Recreational fishing season starts

20/11/00
The 2000 summer recreational fishing season was again expected to provide good catches for Western Australia's many recreational fishers Fisheries Minister Monty House said today
"A good start to the abalone and rock lobster seasons together with quality catches of finfish along our beaches and rivers looks promising for another enjoyable summer fishing season," he said.
Sound sustainable fisheries management by Fisheries WA, in partnership with the community, would continue to provide quality fishing opportunities throughout Western Australia.
"Fisheries WA's latest advertising campaign coincides with the start of the summer recreational fishing season and continues to reinforce the agency's successful 'Fish for the Future' initiative," Mr House said.
The print and television campaign features West Coast Eagle and keen recreational fisher Glen Jakovich and 'Norm', the bush poet, advocating ethical fishing values.
"The theme for the campaign 'Fish for a Feed' builds on Fisheries WA's previous advertising campaign, which set out to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing in WA," Mr House said.
"More than 600,000 recreational anglers throughout Western Australia have a vital role to play in the conservation of fish stocks by making the most of their experience and only taking enough for their immediate needs.
"Fishers in Western Australia enjoy some of the best recreational fishing in the world. It is big business with an estimated economic impact of more than half a billion dollars annually."
Mr House said that during the summer recreational fishing season, Fisheries WA officers and Volunteer Fisheries Liaison Officers (VFLOs) would continue to liaise with recreational fishers to promote the best techniques for handling and releasing fish.
"VFLOs will visit popular fishing locations during the season to encourage anglers to fish responsibly and to understand fishing rules regarding bag and size limits," he said.
Mr House said that while protecting fish stocks was a major priority, the safety of recreational fishers was also extremely important and he urged fishers to check weather conditions before they set out on fishing trips.
"Make sure your boat has appropriate safety equipment to ensure your own safety and that of other members of your boating trip," he said.
"Avoid dangerous fishing spots such as slippery rocks and areas where there is a possibility of king waves, and make sure family and friends are informed of your fishing location and your expected time of return."
Mr House thanked the State's 230 volunteer fisheries liaison officers for their valuable time and effort toward a sustainable fishing future and another successful summer season.
Media contact: Julie Cole - 9481 2044