Recfishwest supports protection for western blue groper at Rottnest Island

http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MediaStateRottnestBlueGroper.htm

Recfishwest today praised the Fisheries Minister, Jon Ford's, announcement to totally protect the western blue groper, in waters around Rottnest Island.

"This is another example of where recreational fishers have proactively endorsed tighter restrictions on a fish species to ensure its sustainability in the future." Kane Moyle, Acting Executive Director said today.

"It was the recreational fishing public that were the driving force behind the total protection of cobbler in the Swan river as well as the protection of pink snapper spawning stocks in Cockburn Sound and Shark Bay." Mr Moyle said.

Recfishwest first called for the total protection of blue groper during the review of the Rottnest Island Marine Management Strategy in 2006. One of the arguments for increased sanctuary zoning at Rottnest was the vulnerability of the long-lived slow-growing blue groper to fishing pressure.

"Recfishwest first suggested the total protection of blue groper in Rottnest Island Authority waters as a solution to this management concern. We were disappointed that it wasn't picked up then." Mr Moyle said.

"We are pleased that the Minister for Fisheries has taken it upon himself to implement this measure. Mr Moyle said.

Recfishwest values the sharing of the fish resources between user groups and in this instance believe it to be important that divers can observe this iconic fish species in the waters around Rottnest Island.

Recfishwest urges that all recreational fishers that incidentally catch a blue groper from June 1 within the waters of the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve to ensure the fish's best chance of post release survival by using a Release Weight.

A brochure and a soon to be launched DVD on how to use the Release Weight will be available on the Recfishwest website http://www.recfishwest.org.au/ReleaseWeight.htm

ENDS

Media Contact:- Kane Moyle, Acting Executive Director - Recfishwest 9246 3366 or 0419 949 118.
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TerryF
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