Recfishwest seeks Minister's support for fisheries management package

Recfishwest seeks Minister's support for fisheries management package



Media Release - Recfishwest seeks Minister's support for fisheries management package. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MediaReleaseDemersalPackage.htm



Recfishwest has presented to Fisheries Minister Norman Moore an alternative management package for west coast demersal scalefish and licence fees.



"Recfishwest has accepted the Minister's challenge to develop an alternative management strategy to reduce the recreational take of key west coast demersal scalefish by 50% without the use of a high licence fee," executive director, Frank Prokop said today.



In developing this package Recfishwest has consulted with key recreational fishing stakeholders through a number of industry summit meetings.



The 50% reduction formed the basis of the management discussions. Following negotiations, Recfishwest endorsed an individual limit of one and a boat limit of two dhufish together with an individual limit of two high risk demersal species within the west coast bioregion. A further two pelagic species such as mahi mahi and Spanish mackerel would also be permitted.



Recfishwest has strongly advocated for the carriage of a release weight to be compulsory for anyone who lands a west coast demersal species.



Research has proven that the release weight dramatically improves survival of dhufish. Mr Prokop said that it was important to continue to improve survival of released fish.



"Our proposal does not include a $150 demersal licence fee, but rather introduces a modified version of the government's proposed state-wide Boat Fishing Licence of $30 per individual fishing from a registered boat," Mr Prokop said.



In taking this position Recfishwest is mindful that not all recreational fishers will be entirely happy with the proposal. Nevertheless, Recfishwest recognises the importance of a licence as a valuable research census tool and an additional revenue source that can be applied to recreational fishing priorities such as; habitat and stock enhancement, dedicated recreational compliance patrols, research and education.



While an agreed position on licences was not able to be reached during the consultation with other industry groups there was wide scale support for the biological aspects of the proposal.



"This shows significant leadership from the recreational sector in responding to a sustainability challenge in the face of a conservation movement looking to lock up the oceans to fishing," Mr Prokop said.



Recfishwest urges the government to strongly consider this package given that it addresses the key issues and removes the element of the original proposal that attracted significant public opposition.



Mr Prokop hoped that the community would see the benefits of this compromise package.



Recfishwest Management Package



West Coast Demersal Management Proposal



•   Closed Season for High Risk West Coast Demersal Scalefish 15 Oct - 15 Dec



•   High Risk West Coast Demersal Scalefish Sub Category - mixed bag limit of 2 (Including an individual dhufish bag limit 1 and boat limit 2. Charter Boat limit of 6 dhufish).



•   West Coast Pelagic Scalefish Sub Category - mixed bag limit of 2.



•   Some pelagic species moved from High Risk to Medium Risk category



•   Compulsory release weight to be carried when landing of High Risk West Coast Demersal Scalefish.



•   Removal of Category 1 Boat Limit of 8 High risk fish



Licence Proposal



•   State-wide Boat Fishing Licence @ $30 per individual fishing from a registered boat (Note: No Licence required by any person fishing to a licensed person's bag limit).



•   Charter boat fishing licence of $15 per trip to apply state-wide where a person fishes on a charter boat without an annual Boat Fishing Licence.



•   Standardise existing licence categories to $40ea



•   10% discount for multiple licences and 50% discount for concessions and under 16



•   No west coast demersal fishing licence.



Compromise Package & Percentage Reductions



New High Risk West Coast Demersal Scalefish Category - a mixed bag limit of 2 per licence holder    34% (includes impact of boat licence)



Closed season 15 Oct - 15 Dec for High Risk West Coast Demersal Scalefish Category    15%



Compulsory release weight    2%



Total    51%



ENDS



Media Contacts:-

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

Kane Moyle, Policy Officer - Recfishwest ph. 9246 3366 or 0403 898 432



==============



The Background.



The Government announced licence and management changes which were due to commence on 15 October 2009. Those were decisions by the whole of Cabinet (the Government), and not just by the Minister for Fisheries or the Department of Fisheries.



The "Fishing Tax Grab" group http://www.fishingtaxgrab.com/ is opposed to the proposed licences and urged people to write to their Members of Parliament, resulting in thousands of letters.



