Wilson Inlet anglers advised of new pink snapper size limit

Wilson Inlet anglers advised of new pink snapper size limit

New fishing rules come into force this week to bring the minimum size for Wilson Inlet pink
snapper into line with the limit that applies elsewhere on the South and West Coasts.
Until now the minimum size limit for pink snapper in Wilson Inlet has been 28cm, however,
from Friday 6 July it will change to 41cm – the same minimum that applies everywhere else in
Western Australia, except for Shark Bay’s inner gulfs where a size limit of 50cm applies.
The new minimum size limit will apply to both recreational and commercial fishers.
Department of Fisheries Management Officer for the South West Bioregion Clinton Syers said
the changes would provide additional protection for juvenile fish to benefit pink snapper stocks
on the South Coast.

“The reproductive biology of pink snapper (Pagrus auratus) in Wilson Inlet does not differ
significantly from pink snapper populations in other South Coast estuaries where the minimum
size limit is 41 centimetres,” Mr Syers said.

“Adjusting the minimum size limit to match other areas will help sustainability of the Inlet’s
pink snapper stocks to ensure fish for the future. In favourable conditions pink snapper migrate
out of Wilson Inlet, to mature and form part of a broader oceanic breeding stock.”

Mr Syers said the South Coast Recreational Fishing Working Group was established in 2003 by
the Minister for Fisheries to undertake a comprehensive review of recreational fishing in the
region.

“The Working Group recommended the minimum legal size limit for Wilson Inlet pink snapper
be increased to 41cm, based on the biology of the species and the level of community support in
submissions,” he said.

“In the decision-making process the Minister took into account a wide range of advice, including
the outcomes of the South Coast Recreational Fishing Review, petitions and ongoing
correspondence from stakeholder groups, including recreational groups and the South Coast
Professional Fishermen’s Association. He ultimately decided that increasing the size limit would
be in the best interest to ensure the future sustainability of the stock.”

Department of Fisheries publications will be updated to reflect the change. More details on
recreational fishing rules for the South Coast Region are available on the Department of
Fisheries website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.

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