New mgmt arrangements for commercial crab fishing in Geographe Bay

24/3/99
Fisheries Minister Monty House today announced new management arrangements for commercial crab fishing in Geographe Bay.
The fishery, which is made up mainly of blue swimmer crabs, is popular with both commercial and recreational fishers.
The announcement follows a two-year review, which was initiated by the Minister in response to public concern regarding a conflict of interest between recreational and commercial fishers.
Mr House said the arrangements followed extensive consultation with interested groups and investigation of current management arrangements.
The new arrangements would prohibit commercial crab fishing within 400m of the shore between Port Geographe and Dolphin Road in Busselton, and within 800m of the Busselton Jetty. Recreational fishers would continue to be able to fish the entire bay.
In addition, there would be prohibition of commercial crab fishing in all waters off Geographe Bay on public holidays, weekends, school holidays and one hour after sunrise and one hour prior to sunset on permitted fishing days.
Other measures for commercial fishers include increasing the minimum catch size to 128mm. Catch sizes for recreational fishers would remain at 127mm.
Mr House said the measures would take effect prior to the peak commercial crab fishing in winter.
"The outcome of the review is a positive step forward for the crab fishery in Geographe Bay and I commend the Shire, Bernie Masters MLA, RECFISHWEST and the WA Fishing Industry Council for their contribution and commitment to resolving the issues," Mr House said.
"With respect to the sharing of crab catches in Geographe Bay in the longer term, I have agreed at the request of the parties involved to nominate this issue for consideration through the Voluntary Resource Sharing Guidelines process. This process will bring interest groups together at the same time for a series of discussions on access to crab stocks in the bay.
"I have also approved a 12-month trial of the use of pots to take Blue Manna crabs in Geographe Bay which is comparative to the trial being conducted in Mandurah."
Mr House said that another key issue, which came out of the process, was the need for research on crab stocks in Geographe Bay.
"I am committed to providing resources for crab research for the State's blue swimmer crab fishery and have extended its crab research program," Mr House said.
"Commercial crab fishers in Geographe Bay would be encouraged to participate in a detailed log book program to aid the research."
Further details of the interim management arrangements for crab fishing in the bay are available from Fisheries WA on 9482 7201 or 9752 2152.
Media Contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044