Supported by those, the Labor Opposition has threatened to block those changes using a Disallowance Motion in Parliament. Some Government backbenchers signaled a possibility (or stronger) to also oppose the Government. The Premier and the Fisheries Minister have stood firm that the 50% reduction in the mortality of demersal fish due to recreational fishing is not negotiable, and challenged the opponents to come up with alternatives to achieve that.



Recfishwest called a meeting of Industry, etc attended by representatives as listed below, to produce a combined alternative proposal. Ben Patrick (Fishing Tax Grab), Ian Stagles (WA Game Fishing Association), Mike Roennfeldt (Media), Matt Howard (Charter), Simon Joll (Boating Western Australia), Bruce Barnett (Boating Western Australia), Doug Bathgate (Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee), Tim Carter (Australian Fishing and Tackle Association), Paul Duggan (Australian Fishing and Tackle Association), Scott Coghlan (Media), Geoff Ellis (Boating Industry Association of WA), Pat Shinnick (Australian Anglers Association), Lindsay Joll (Dept of Fisheries), Craig Leatt-Hayter (Recfishwest), Frank Prokop (Recfishwest), Terry Fuller (Recfishwest), Norman Halse (Recfishwest), Des Wood (Recfishwest), Kane Moyle (Executive Support, Recfishwest)



That complete group (not just Recfishwest) came up with an agreed alternative to the management and licences proposed by the Government, which they believed more than met the 50% reduction target, based on calculations using data available to the group.



Recfishwest presented the outcomes of that meeting to the Minister, including presenting the alternative views of some of the Industries on licences. The Minister asked the Dept of Fisheries to advise him if the proposal met his non negotiable 50% reduction in the mortality of demersal fish. The Department advised that it did not, in its opinion, meet the 50% target, and changes were proposed to the package.



That revised package was discussed at a second meeting of the above group on Monday 7 September, called by the Boating Industry Association.



The Recfishwest Board considered the package at the 9 Sept Board meeting. Recognising the long time which has elapsed debating management for West Coast demersal fish and the strong opposition to the high cost licensing package proposed by the Government, Recfishwest has advised the Minister that Recfishwest supports this package as an alternative and compromise. Some other groups are opposed to some parts of the package.



A meeting was held on Friday 11 September between the Minister, RFW Board, representatives of the groups above, and more fishing media people at which the Minister spoke and took comments from people. The Minister and Government will now consider the alternative proposal.



As many people would be aware, there are enormous differences of fishers' and industry opinions about many aspects of all this, including some strong, diametrically opposed and "not negotiable" stances by some.



Recfishwest is well aware of all these opinions. Recfishwest can PRESENT these but cannot REPRESENT   (which means  "promote and expect the acceptance and use of" ) ALL of these conflicting and opposing opinions and then achieve an outcome.



It is one thing to come up with a proposed package, but then the fine and consequential details need to be worked through, before a final agreement can be reached.



In this case there are very complicated political and Government issues, as well as the fisheries management issues.



Publicity for such ongoing and rapid negotiations is always problematic until enough details are final and agreed.



Recfishwest recognises that there are many different views on such an important matter such as licensing and demersal scalefish management, and are pleased that the government is negotiating on a number of the more contentious aspects of the previously announced package.



Recfishwest has now advised its members and the public of this proposal through this media release.



TerryF

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Adam Gallash's picture

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interesting reading

Tue, 2009-09-15 14:17

Good stuff Terry, be interested to see the feedback from both the dept and public.

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12 months ago the bag limit

Tue, 2009-09-15 16:23

12 months ago the bag limit was 7 high risk fish per person with no boat limit so 4 people on a boat could catch 28 high risk fish. Since then we have had a bag limit drop for high risk fish from 7 to 4 with a max of 8 fish per boat if 4 people or under are fishing which I think is a fair outcome, but to cut it again to 2 High risk fish per person is crazy!! up sizing will become common practice for many offshore fishers as most want a days fishing not a few hours. I agree with the Dhui bag limit of 1 per person and max of 2 per boat as this is the fish most under threat but I think the bag limit should stay at 4 per fisher with a max of 8 fish per boat.

I can't under stand scrapping the Demersal Licence? I thought the whole idea was to see how many rec fishers are fishing for these fish so fisheries could have some sort of data??? Even if it is $10 per licence there should be one to stop the guessing game?

I agree with the 2 month ban as this will do more good for Demersals in 2 months than any bag limit reduction will do in 10 months.

