work forms part of one of the largest marine science programs ever in WA - the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program.
Experts from The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and key stakeholders are leading four projects to increase our knowledge of key fish and invertebrate species and ecological processes.
The projects will investigate the effects of climate change, suspended solids in the water under different scenarios, effectiveness of juvenile snapper stocking and life stages of key fish species using Cockburn Sound.
DPIRD researchers have spent more than 150 days on the water and recorded more than 220 fish and invertebrate species, using a broad range of fisheries research techniques including netting, crab traps, acoustics, light traps and underwater video.
This research will be considered as part of the environmental approval process for the proposed Westport Program and inform mitigation strategies for potential impacts on fisheries and aquatic resources.
For more information on our Cockburn Sound research projects, visit our website below.
What do you do if you see a fish kill?
If you see a fish kill, the best way to help is to report it to the FishWatch 24/7 reporting service on 1800 815 507. Tell us where and what you saw, including numbers of dead fish, and if possible, species affected. If you have GPS coordinates and/or photographs, that will also assist our investigation.
Our officers will gather information and assess the extent of the fish kill, and have been trained to collect suitable samples for laboratory testing using appropriate safety methods and equipment.
If you do see a fish kill, keep yourself and your pets safe and follow this general Department of Health advice:
- Do not swim in areas of water with large numbers of dead and decomposing fish because they may contain high levels of bacteria and have an objectionable odour;
- Do not fish in water with large numbers of dead fish;
- Temporarily, don’t collect or consume fish from the waters near a fish kill;
- Do not collect and use dead fish for bait or consumption because of the risk of high levels of bacteria; and
- Do not allow pets and other animals to come into contact with dead or decomposing fish either in the water or on shore.
Investigating community concerns
A growing community concern in Geraldton about interference with recreational rock lobster fishing gear led to a successful compliance operation by our officers to counter illegal fishing activity.
During December, Operation Shorewick was commenced and utilised covert surveillance and the execution of search warrants, as part of a strategy to detect illegal fishing activity. As a result of the Operation, four people are now facing prosecution action for multiple offences.
The intensive operation saw officers check more than 680 fishers, especially those fishing in the early hours of morning, to gather evidence and track down persons of interest.
Two people are now facing prosecution for interfering with rock lobster pots, another for obstruction of an officer, and a fourth person will have to front Court for taking undersize rock lobster, plus excess bag limit of lobsters and sea urchins, not having a rock lobster licence, not tail clipping as required for recreationally caught lobsters and using illegal means.
Interfering with other people’s fishing gear, such as pulling pots, is a breach of the Fish Resources Management Act, which has a general penalty of up to $25,000, and one-year’s imprisonment. There is also a mandatory additional penalty based on 10 times the prescribed value of the fish, subject to the offence.
Focus on Esperance ecology
Our research scientists are working with the Esperance Tjaltjraak (ETNTAC) Ranger team on Kepa Kurl (Esperance) sea country to investigate the ecology of local fish species with cultural significance.
The project fosters collaborative research and two-way learning, by supporting the Tjaltjraak Healthy Country Plan and exploring issues of importance to both ETNTAC and DPIRD.
The most recent work involved preliminary investigation into the ecology of the fish species, which are also important to the wider community of commercial and recreational fishers.
The long-term aim is to use the information to feed into current DPIRD fisheries management, and to assist ETNTAC in the monitoring of the health of estuarine environments.
Don’t dump your fish in a cave!
To help protect the unique fish of our Exmouth cave systems, new ‘don’t dump your aquarium fish’ signs have been installed at Qualing Pool and Dozer Cave.
Dumping aquarium fish is an ongoing concern for the health of our freshwater ecosystems. Introduced fish often have a negative impact on native species through predation or competition, and some can modify the environment or introduce diseases or parasites.
If you no longer want your aquarium fish, return them to an aquarium shop, give them to someone else that wants them, or humanely euthanise them.
Guppies, a popular aquarium fish, were found in the fragile cave systems near Exmouth in 1994. We have been working with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to help eradicate guppies to protect unique cave dwelling species.
Although a complex environment to work in, guppies were eradicated from Dozer Cave in 2018. The system has now been free of this highly invasive species for four years.
Since then, guppies and sailfin mollies have been dumped in Qualing Pool, also near Exmouth, and work has been undertaken to clear them from the system. As well as ongoing monitoring, there are plans to restock Qualing Pool with native fish species in 2023.
If you see introduced fish in the waters around Exmouth please report them to FishWatch on 1800 815 507 or email aquatic.biosecurity@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Summer reminder for Swan and Canning river crabbers
Crab fishers are advised to remove the head, guts (mustard) and gills from blue swimmer crabs caught in these rivers before freezing, cooking or eating them, due to the potential for the effects of the toxic algae Alexandrium.
Alexandrium can produce Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PSTs) which can accumulate in crustacea and mussels. Eating affected crabs and mussels may be dangerous and, in extreme cases, fatal. If you become ill after consuming crabs or mussels seek medical attention promptly.
Cooking whole crabs does not destroy these PSTs and could potentially spread and concentrate the toxin from crab guts into the flesh or broth. Freezing whole crabs could result in PSTs spreading to the flesh during thawing.
River users should stay aware of algal blooms and look out for caution signs and updates in the media. More information is available from: www.dbca.wa.gov.au/algal-bloom.
And remember - you still have to land and transport blue swimmers home as whole crabs, unless you plan to eat them immediately.
Information on how to clean blue swimmer crabs is available from: www.fish.wa.gov.au/alerts.
New patrol boat for Carnarvon
Our on-water presence in the Gascoyne recently received a boost, with a Fisheries patrol boat now permanently based at Carnarvon.
The 9.5 metre FD10 is a Naiad-design, well known for its sea keeping abilities while maintaining swiftness and safety on the water. Newly refurbished, it has history as a former sea rescue boat based in Broome.
As a sea rescue vessel, it was formerly named Redbill II in honour of a lugger built in Fremantle in 1903, which made its mark in the pearling industry for decades, but was lost in a cyclone in Broome in April 2000.
As a patrol vessel, FD10 has been fitted with an awesome array of technology to support our officers in the Gascoyne, including an infrared night vision camera to assist in search and rescue operations. The patrol boat’s communication assets will also help ensure crew safety and enable real-time intelligence gathering.
Caught out!
Rock lobster gear interference
A recreational fisher has lost his rock lobster licence and copped a big fine for illegal sales of rock lobster and interfering with fishing gear. The 33 year old Yanchep man has been prohibited from being on any vessel used for rock lobster fishing for six months and has been issues with fines, penalties and court costs totalling $11,014.30.
Abalone fishing in no-go zone
An investigation is continuing with a view to prosecution, after our officers observed a man fishing on an exposed reef platform south of Cape Burney during low tide.
The waters North of the Moore River mouth through to the Northern Territory border have been closed to abalone fishing since 2011, when stocks were decimated by a marine heatwave. The closure of abalone fishing along this part of the coast is in place so that abalone stock can recover to a sustainable level.
The officers apprehended the 53-year-old man after they stopped him and searched a backpack in his possession. They found 127 Roe’s abalone and a screwdriver.
Snippets
Seasonal notes
2023 Marron season closes at noon on 5 February.
Fishing for demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion is closed from 1 February to 31 March (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 protect 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.
