Research project aims to help in long-term protection of coastal fishery

The State Government has given a $660,000 research boost, through the Natural Resource Management policy, into coastal finfish species.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said rising concern about the status of species such as herring, tailor and whiting had prompted moves to assess the current situation more fully.

“Fish species such as herring, tailor and whiting are the life-blood of recreational fishing,” Mr Moore said.

“Knowing more about the status of these fish stocks fish will help the Department of Fisheries make better management decisions.

“Ensuring the sustainable management of these near shore species will help give ongoing support to the people who use these fisheries for recreational and business purposes.”

The Minister said the social, economic and environmental benefits of these near shore fisheries played a big role in Western Australia’s important tourism industry.

He said the research project would form the basis of developing an integrated, long-term, monitoring program for key species along the west and south coasts.

“It is important to understand that recent changes to regulations governing fishing for demersal species such as pink snapper and dhufish may result in an increased fishing effort for near shore species such as herring and whiting,” Mr Moore said.

“Under this new project, researchers will work with key recreational and commercial bodies (including Rechfishwest and the WA Fishing Industry Council) and universities to collect data and set up sampling programs for near shore species.
“They will study the factors influencing indicator species like herring, tailor and whiting and investigate how such factors impact on stock levels.

“It is important that any fishing effort shift resulting from the current need to reduce the take of offshore species will not exacerbate the decline in near shore species.”

The Minister did not rule out imposing further restrictions on the fishery should the research project confirm anecdotal evidence that coastal fish stocks were under increased pressure.