 

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"State-wide Boat Fishing

Tue, 2009-09-15 17:43

"State-wide Boat Fishing Licence @ $30 per individual fishing from a registered boat"

Where does that leave kayak fishers? The current proposal includes them as boats even though they are not registered.

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If this proposal is

Tue, 2009-09-15 18:30

If this proposal is accepted, you won't need a boat fishing licences to fish out of any "craft" that doesn't need to be registered, eg kayak, canoe.

TerryF
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Sorry

Tue, 2009-09-15 18:48

Reducing the bag limit to the level suggested will mean upgrade upgrade upgrade.

By the way I would be lucky to catch 1 dhuie when I go out, more to do with my skill level than the lack of fish.

I believe all the other proposals are great. But where does the bag limit go for here ? We will drive fishing underground with more law breakers than you can imagine. Just think long and hard about this and be realistic. We only have one shot and this will create (unfortunately)I believe a dark side.

Leave the limits as they are.

Just my thoughts.

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Craig,   realistically

Tue, 2009-09-15 19:02

Craig,

 

realistically isn't the darkside already there? I don't think the size of the bag limit is really going to increase the plunderers already out there. I believe that better policing in the past with better resources would have played a big part of reducing the need for what is happening now.

 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing isn't it? If the proposed changes are accepted then the govt should learn from the past and ensure it is better policed so we are not sitting here in perhaps 10yrs time looking at a total ban? Strong enforcement is needed to weed out the "darkside". 

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Rules

Tue, 2009-09-15 19:20

1 Dhu fish per person with a mixed bag of 4 fish in this high risk category and a boat limit of 2 Dhu fish and a mixed bag of 8 fish. Scraping the $150 stupidity tax is a must and a $30.00 boat fishing license is acceptable as long as the money goes into research of these 5 vulnerable species.
The 2 month fishing ban is a complete waste of time unless the Pros are not included. What is the point if one section of the fishing industry can rape and pillage with their murdering nets during one of the prime spawning periods for these fish. If the Government were genuine in the endeavours to protect these fish stocks they would have a blanket ban for this spawning period. There needs to be a lot more research done to find the major spawning times and areas for these 5 vulnerable species and close them to ALL fishing during these prime spawning times.

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I can see some deckies

Tue, 2009-09-15 19:30

I can see some deckies losing there spots ,as at the moment I split my catch 50-50 with the deckie ,I eat fish three times a week when avalable,if I am only aloud 4 fish it doesn't give you much fish once split up.Two Dhuies and two baldies around the 5kg mark once filleted . We have six at home so thats gone in one meal. I am all for what ever the new rules will be but as three or four on a boat dosn't give much of a feed once split up.

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very interesting agreed $30

Tue, 2009-09-15 19:38

very interesting

agreed $30 is much more appealing and can benefit both sides of the fence, research and not hurt the pockets of the average fishermen as much.

Bag limit is an interesting one. There is simply no point in cracking a wobbly over the proposal, because the demersal license fee has been removed due to public pressure so this is an alternative.

However restricting to 2 cat 1 fish is very strong.

Someone a few posts up said that bag limits went from 7 cat 1 fish per person, no boat limit only 12 months ago to what we have not.

Interesting to know, how long would it take for these changes put in place to take effect?? has enough water gone under the bridge to see the roll on effect?

Possibly the 4 cat 1 fish Per Person might be an idea?

Definately agree with the 1 Dhu per day.

Might be worth keeping it civil and constructive, as a public opinion based on good ideas rather than negative responses.

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Size limits

Tue, 2009-09-15 19:40

Would like to see the size limits removed off the deep water species,eg 8 bar cod,hapuka etc so fish won't be wasted because its over the 1 metre limit.
Doubt it will happen but can only hope

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Three Observations Terry (so far).

Tue, 2009-09-15 20:10
  1. I'm inclined to agree with Vagabond, whilst I agree that the removal of the 'punitive' original WCB Demersal Scale Fish impost is laudable, why not suggest a reduction to a nominal fee to allow (at least some) data capture?  
  2. In principle, I agree with a 'reward mechanism' in regards to the 2% (proposed) (release weight) Licence Percentage Reduction, how does RFW see this implemented, enforced and verified?
  3. Why not suggest the extension of ('painfully') agreed initiatives to be determined by species habitat not (geographically) determined (state) bioregions?
Yes! I KNOW it isn't easy and well done RFW for bringing such a diverse stakeholder group 'to the table'. Laughing
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Policing

Tue, 2009-09-15 20:03

We all know (unfortunately again)there will not be an increase in policing of these rules.
The policing will come from the boat skippers (fishermen themselves). I think people mostly are honest but if you land a 4kg fish in the first 20mins of a days fishing.

