Recfishwest to improve regional fisheries management



Recfishwest is proud to announce the appointment of a new Regional Policy Officer. This recently created position will provide new consultation and engagement opportunities for recreational fishers throughout regional W.A.



Andrew Rowland comes to Recfishwest after recently completing a PhD at Murdoch University. He brings with him over 12 years experience working on issues affecting aquatic resources throughout Western Australia, including the highly successful Samson Science and demersal fish tagging projects.



“The appointment of Andrew to this position is a key component of Recfishwest’s new regional consultation strategy.” Executive Director Frank Prokop said today.



Mr Prokop thanked the Minister and the Department of Fisheries for supporting an enhanced regional consultation process.

Recfishwest has restructured its Board of Management to include regional representatives to better service regional recreational fisheries management issues. This restructure involved the creation of four new board member positions, being Pilbara/Kimberley, Gascoyne, West Coast and South Coast.



Recfishwest is currently calling for nominations to fill these bioregional Board member positions at the Recfishwest AGM on 30 October.



“Andrew will be coordinating meetings and advice on recreational fisheries management, marine parks and natural resource management from the bio-regions. Although this position is based in the Recfishwest offices in Perth, he will spend a significant amount of time travelling into the regions and engaging with grassroots fishers.” Mr Prokop said.



Recfishwest recently joined forces with the local community to host Kununurra’s annual fishing clinic for children which attracted over 100 attendees. This visit coincided with meeting members of the local fishing community where Recfishwest asked for big issues and small ones.



“Since visiting the East Kimberley, Recfishwest has addressed concerns relating to fisheries compliance in remote areas and is assisting the community to move forward stocking Lake Kununurra with Barramundi.” Mr Prokop said.



Recfishwest hopes to make similar progress in other regions of the state as this new consultation strategy proceeds.



ENDS



Media Contacts. Frank Prokop, Executive Director - Recfishwest ph. 9246 3366 or 0419 949 118

Andrew Rowland, Regional Policy Officer – Recfishwest ph. 9246 3366 or 0418 326 747