Commercial and Rec Fishing changes
Commercial and Rec Fishing changes
MEDIA RELEASE
WA Government launches fishing package to save iconic fish for the future.
Western Australia’s coastline between Lancelin and south of Mandurah will become an exclusive zone for recreational line fishing under a State Government move to avoid the overfishing of iconic fish such as dhufish and pink snapper.
In making the announcement today, Fisheries Minister Jon Ford said the Metropolitan Fishing Zone would exclude all commercial line and net fishing of demersal finfish.
Mr Ford said it was a significant measure that demonstrated the WA Government’s commitment to ensuring sustainability of fish stocks in a metropolitan coastal region.
"Creating this Metropolitan Fishing Zone is one of the world’s most innovative moves to make sure our grandkids can still catch these iconic fish in years to come," he said.
While the new Zone will exclude commercial take of demersal finfish (such as sharks and demersal scalefish), it will still allow various managed fisheries such as lobster and abalone. Demersal scalefish include iconic species such as dhufish, baldchin groper, pink snapper, red snapper and breaksea cod.
The Minister said the Zone was part of a new ‘fishing management package’ that would impact on the whole State, particularly the West Coast Bioregion, which stretched from Kalbarri to Black Point near Augusta.
"This package will secure fish for the future in WA by preserving key demersal fish, which new research shows are at risk of collapsing," Mr Ford said.
"New research which I’m releasing today shows that unless we take action now, stocks of key demersal fish will collapse within four to five years and these fish will all but disappear from our waters.
"Two of the ‘at risk’ species, dhufish and baldchin groper, are not found anywhere else in the world and WA has a responsibility to preserve them.
"I am committed to ensuring these iconic species don’t become a fond and distant memory to Western Australians.
"This would be a shocking legacy for Western Australians to bear, so we must take action now to guarantee future generations are able to fish for these species."
Features of the fishing management package announced today for the WA coast are:
• Metropolitan Fishing Zone stretching from Lancelin 31?S to south of Mandurah 33?S. Excludes all commercial fishing for demersal finfish and is effective as of November. State Government funding of more than $5million has been allocated to buy out all commercial line and demersal gill-net fishers in the Metropolitan Zone;
• New research that shows key demersal fish are under such serious pressure that stocks of these fish along the West Coast Bioregion could collapse within four to five years if action is not taken now;
• More than $5.3million research funding over four years to undertake detailed monitoring of demersal fish catches by recreational and commercial fishers. This research will evaluate the effectiveness of management practices to rebuild these fish stocks;
• Release of a discussion paper calling for the WA community to comment on the future management of recreational fishing of demersal fish. This discussion paper is the start of a process to determine a more effective long-term strategy before July next year; and
• Interim fishing measures to protect ’at risk’ demersal fish species, phased in from November until the new recreational fishing strategy is determined. These interim measures will be:
o extending the closure to fishing for pink snapper in the Cockburn area;
o extending the existing possession limit to place of residence throughout WA;
o total protection for baldchin groper in the Abrolhos Islands; and
o a limit of four Category 1 (high risk) fish per person on aquatic charter boats operating along the WA coast.
"Growing concerns about the sustainability of key demersal fish is based on evidence of escalating fishing effort, particularly by the burgeoning recreational fishing sector," Mr Ford said.
"The number of registered recreational boats has grown rapidly as the State’s population continues to climb. Recreational fishers have also become more effective as they have quickly adopted new technology.
"In particular, global positioning systems (GPS) and high quality sounders have now become standard items on fishing boats and this has made recreational fishing much more precise and targeted."
The Minister said the commercial fishing sector had undergone considerable transformation in the past two years and the exclusion of commercial line and net fishers from the Metropolitan Fishing Zone recognised the significance of increasing fishing pressure in the metropolitan region.
"This action will provide immediate relief to fish stocks, but further action is necessary and the burden of responsibility cannot and should not be carried alone by commercial fishers," he said.
"Recreational fishers in WA are to be commended for the way they have supported the existing management system based on bag and size limits, but it is clear that the problems we now face require new and innovative solutions.
"The research and discussion papers show we really need to focus on cutting back the fishing mortality of our key demersal scalefish species."
Mr Ford said interim measures were aimed at reducing the fishing pressure on key species until the consultation period was completed by July next year, when a more effective long-term management strategy would be introduced.