Every one has a dark side.

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hopeful

Tue, 2009-09-15 20:07

total agreeance with alot said in this topic! fantastic to see the rules.... agree with carnarvonite too on the deeeeeeeep water fish... regardless of size they are stuffed once atop... its a shame to see a beaut 30kg fish float off.... and another thing that ive heard alot of ppl say locally at the ramp... with the new rules people are gonna fish alot harder to get the quality 4 fish or watever it is the rules state... i know ppl are gonna start going thru alot more just legal dhus ect waiting for the bigger speciman... i might have missed it but has anyone heard on the compulory release weight issue??? i have 2 on my boat and think all boat should have one???

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Quote-Recfishwest called a

Tue, 2009-09-15 22:21

Quote-Recfishwest called a meeting of Industry, etc attended by representatives as listed below, to produce a combined alternative proposal. Ben Patrick (Fishing Tax Grab), Ian Stagles (WA Game Fishing Association), Mike Roennfeldt (Media), Matt Howard (Charter), Simon Joll (Boating Western Australia), Bruce Barnett (Boating Western Australia), Doug Bathgate (Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee), Tim Carter (Australian Fishing and Tackle Association), Paul Duggan (Australian Fishing and Tackle Association), Scott Coghlan (Media), Geoff Ellis (Boating Industry Association of WA), Pat Shinnick (Australian Anglers Association), Lindsay Joll (Dept of Fisheries), Craig Leatt-Hayter (Recfishwest), Frank Prokop (Recfishwest), Terry Fuller (Recfishwest), Norman Halse (Recfishwest), Des Wood (Recfishwest), Kane Moyle (Executive Support, Recfishwest)

That complete group (not just Recfishwest) came up with an agreed alternative to the management and licences proposed by the Government, which they believed more than met the 50% reduction target, based on calculations using data available to the group.-End Quote

 

 

There is a bit of commercial interest in that group. How does RecFishWest represent the amature fisherman? Is it the opinion of the above mentioned RFW members?How do they consult the fishing community in general? 

I'm curious as to how the fisherman gets to have his opinion listened to.

 

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Quote:  2. In principle, I

Tue, 2009-09-15 23:23

Quote:
  2. In principle, I agree with a 'reward mechanism' in regards to the 2% (proposed) (release weight) Licence Percentage Reduction, how does RFW see this implemented, enforced and verified?

That's mixed up. The 2% is the calculated benefit in reduction of mortality from compulsory release weight. If a person brings in demersal fish, he needs to have a release weight (or equivalent) on the boat. It is not a licence fee reduction.

Quote:
There is a bit of commercial interest in that group. How do they consult the fishing community in general?

There is also a bit of non commercial interest in there as well. As many people would be aware, there are enormous differences of fishers' and industry opinions about many aspects of all this, including some strong, diametrically opposed and "not negotiable" stances by some.

Recfishwest is well aware of all these opinions which have all been expressed many times in many places over the last 2 years or more since this topic got serious, all the suggestions and opinions through the forums, emails, face to face, phone calls, letters, etc. But there are no easy solutions for the management of a 50% cut.

Quote:
Would like to see the size limits removed off the deep water species

That's being worked on.

Quote:
how long would it take for these changes put in place to take effect?

These are long lived and slow growing fish with variable recruitment of young fish, so it will take some years to recover.

There will be a review after 12 months.

Quote:
as long as the money goes into research of these 5 vulnerable species.

The Minister has repeated that there will be no reduction in consolidated funding for rec fishing and all the licence fees will go into the Recreational Trust fund for use on recreational fishing.

