New bag limits introduced for black bream in the Swan River

8/6/99
Fisheries Minister Monty House today announced new bag limits had been introduced for black bream in the Swan River to protect fish stocks.
The daily bag limit for black bream - one of Perth's most popular angling species - has been reduced from 20 to eight in the Swan River, bringing the species in these waters into line with the 'key angling and sport fish' protection category.
The Swan River bag limit reduction is supported by both Recfishwest and the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC).
For all other State waters, the daily bag limit remains at 20.
Mr House said the reduction in the daily bag limit for black bream in the Swan River would assist in protecting the quality of its recreational bream fishery.
"Black bream take approximately three years to reach breeding size and it is important that steps are taken to protect the fishery for future generations," he said.
In March the Minister contributed $20,000 from the Fisheries Development and Better Interest fund towards Recfishwest's Bream Survival Revival Program to increase the bream population in the Swan.
The minimum legal size for black bream of 250mm remains across the State.
A complete review of the management arrangements for recreational fishing on the Western Australian coast between Kalbarri and Augusta, is currently under way.
This will result in a five-year management strategy aimed at protecting the future quality of recreational fishing in the area.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044