The discussion paper, which marked the beginning of the consultation process, is called ’Fisheries Management Paper No. 225 - Managing the recreational catch of demersal scalefish on the West Coast’. This paper, and the Fisheries Research Report No. 163 on the stock status of key species, is available from the Department of Fisheries website at
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/mp/mp225/fmp225.pdf Managing The Recreational Catch Of Demersal Scalefish On The West Coast - Future Management Scenarios for Community Consideration
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/frr/frr163/frr163.pdf Spatial scales of exploitation among populations of demersal scalefish: implications for management. Part 1: Stock status of the key indicator species for the demersal scalefish fishery in the West Coast Bioregion.
TerryF
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Beavering away in the background......
Recfishwest - looking after YOUR recreational fishing future. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/
You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing interests. Who else has the time, the knowledge, the professional approach, the realistic alternatives, the willingness and the contacts?
Recfishwest needs YOUR support. We would really like you to become a member, get involved and help us.
For $20, you can join by post, by phone 9246 3366, by email , in person, or fill in a website form. See http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm
Tell us what you think and ask us to explain anything you don't agree with - you may give new details which will change Recfishwest's decision.
You are the ones who benefit when Recfishwest succeeds, or you will lose out when Recfishwest is ignored.
SPESS
I like it! Just IMO that
I like it! Just IMO that sounds good. Dont know about the bauldie thing at abrohlos though.......there like blowies up there!lol.
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!
Andy Mac
Good news!
The money going to research sounds good too.
Will be reading the links you put up Terry, when I have some time.
Cheers
SPESS
Have only just finished
Have only just finished reading them Andy and theres some good info as well. Many many issues and solutions and some good controversy as well. Im starting to think that we all might be getting through finally about some of the "important" issues and for that i am satisfied......for the most part anyway :)
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!
Brian
dhuies
Andy, short time i've been on line you seem to have your fair share of the dhuies, if you stop catchin em, maybe i can !!!!!
SPESS
mmmmmmm jealousy hehehehe
mmmmmmm jealousy hehehehe lol......catching them is easy! Finding them is the secret!
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!
tangles
catch and release
bout bloody time i reckon and thats coming from a commercial fisherman! the amount of dhuies that get taken by wetliners out the back of lancelin is rediculous! now that need to work on limits for dhuis and pinks down that way as well! everyone should be issued w a rec fisheries permit to nab people who are not doing the right thing!
GOATRUTAR
Andy you state no more
Andy you state no more blaming the pro's but the truth is, it is bacause of the pro's these measures are having to be put in place.
The real hard sell will be how much will our licences be and will a tagging system be put in place?
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
GOATRUTAR
It is good to see that they
It is good to see that they have banned the pro's from an area that they don't fish anyway!
Is it only me or is this going to be about as effective as what happened when they banned crabbing at Mandurah when there is no crabs there at that particular time of year!
The ban will be about as useful as banning marlin fishing in the Swan!
Who has seen a commercial wet liner out from Rockingham in the last 4-6 years?
We are not talking about mulie boats,cray or charter vessels!
I spend a heap of time on the water and even the pro's know that it isn't worth their time in the metro area and that is why they fish in the more productive waters of Lancelin North and Mandurah South!
If you think about where the boat ramps are at the major metro sites it will give you a good indication of where the ban is!
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
Bill
What a load of crap IMO . In
What a load of crap IMO . In all my time out there i have never seen a commercial fisherman yet in the proposed closed area that"s because they fish from green heads north and mandurah south so i realy can't see them getting too upset with those new rules.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot
GOATRUTAR
As I said the other day
As I said the other day Bill, the guy I know who fish's North of Lancelin had a quiet day with only 11 dhuies but nailed 60 big pinks and by-catch!
In ten years time when the urban sprall reaches Lancelin the same dickheads will say"oh these amateurs have depleted the fish stocks up here, lets bring in a ban"forgetting about the previous 40 years of abuse from the pro's.
By then the pro's will be working North of Geraldton and we will be eating chinese carp in the fish and chip shops because we can't afford to pay for the tags that are now up for sale by ballot and dhufish is only found in Japenese markets commanding the same price as the big bluefin!
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
PilbaraBrad
great news, i know there is
just my opinion
NOHA
..No Orange Hats Allowed
Before you say to much more Goat maybe you should read thru the 130 page report that Terry was kind enough to provide a link to.
Heres a couple of screenshot from the report to give you a bit of an idea. The first two are the pro area of effort. The darker the colour the more pro effort. These are for handline/dropline and gillnet/longline. Click on the piccy to enlarge it.
