Each year pink snapper gather in the Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds to breed over several months with peaks in spawning activity linked to both water temperature and lunar cycles over the spring and summer months.
The annual closure is an important measure to protect aggregating pink snapper when they are most vulnerable and runs through until 31 January 2027.
Fishers are also reminded that the entire West Coast region from Kalbarri to Augusta is currently closed to boat-based demersal fishing as part of the stock recovery measures.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Principal Fisheries Management Officer Shane Walters said seasonal closures were a vital management tool used to protect fish populations during spawning periods.
“It is important that fishers abide by the spawning closure to help rebuild pink snapper stocks to a sustainable level,” Mr Walters said.
“Fisheries and Marine Officers will continue to be out and about talking to fishers to make sure they were aware of the spawning closures as well as the broader West Coast region closure.”
Mr Walters said recreational fishers were encouraged to visit their local tackle shop for advice on diversifying their fishing experiences to target alternative sustainable species such as such as tuna, samsonfish, whiting and squid during the closures.
“Fishers who hold a current Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence can claim up to $50 for the purchase of fishing gear through a participating WA independent tackle store as part of the Tackle Shope Rebate Program,” he said.
Recreational fishers can check to see if seasonal closures or restrictions are in place via the fishing rules website.
More information the Tackle Shop Rebate Program is available on the DPIRD website
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