Management Plan to rebuild pink snapper stocks in Shark Bay World Heritage Area

3/6/98

A fisheries management plan to rebuild pink snapper stocks in the eastern gulf of the Shark Bay World Heritage area has been announced today by Fisheries Minister Monty House.

Mr House said a three-year ban would be introduced on the taking and landing of pink snapper in the eastern gulf of Shark Bay. The ban will not apply to the taking of pink snapper in the western gulf or from the oceanic waters, north of Shark Bay.

"While a three-year ban had been introduced, it will be reviewed subject to on-going research into pink snapper stocks, " Mr House said.

"Comprehensive catch data on other species and pink snapper will be provided by a continuing research program in all areas within Shark Bay.

"The closure will take effect from June 9 and is essential if the pink snapper fishery is to become sustainable once again."

The Minister's decision followed an extensive six-week public consultation process during which a vast majority of submissions supported tougher action to preserve and protect fish stocks.

"Research shows pink snapper stocks are severely depleted in the inner part of the eastern gulf of Shark Bay and any level of fishing could place the snapper stocks at risk of collapse," Mr House said.

"We need to rebuild pink snapper stocks in the inner gulfs if we want to ensure Shark Bay has a future as a world class recreational fishery."

The management plan also includes:

·      a mixed bag and landing limit of five [5] fish has been introduced in the eastern gulf to counter any fishing pressure which may be transferred to other reef fish species following the ban and will take effect from early July; and -

·      controls in the western gulf will remain unchanged with a bag limit of four [4] pink snapper per angler, a minimum legal size of 45cm and a limit of only two [2] pink snapper over 70cm. The daily mixed bag limit of seven [7] will continue in the western gulf.

"The local community's support will continue to play a key role in rebuilding snapper stocks," Mr House said.

The Minister said that fishers could still enjoy a wide variety of rewarding recreational fishing at Shark Bay.

Recreational fishers would be invited to take part in Fisheries WA tagging programs starting in July to monitor the rebuilding effort.

Fisheries WA would also embark on an education campaign to inform fishers on catch and release techniques.

For further information on the tagging program and the Shark Bay Pink Snapper management plan contact the Fisheries WA Denham office on [08] 9948 1210.

MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Cole [08] 9481 2044