WA Fisheries Proposed Changes to Fish Size Limits
WA Fisheries has prepared two fisheries management papers that address the appropriateness of current fish size limits in the State. These papers are:
- Fisheries Management Paper Number 279 - Policy on the application of fish size limits in Western Australia
- Fisheries Management Paper Number 280 - A review of size limits for finfish in Western Australia
Links to the documents and a call for submissions can be found at:
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/About-Us/public-comment/Pages/default.aspx.
Submissions are due by 23 December 2016.
The important document is Paper 279 as it sets the policy considerations. Paper 280 is the interpretation of the policies against existing size limits for the different species. At first examination, the work does seem to be reasonably well researched.
I have set out the key elements of Paper 279 below as these should be properly considered before formulating any submission. In fact, the submission should probably focus on these issues however some comments are likely to be required regarding individual species and how the policies have been applied to them in Paper 280.
Fisheries Management Paper Number 279 – Policy Statements
4.1 General
A size limit should only be used where, after taking into consideration other management tools that are in place; it will clearly assist in providing sufficient egg production and enable adequate recruitment to a fish stock under normal environmental conditions.
4.1.1 Reproductive Strategies
Reproductive strategies of species need to be closely considered in determining whether size limits are appropriate.
4.1.2 Fishing Mortality
If large numbers of undersized fish are returned to the water and a majority suffer high rates of post-release/ discard mortality, a minimum size limit may not provide significant stock sustainability benefits. In this situation it may be better to retain “undersize” fish, provided recreational and commercial fishers don’t engage in high-grading in fisheries which use bag limits or quotas. The effects of barotrauma in some species can be minimised through correct and careful handling. To assist in reducing the effects of barotrauma and maximising their chance of survival there is a requirement to have a release weight on board a boat in the West Coast Bioregion. However, even the correct use of a release weight will not ensure the survival of all fish being returned to the water, because post-release mortality rates from barotrauma typically increase when fish are caught from greater depths. Other strategies should be considered as a primary tool to reduce discard mortality e.g. stop fishing when a bag limit is reached and not targeting undesired fish. Where there is a high mortality rate of released/discarded fish, minimum size limits may not be an appropriate fishery management tool for ensuring adequate levels of egg production and sustainability. Other management controls need to be applied in these situations.
The relative proportions of a fish stock taken in a number of fisheries, and the fishing mortality characteristics associated with the fishing gear used in those fisheries, should be taken into consideration in determining whether to use a minimum size limit or in determining an appropriate minimum size limit.
4.1.3 Targeting / Retention
Minimum size limits are likely to be of little value for species where the majority of fish are released/discarded; especially where targeting or fishing pressure on a particular species is low.
The focus of a fishing activity and the likelihood that the species would be retained or released/discarded needs to be considered in the application of a minimum size limit.
Size limits many be counter-productive in controlling fishing mortality in species with high post-release/discard mortality.
4.2.1 Social
Higher minimum size limits, maximum size limits or limits on the take of larger fish may be required for some species to achieve social objectives.
Common minimum size limits are desirable for species with comparable biology and/or similarities in appearance to simplify the rules and aid compliance.
4.2.2 Economic
Different size limits can apply to the commercial sector for the purpose of achieving economic objectives provided that they do not detract from the achievement of the sustainability objective or unacceptably impact on recreational management objectives.
I would like to look at this matter carefully and make a submission on behalf of recreational fishing interests. The submission would need to be balanced and clearly point out the matters in agreement or disagreement. I encourage you to have a look at the proposal and would value any comment provided on your opinion(s).
Thanks in advance. Mick
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - LH.
stricko
Posts: 227
Date Joined: 10/05/10
4.2.1 social what the hell
4.2.1 social what the hell should social objectives have to do with fisheries mangment sounds like there trying to get the masses or loudest at least to make decisions that should be made by people that are privey to the current and historical stats eg there own research divisions etc.not leave the door open for radical conservationist parading as scientists when there really lobiests for pew or peta such as Jessica muring .oh and am totaly opposed to max size limits on any thing hey that's what fishing is about isn't it
Rob H
Posts: 5808
Date Joined: 18/01/12
Maximum size limits
Maximum size limits certainly do have a place.
Prime example say inner shark bay where the stock reached such a critical point that "hoping" enough breeding stock would reach size isn't enough.
Give a man a mask, and he'll show you his true face...
The older you get the more you realize that no one has a f++king clue what they're doing.
Everyone's just winging it.
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
Does the "social" aspect
Does the "social" aspect relate to species like baldchin whereby the largest fish becomes the male anf if he is removed the largest female changes sex to male ???
Fish! HARD!
Mick C
Posts: 607
Date Joined: 26/12/13
Social Context
Not in the policy, it is "land based social". The "sexual" biology of Baldchin is discussed in the size review.
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - LH.
scottnofish
Posts: 1621
Date Joined: 28/08/07
I filled out the survey
I think its a good idea that they are looking at removing some of the minimum size limits on black ass and baldies as we all know they donot survive when released
randall df223
Posts: 6454
Date Joined: 08/08/11
I like the idea of no
I like the idea of no minimum size. Only bag limit. But takes honesty from the fishermen not to upsize.
Fish! HARD!
Saulty2
Posts: 658
Date Joined: 28/05/10
seems if you release
may not survive if up size then also a waste , can only hope people do the right thing , does releasing max size alter their ability to survive??
Madmerv
Posts: 672
Date Joined: 24/01/15
You ask?
Releasing a max size fish will give it a shit load better chance of surviving than putting it in the esky.
Sometimes when the water is quiet, you can hear the fish laughing at you !
Saulty2
Posts: 658
Date Joined: 28/05/10
my experience has been
small dhui has plenty of life after you bring it up large one floats to the top relatively dead
little johnny
Posts: 5362
Date Joined: 04/12/11
Hence why they
Took away max size limit on 1 m plus banded cod. Big dhues from 75 m to 110 m line. Are always screwed
Colt_Striker
Posts: 624
Date Joined: 26/07/09
Makes sense for some not other species
Even if they reduce min size limits on say Black ass, I would still be releasing unless a larger model as I do now. Barley get enough for a feed from the tasty little buggers off a JUST legal 1 now. I do think however reduction in pink snapper size limit would be sensible even though those buggers release well no matter what size & depth. If more people could keep a pan sized (400mm) pinkie as part of their demersal ban, it would reduce the pressure on some of the other species