Minister lifts fishing ban threat hanging over anglers at Green's Pool

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today ruled out prohibiting fishing at Green's Pool near Denmark on Western Australia's southern coast.

In April this year, the Department of Fisheries called for public submissions on whether fishing should be banned along 600m of beach and headland at the popular tourist and swimming destination located about 15km from Denmark.

Mr Moore said that Green's Pool, a major tourist attraction in the William Bay National Park, was popular almost year round for swimming or fishing because it was protected from prevailing weather and current conditions by a surrounding headland.

But he said conflict between different users of the marine area around Green's Pool had prompted him to ask for advice on whether fishing should be banned.

It was previously suggested that the presence of fishers, as well as fishing hooks and other tackle left behind or lost in the water, was dangerous to swimmers, snorkelers and beach visitors.

"The Department of Fisheries carried out a thorough assessment of the submissions," the Minister said. "Part of the department's advice was that the Denmark Shire Council did not have the relevant legal powers to regulate fishing within the William Bay National Park.

"I have decided not to prohibit fishing at Green's Pool and instead will write to the William Bay National Park Authority asking it to work with the Denmark Shire Council to educate the public about the conflicting needs of fishers and other users of the area."

Mr Moore said the department had received 65 responses to its call for public submissions, 49 for prohibiting fishing at Green's Pool, 13 against the prohibition and two submissions - from the WA Industry Fishing Council and the Department of Environment - neutral.

"It should be noted that most submissions supporting the ban were from individuals wanting Green's Pool to be a marine sanctuary rather than to address the issues of conflict and swimmer safety," he said.

"I believe that with the proper signage and by encouraging anglers to restrict their fishing activities when swimmers are around, most of these conflicts will resolve themselves."

Minister's office  - 9422 3000