New fishing regulations to protect WA barramundi stocks

20/2/02
Fisheries Minister Kim Chance today announced a dynamic new plan for the management of the State's barramundi fishery.
"Following extensive consultation with commercial and recreational fishers, a plan has been developed to ensure the long-term sustainability of our precious barramundi stocks," Mr Chance said.
"The new rules have received across-the-board support from the commercial and recreational sectors and I would like to thank them for their positive participation in the process.
"This is an excellent example of what can be achieved through a co-operative approach to resolving resource sharing issues.
"More than 50,000 recreational fishers visit the North West every year in search of fish like barramundi.
"These numbers represent a considerable boost to the region's economy and we must do everything we can to protect what is one of its most important attractions."
To improve the quality of recreational fishing in the region and resolve resource sharing conflict, commercial barramundi fishing will be closed or restricted in the following areas:

• the Fitzroy River;

• around the townsite of Derby;

• in key recreational fishing areas around Broome; and

• on the Ord River.

To manage for growing recreational fishing pressure and to ensure the sustainability of barramundi stocks, the recreational fishing possession limit for barramundi is being reduced from five to two.
In addition there will be three special barramundi conservation areas where different rules apply. These are:

• Ord River - this includes the Dunham River, which flows into the Ord River. In this area the possession limit remains at one, the maximum size 80cm;

• Fitzroy River - all waters upstream of 17o 27' south latitude (lower reaches of King Sound). A maximum size of 80cm applies. Fishers should note a possession limit of two applies; and

• Broome area - all waters from Cunningham Point (east of Cape Leveque) to 19o South latitude (northern end of 80 Mile Beach). A daily bag limit of one. Noting a possession limit of two applies.

"Possession limits were introduced to deter fishers from fishing for the freezer," Mr Chance said.
"Simply put, accumulating large quantities of fish is not sustainable.
"A minimum legal size for barramundi of 55cm applies across the State. In addition, a maximum size limit of 80cm applies in both the Fitzroy and Ord Rivers.
"Having a maximum size limit will help protect large spawning females and benefit the angler by promoting the opportunity for the capture and release of 'trophy' barramundi."
Mr Chance also announced changes to netting regulations. From March 1, all recreational set and haul netting will be prohibited from Beadon Creek (near Onslow) to the Western Australian/Northern Territory border. However, throw netting will still be permitted in open waters if the fisher holds a recreational netting licence.
"The new changes obviously raise issues of enforcement and the Government is actively working on ways to further improve compliance measures in the region," the Minister said.
Minister's office: 9213 6700