These two are the catch returns for dhufish in those areas. Other fish had different graphs, go find them yourselves
As you all can see there is a substantial pro effort in the local waters and a significant dhufish catch as well.
.
.
No Orange Hats Allowed
Dean
Good news about reducing the
Although there has been a ban on commercial fishing metro water, IMO more needs to be done protecting areas further north and south, so there isn't a big problem 10-20years down the track.
Andy Mac
Context
Blaming the pro's isn't going to improve the stocks for the future, but taking positive action to release undersize and unwanted fish to give them their best possible chance at survival will.
Whilst I agree the impact will not be all that sizeable given the lack of acute commercial pressure in Metro waters, I do think however that it has a degree of psychological impact for the reasons I have already stated. More needs to be done but I am glad at least some money has been allocated to the cause. And despite the rhetoric, the fact that our local rec fishery is actually getting some attention is better than nothing happening at all.
My view is that you, me and everyone else that goes out to catch a feed needs to be mindful that every last undersize dhuie is like gold and must be released with care. That's the only message I want to get across.
Cheers
Dean
Yeah good message andy,
Yeah good message andy, maybe a few people might get together and make a video outlining handling and release techniques for the public to view. Im sure there are some people who don't know what they're doing, and this is one outlet that could help.
Andy Mac
Handling video
Previous release weight vids have focussed on the capture rather than the release so there is some merit in doing a dedicated vid on handling and release.
Cheers
Andy Mac
One Key Graph
Once they stop that will certainly eleviate some pressure on the metro fishery.
Cheers
rickets
course they are, and
course they are, and shitloads of other fish too....
How else do the public enjoy such fine fish in our cities and other cities fish mongers? We must not forget that we have a bloody THRIVING seafood industry and this is fuelled by the pros.
Everyone has to make an effort to help this epidemic, but a good start is with the pro's because most of the time, its more about money than anything else.
If they didnt do this, in a time in the not too distant future, the price of a pinkie or dhu in the mongers would rise so high and you would rather buy 10 skippy, 20 herring and a few tailor from the monger because in comparison, they will be bloody full of it...
I dont know about you, but i dont want to go to the fish and chip shop and order a fillet of what is meant to be top quality fish and eat a deep fried fillet of bread and butter species.
GOATRUTAR
I wonder why the graphs show
I wonder why the graphs show years with big gaps in them!
No 2003-2004,2004-2005 and 2006-2007.
One would think that the figures might tell a differsent story if they showed catch rates from 2002-2007 as one group!
The graphs also show gill netting which I think needs to be elaborated on!
What does this include?Mullet and herring!
I have no-doubt some changes in the reg's are required but I will not believe every thing that I read!
As for your comment on reading the article Mark I still would like to know when someone has seen a Pro lately in the metro area.
I have fished weekday and weekend flat out for 6-7 years and have never seen one!
Andy you need to realise that the pro's will still be working this ground but on the shelf, which is probably where they are doing their fishing any way!Thats why we don't see them!!!
I am not against reg changes but on how a story is told to joe public !
I still laugh about the crab restictions in Mandurah.A ban is put on when there is no/minimal crabs in the estuary at that time of year!
That will really hurt!
Please don't tell me that everyone on this site believes all the shit they read!
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
TerryF
Recreational fishing must change too
If theres's so little commercial fishing as some claim, why are the commercial fishermen making such a fuss? See the WAFIC media Release http://www.westernangler.com.au/forum/fb.asp?m=157448 and the article in today's West Australian Page 3.
Page 41 of http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/mp/mp225/fmp225.pdf says the commercial (wetline and gillnet/longline) catches of dhufish and pink snapper in the Metropolitan zone in 2005/06 were :- Dhufish 42 tonnes Pink snapper 41 tonnes.
Some people have focussed on the commercial fishing changes, but recreational fishing MUST and WILL change also.
Fisheries Minister Jon Ford:- "Too many people fishing, not enough fish" - and he means recreational fishing...
There's SO much info in those papers, but here are some extracts which show the future for recreational fishing:-
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/mp/mp225/fmp225.pdf page 25:- "a reduction of at least 50 per cent in fishing mortality is needed." mortality = what is kept plus what dies directly or indirectly due to the recreational fishing activity. and then read sections
2.8 "Limitations of Bag, Boat and Size Limits."
