Steps to protect stocks of cobbler

3/11/94

Conservation measures designed to protect stocks of cobbler, a popular recreational fishing species, have been announced by Fisheries Minister Monty House.

Growing concern about the decline of cobbler populations in southern estuaries by anglers, regional recreational fishing committees and the Fisheries Department, has prompted the new measures.

The change in size limit for recreational anglers complements a new minimum size of 33.5cm (partial length) introduced earlier this year for commercial fishermen.

"The Leschenault and Peel Harvey estuaries have been of most concern where both commercial and recreational catches of cobbler have decreased significantly," Mr House said.

"To help boost stocks, there has been a three-month recreational netting closure and a two month commercial bunting closure in Peel-Harvey and Leschenault estuaries during the peak cobbler spawning season.

"These closures are likely to continue in coming years."

A minimum size limit of 43 centimetres (total length) now applies to cobbler taken by recreational fishermen. Use of fish traps and cobbler pots is now prohibited in all Western Australian waters.

Cobbler usually nest between September and November and tend to remain in their home estuary.

The ban on fish traps is effective immediately and primarily designed to address the use of unbaited cobbler traps.  It will also benefit other fish species which have been caught in bait and fish traps, such as juvenile barramundi, tailor and black bream.

Media contact:  Will Henwood (09) 481 2044

Fisheries Department:  Andrew Cribb 220 5319