The "Vulnerable 5" concept is dead and gone. See the demersal fish list in http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/RecFishArrange/FAQ-July%202009(29).pdf

Under the proposal:-

West Coast Demersal Scalefish Sub Category. Proposed daily bag limit of 2 in West Coast

Coral trout and coronation trout - combined
Cods - combined. Note: within this bag limit you may not take more than two estuary or Rankin cod combined.
Dhufish, Western Australian
Emperors - combined  ("nor' west snapper")
Groper, baldchin and tuskfish - combined
Groper, western blue
Hapuku/bass groper/trevella and grey banded rock cod - combined
Parrot fish - combined
Pink snapper
Queen snapper (blue morwong)
Red emperor
Red snapper - bight redfish, nannygai and swallowtail - combined
Tropical snappers and sea perch (mangrove jack, fingermark, job fish, stripey sea perch etc.) - combined
Foxfish and Pigfish D

============

West Coast Pelagic Scalefish Sub Category. Proposed daily bag limit of 2 in West Coast

Barracuda-
Billfish - sailfish, spearfish, swordfish, marlins - combined
Cobia
Mackerel - shark
Mackerel - broad-barred (grey) and Spanish, narrow-barred - combined
Mackerel - wahoo
Mahi mahi (dolphinfish)
Samson fish/amberjack/yellowtail kingfish - combined
Trevally, giant and golden - combined 
Tuna - southern bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye - combined

Remember this category is for the WEST COAST region which has its northern boundary between Kalbarri and Shark Bay.

================

Move out of High into Medium Risk Category

Cobbler
Mulloway
Salmon, Australian
Sharks and rays - combined
Trout, brown and rainbow - combined

West Coast Medium Risk Category list then becomes, Proposed combined daily bag limit of 12 in West Coast, with existing individual daily bag limits:- 

Bonito – leaping and oriental, and other tunas – combined
Bream – north-west, black and yellowfin – combined
Flathead and flounder – combined
Goatfish
Leatherjacket
Mackerel, Australian Spotted and Mackerel, Queensland School – Combined
Snook and pike – combined
Tailor
Tarwhine
Trevally – silver (skippy), diamond, etc. – combined
Whiting – King George
Whiting – yellowfin
Cobbler
Mulloway
Salmon, Australian
Sharks and rays - combined
Trout, brown and rainbow - combined

TerryF
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OK

Wed, 2009-09-16 06:36

Well, the clarification is appreciated.

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How the hell is your average bloke going to remember

Wed, 2009-09-16 00:44

or even learn all of this information? It seems like these laws are made for people who already do the right thing. The ignorant will remain ignorant and flout the laws.Frown

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wow 12 mulloway in a

Wed, 2009-09-16 05:43

wow

12 mulloway in a day.

too easy . Wink

 

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12 trout a day.......

Wed, 2009-09-16 06:04

(combined rainbow and brown) - are you serious??

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Adam Why can't I edit my

Wed, 2009-09-16 06:25

Adam



Why can't I edit my last post?... but can edit my other 2 in this thread.



Should be



West Coast Medium Risk category list then becomes, Proposed combined daily bag limit of 12 in West Coast, with existing individual species daily bag limits:-



TerryF

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fixed

Wed, 2009-09-16 09:12

fixed Terry

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There are a number of

Wed, 2009-09-16 10:01

There are a number of significant concessions on recreational licensing.  Whether these are considered sufficient will be up to each person to decide.

The WINS

No demersal west coast fishing licence.

Other license fees reduced from $45 to $40.

No licence required for canoes, kayaks and other boats that do not need to be registered.

No licence required for any other person on a boat that does not take more than the permitted catch of a licence holder already on the boat.

Release weight becomes compulsory under a workable arrangement – must have a release weight if you land a vulnerable demersal species. Finally Dept of Fisheries has acknowledged that release weights have benefits.

Voluntary log books recommended to be implemented based upon the Ian Knuckey/ Michael Sawyer model (which is extremely good).

Charter boat licence fees reduced to $15 per day (from previous likely $50) and no extra fee if you already have a boat fishing licence.

Licence fee changes implemented in 2010 allowing for better planning on who can sell them such as tackle industry.

Although the West Coast demersal management measures have had a variable response – everyone agrees that the package exceeds the 50% reduction and should see a recovery, especially of dhufish, depending upon recruitment.

Recfishwest and the other groups worked on the basis that the 50% reduction in recreational take of west coast demersal species was not negotiable by the Minister.

The Minister said at the most recent briefing that a general angling licence was not acceptable to the government.

