Rock fishing safety equipment to be installed along the south coast

​Fisheries Minister Ken Baston today announced 28 rock anchor points, 10 angel rings and various safety signs are about to be installed by Recfishwest along the south coast of Western Australia.

“The initiative is part of a $300,000 State Government strategy, launched in 2012, to improve rock fishing safety over three years,” Mr Baston said.

“Recfishwest is to be congratulated for progressing this initiative which has involved working in a collaborative way with local coastal communities.

“Approvals for the installation of the equipment have been received and, providing weather conditions allow, the safety equipment will be fitted by Recfishwest this month around Esperance, Ravensthorpe and along the south coast.”

The installations include nine rock anchor points at Thistle Cove, four at Hellfire Bay and three each at Wharton Beach, Quagi Beach, Thomas River, Dolphin Cove and Dunn Rocks.  Angel rings will be installed at many of these locations and also at Starvation Bay, Skippy Rocks and Twilight Beach.

“The new works are in addition to the already funded installation of 10 rock anchor points and two angel rings around Albany - including at the dangerous Salmon Holes - and will this year also see safety equipment in the Shark Bay area,” the Minister said.

Mr Baston met with Esperance fishers, and representatives of Recfishwest, at Salmon Beach to discuss rock fishing safety initiatives. 

“There have been at least 22 rock fishing fatalities since 2002 in WA alone so these safety initiatives are extremely important and complement other measures around Esperance, including free loan life jackets and community education,” he said.

“Often rocks appear dry and safe, but it only takes one large wave to sweep a fisher into the ocean.  Recreational fishers need to be aware that without proper precautions, rock fishing can be an extremely dangerous pastime.”

Department of Fisheries Media Release 9 June 2014