Interim fishing measures to protect barramundi in lower Ord River region

13/10/97

New interim fishing measures are to be introduced into one of Western Australia's most remote recreational fishing areas to protect a highly prized stock, Fisheries Minister Monty House announced today.

Mr House said the interim measures were required to protect barramundi in the lower Ord River region.

Under the interim arrangements, the maximum size limit for barramundi would be 80cm and anglers would be limited to a possession limit of one legal-sized barramundi.

The possession limit would apply to the section of the river extending from the diversion dam wall on Lake Kununurra to an east-west line through Scott Point on Adolphus Island.

"The Ord River system has the potential to become a major fishing tourism drawcard, as well as providing important recreational opportunities for residents of the area," Mr House said.

"An estimated 500,000 tourists a year participate in fishing while in the Kimberley."

Mr House said the new measures were a cautious approach linked to the opening of a virtually untouched area of water and could be reviewed in the future.

The decision was made in consultation with the Kununurra community and had been endorsed by the East and West Kimberley recreational fishing advisory committees, the Lower Ord Management Committee and the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee.

"There was concern within the community that the barramundi stock which had built up while the quarantine restrictions were in place could easily be overfished if new management measures were not put in place," Mr House said.

"This new maximum size limit is designed to protect female spawning stocks while still allowing anglers access to the prize barramundi synonymous with the region.

"It will also assist in preserving the quality of recreational fishing in the area by maintaining stock levels and the chances for capture and release of 'trophy' fish over 80cm."

Mr House said the proposals complemented the existing minimum size limit for barramundi of 55cm.

He said the measures would form part of a Recreational Fisheries Management Strategy (RFMS) to manage fish stocks in the lower Ord River.

The plan was being developed by the Fisheries Department and the East Kimberley community in response to the growth of the Ord River as a recreational fishery in the East Kimberley.

The interim measures begin on November 10 and inquiries can be directed to Andrew Cribb at the Fisheries Department in Perth.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell [08] 9481 2044