Recfishwest acknowledges that the government negotiated in good faith on the compromise package which we hope will be endorsed. We also appreciate the activities of a wide variety of groups in co-ordinating the views of the recreational fishing sector.

TerryF
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========

Tim

Thanks for doing the edit for me

====

 

 

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http://www.media

Wed, 2009-09-16 12:43

http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx?ItemId=132490



Norman Moore, Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Fisheries; Electoral Affairs Wed 16 September, 2009



State unveils new package to manage recreational fishing issue



Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today announced a modified package to manage Western Australia’s important recreational fishing sector after extensive talks with interested parties and industry players.



In announcing the new plan, Mr Moore acknowledged the State Government had faced significant challenges in the management of at-risk demersal (bottom-dwelling) species such as dhufish and pink snapper off the West Coast region.



“On taking office, I ordered a comprehensive independent review of the scientific research that showed high-risk demersal species like dhufish and pink snapper were at risk of overfishing,” he said.



“That review substantiated Department of Fisheries’ findings that stocks of these popular species were being over-fished at unsustainable levels and that the catch had to be reduced by at least 50 per cent.



“I appreciate the original measures to achieve the reduction target was unpopular but I’ve always said if there’s a better way to achieve the sustainability objectives, I’m prepared to listen.



“And that’s what I’ve done: I’ve listened, I’ve reviewed the options and today we are at the cross roads.



“We must cut the catch and a decision about protecting our future fish stocks has to be made.



“The commercial sector has already achieved the 50 per cent reduction target for at-risk West Coast Demersal species and now it’s time for the recreational anglers to do the same.”



The Minister said under the new measures a two-month season closure from October 15 to December 15 would still apply.



Tough new bag limit measures will be introduced to reduce the catch of the vulnerable species, replacing the originally-planned $150 fishing licence for demersal scalefish.



“The Department of Fisheries will undertake ongoing monitoring of the West Coast region fishery to determine if the new measures are effective enough in mitigating the effects of over-fishing in the area,” he said.



“I am prepared to take tougher measures down the track if a review of these new regulations finds that our catch reduction targets have not been reached.”



“This issue extends beyond any political term; this is about the future of both recreational and commercial fishing in WA and we can’t afford to sit on our hands.”



Under the new proposals, people fishing from boats will still require an annual $30 recreational boat fishing licence, which will apply State-wide.



“All funds generated from the boat and other recreational fishing licences will be held in the Recreational Fishing Trust Fund and all those monies will funnel back into fisheries research, management and compliance,” Mr Moore said.



“I think it’s a small price for recreational anglers to pay for the future of sustainable fishing.”



Features of the new proposed package include:



* Abolishing the proposed annual $150, fortnightly $60 and daily $20 demersal scalefish licence

* Introducing a mixed daily bag limit of two demersal scalefish, of which only one can be a dhufish

* A daily boat limit of two dhufish will apply, however, there will be a boat limit of six dhufish permitted for charter boats in recognition of the business pressures on charter operators

* A requirement to carry a release weight will apply to all anglers fishing for demersal species, to assist in mitigating barotrauma* and improve survival rates of demersal scalefish returned to the water

* A two-month season closure from October 15 to December 15, inclusive, remains

* The $30 recreational boat fishing licence remains but will only apply to people fishing from registered boats and will be used by researchers to build a database of boat fishers and their catch

* Any non-licensed fishers - not just those under the age of 16 - may fish for free with a licensed fisher provided the provisions of the licensed fisher’s daily bag and size limits are honoured

* A simple $15 ‘ticket’ system is proposed for charter clients who don’t already hold a boat fishing licence

* Standardisation of other fishing licence fees to $40 for marron, lobster, abalone, rock lobster, net fishing and freshwater angling. Licences taken out concurrently are entitled to a 10 per cent discount on the transaction

* All funds raised through the sale of recreational licences will be placed in the Recreational Fishing Trust Fund to exclusively fund activities related to recreational fishing

* A 50 per cent discount for fishing from a registered boat licence will apply for pensioners and people under 16.



The Department of Fisheries aims to complete a review of the current license structure of the Charter Boat Industry by early 2010 which will give greater certainty to these operators and the volume of fish taken by this part of the recreational sector.



The new licensing system is estimated to generate an additional $1.9million to bring the total estimated annual licensing revenue to $4.9million. The current estimated annual revenue from licensing is about $3million made up of $2.7million generated from recreational licences and $300,000 from charter fees.



