Public comment sought on Pilbara/Kimberley fishing strategy

15/7/04
Members of the public are being asked to play a part in shaping the future of recreational fishing in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia.
The Department of Fisheries has released a draft fisheries management strategy titled: A Quality Future for Recreational Fishing in the Pilbara/Kimberley for public comment during the next three months.
The discussion paper was developed by a working group of local anglers from communities including Kununurra, Broome and Karratha, in consultation with the Department of Fisheries.
The review covers the area north of Onslow to the WA/Northern Territory Border and includes all offshore islands and fresh water systems.
Some of the many issues canvassed in the management paper include research, size and catch limits, resource sharing, protection of vulnerable species, haul net fishing and Red Claw trapping in Lake Kununurra.
The Pilbara/Kimberley review and a similar process currently under way in the south complete the first stage of regional planning for the management of recreational fisheries.
This follows the introduction of new recreational fishing management arrangements for the West Coast and Gascoyne regions last year.
A current review of commercial 'wetline' fisheries will complement the new recreational fisheries management strategies. These reviews will introduce a more effective framework and will ultimately lead into management of total catch from all sectors under integrated fisheries management.
Fisheries Minister Kim Chance said the community had an excellent opportunity to have their say on the plan that would guide the future of recreational fishing in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
"The management of our finfish fisheries is at a crossroad and change is needed if we are to protect the future quality of fishing for generations to come," Mr Chance said.
"In the past 15 years, the number of people participating in recreational fishing has increased from 284,000 in 1987 to about 600,000 people in 2004.
"With such growing pressure on fish stocks, a strategy is needed to help us manage how to treat this valuable resource."
A series of public meetings will be held in the major towns of the region over the next two months, gaining feedback on issues raised by the paper. Interested parties are encouraged to prepare written submissions.
"We will carefully consider all submissions before any decisions are made," Mr Chance said.
Members of the public can access a copy of the paper from the department's website at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au or by phoning 9482 7333 during office hours.
The public comment period closes on October 14.

Minister's office: 9213 6700