Changes to recreational fishing rules at Ningaloo Marine Park

Sweeping changes to recreational fishing rules at Ningaloo Marine Park were announced today by Fisheries Minister Gordon Hill.

Mr Hill said the new rules would take effect from tomorrow and would include a daily bag limit of seven fish per fisher in marine park waters and boat ramps.

A ban on spearfishing for vulnerable reef fish - such as tuskfish, gropers and cod - would also come into effect and a special bag limit of one fish per fisher would apply to coral and coronation trout.

A possession limit of 17 kilograms of fish per person would apply in the marine park and on land nearby.

"Ningaloo Marine Park protects Australia's biggest fringing coral barrier reef and is one of Western Australia's most important marine natural heritage areas," Mr Hill said.

"It is also one of our most popular recreational fishing holiday destinations and attracts more than 20,000 angling parties every year during the peak winter season.

"It is vital that we act now to protect fish stocks, from over-fishing and ensure the future of the area - as a fishing holiday destination and a conservation area."

Mr Hill said the new rules for Ningaloo complemented the Statewide regulations introduced last December and had been determined after wide consultation with local and State fishing groups, Government bodies and local authorities.

"If we are to protect our heritage and ensure sustainable fishing, it is essential to prevent excessive catches and to deter unscrupulous fishers who sell or barter their catches," the Minister said.

"This is particularly true of areas such as the Ningaloo Reef, where many slow-growing species may take four or more years to reach breeding size.

"There are indications from Exmouth's residents and visitors that individual catches have declined substantially in the past 15 years or so.

"Recreational fishers are estimated to take more than 100,000 kilograms of fish from marine park waters every year.

"But the era when fishers on holiday could expect to eat fish every day and take freezers full of fillets home to friends is over.

"Lower take-home quantities of fish will not detract from the enjoyment of fishing at Ningaloo, but will help ensure catches for the future.

"Average daily catches in marine park water are around four fish per angler, so the bag limit of seven gives plenty of scope for a good catch."

Mr Hill said Statewide bag limits would continue to apply to some abundant transient species in the marine park, such as mullet, tailor and whiting.

A fishing guide to Ningaloo Marine Park will be available from Fisheries Department offices before the July school holidays.