Minister's office - 9422 3000



http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx?ItemId=132490



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so does that mean that

Wed, 2009-09-16 13:06

If I take two deckies out with me that do not have their own $30 license then we are limited to just my bag limit of 2 high risk fish between the three of us?

 

 

for example two parrot fish.

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Frequently asked questions

Wed, 2009-09-16 13:14

http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/RecFishArrange/index.php and the Frequently asked questions http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/RecFishArrange/FAQ-Sep%202009.pdf have a lot of details.



Read them PLEASE.



TerryF

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Andy Mac's picture

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answered

Wed, 2009-09-16 13:16

 

 

"Any fisher not holding a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence will be allowed to fish from a boat in the company of a licensed boat fisher within the licensed fisher’s bag limit; "

taken from the FAQs

 

Therefore I suggest we start a forum post for licensed deckies to register their names.

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Andy Mac (Fishwrecked Reeltime Editor & Forum Moderator)

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So, say you can get 2 dhuies

Wed, 2009-09-16 13:56

So, say you can get 2 dhuies per person, then having an unliscenced person means you can share the catch. Both have licenses, then 2 each? (assuming no-one else on the boat). Sounds like an easy way to enforce it. Instead of people saying "oh, i wasnt fishing", its just if the catch exceeds the amount the licenses on the boat allows.

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cant get 2 each due to the boat limit

Wed, 2009-09-16 14:15

 "A daily boat limit of two dhufish will apply, however, there will be a boat limit of six dhufish permitted for charter boats in recognition of the business pressures on charter operators"

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Andy Mac (Fishwrecked Reeltime Editor & Forum Moderator)

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"Therefore I suggest we

Wed, 2009-09-16 13:32

"Therefore I suggest we start a forum post for licensed deckies to register their names."

 

 

 

Matching pair with the skipers ticket Wink  

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 TWiZTED

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Allocation of funds

Wed, 2009-09-16 15:33

Hello Terry.

Since the money from the licence is to be shared throughtout the state.

Will it be a percentage of the funds allocated to each region or will we fix the most affected area first then move to the next!!

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Reply

Thu, 2009-09-17 10:18

 

Terry,

Maybe you could send me a link to who may give me insight into my question.

 

Rodrat's picture

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Charters

Thu, 2009-09-17 10:43

I feel for the charter boats, 6 dhuies per boat.
Lot of people will think twice about goin on charters.
Can you imagine if there were 6 dhuies on board and you pull up a big dhuie and then get told you have to throw it back!
Not sure what the answer is, but maybe sharing the catch will come into play?????

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yeah it is tough

Thu, 2009-09-17 11:15

but everyone has to share the pain. Its no good crucifing the reccies and leaving charters boats to continue on their merry way and vice versa.

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Quote:Hello Terry. Since the

Thu, 2009-09-17 14:49

Quote:
Hello Terry.



Since the money from the licence is to be shared throughtout the state.



Will it be a percentage of the funds allocated to each region or will we fix the most affected area first then move to the next!!


Yanni.



Sorry for the delay in answering. I've been VERY busy with stuff away from the computer.



Recfishwest has proposed some business rules for the allocation and control of the licence money collected.



See the Media Release - "Business rules will clear the water on licence revenue expenditure" http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MediaReleaseRFFBusinessRules.htm and "Principles for the Management of the Recreational Fishing Fund", available on the Recfishwest website http://www.recfishwest.org.au/RecFishingFundBusinessRules.htm



This info was posted on Fishwrecked http://fishwrecked.com/forum/licence-funds-business-rules-proposed-recfishwest at the end of July and there is some discussion there.



RFW has discussed this with the Minister. Watch this space for some announcements (don't know exactly when)



TerryF

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You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing future.



Who else has time, knowledge, professional approach, realistic alternatives, willingness and contacts?



Recfishwest needs YOUR support. We would really like you to become a member, get involved and help us. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm

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Thank you

Thu, 2009-09-17 15:39

Thank you Terry.

Regards,

Yanni.

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A lot of bitchin going on

Mon, 2009-09-21 19:53

A lot of bitchin going on some of the other forums ,some people think its there right to take what they want when they want ,there will always be the group of greedy fishos.lets hope theres some nice fines handed out to the rule brakers.

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