(Page 37 onwards) "3.1 What Tools can we use to Manage Recreational Catches? 1. to be able to contain the total recreational catch to within the target levels needed for sustainability;" (read that to mean cut, restrict, limit)
"Clearly the use of various tools will affect individual fishers in different ways and it is not always possible to meet everyone's expectations." (clearly saying some people are going to be very unhappy with some parts of the rules to come in by July 2008)
"Options for managing the recreational catch " (read that to mean keep restricting the recreational catch in future)
"3.1.1 Registration system – an essential monitoring tool.
3.1.2 Explicitly managing the recreational fishing catch through a form of tag system
3.1.3 Restricting recreational fishing effort through closed seasons
3.1.4 Restricting recreational fishing effort through closed areas
3.1.5 Restricting recreational fishing effort through temporary corridor closures
3.1.6 Wilderness fishing areas "
The challenge to recreational anglers is to get involved in the future management of their sport and get the best possible out of a very difficult but a manageable situation, or have someone else make the decisions for you - some of which you won't like.
Recfishwest statement http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MediaStateMetroFishingReforms.htm
Recfishwest Welcomes Metropolitan fishing reforms.
Recfishwest praised the announcement by Minister for Fisheries, Jon Ford, on the management arrangements including making the area from Mandurah to Lancelin recreational only for demersal scalefish.
The new arrangement recognises the importance of the recreational fishery in the metropolitan zone and provides an opportunity to manage the resource sustainably for future generations.
Executive Director of Recfishwest, Frank Prokop was extremely pleased with the decision. "This is a great day for fisheries management in Western Australia and for Recfishwest. We have been working on greater access for the recreational fishery, especially in the metropolitan region for nearly 10 full years and it has come to fruition."
"The recreational fishery is worth around $750 million to Western Australia with most effort in the metropolitan region. This decision means that the recreational sector will have greater responsibility for sustainably managing its own destiny. The compensation provisions for those commercial operators who have a demonstrated history in the area means that they will get financial recompense from the restructure." Mr Prokop said.
Mr Prokop pointed out that the recreational fishery was intensely managed and had undergone many significant reductions over the last ten years. By the Department's figures there has been a 15% increase in days fished by the recreational sector over the last ten years. That can be seen as quite modest compared to the increase in boat ownership and population growth in Perth over the same period.
"The recreational sector has lead the way with sustainable management for a decade or more. It was the recreational sector that initiated management controls for pink snapper in Cockburn Sound. The importance of this proactive measure is now being fully realised. We also took the hits when pink snapper were depleted by recreational fishing in Shark Bay and the stocks have recovered extremely well. It was Recfishwest that advocated for protection of cobbler in the Swan and Canning Rivers, protection for spawning bream at Heirisson Island and larger bream and tailor through slot limits." Mr Prokop said.
The Chairman of Recfishwest Des Wood also welcomed the management arrangements. "The Minister's decision represents a significant step forward in sustainable fisheries management. The enormous efforts of Recfishwest have been proven to be worthwhile and open the door for flexible management arrangements in the metropolitan region."
"Recfishwest is looking forward to the challenge of managing our recreational fisheries to ensure that a quality experience is maintained. This will have enormous benefits to the economy and lifestyle of Western Australians as we are already world leaders in this area." Mr Prokop said.
"This decision is not the end - it is the beginning!" Mr Prokop concluded.
ENDS
Media Contact Frank Prokop, Executive Director - Recfishwest 9246 3366 or 0419 949 118.
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TerryF
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Beavering away in the background......
Recfishwest - looking after YOUR recreational fishing future. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/
You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing interests. Who else has the time, the knowledge, the professional approach, the realistic alternatives, the willingness and the contacts?
Recfishwest needs YOUR support. We would really like you to become a member, get involved and help us.
For $20, you can join by post, by phone 9246 3366, by email , in person, or fill in a website form. See http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm
Tell us what you think and ask us to explain anything you don't agree with - you may give new details which will change Recfishwest's decision.
You are the ones who benefit when Recfishwest succeeds, or you will lose out when Recfishwest is ignored.
scaley whalebone
Plenty of rec fishers should
SPESS
They only tell you what you
They only tell you what you want to hear rutar! And ive beleived that from the very start!!!!!!!! So im with you on the most part.
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!
GOATRUTAR
Terry once again I am not
Terry once again I am not against change it is just how it is sold to us!
The snapper ban in the sound is a classic example of what should have happened 4 years before it did!
Also the figures that were put up about the amount of fish taken included snapper from the sound!
The pro was taking a tonne of fish some nights and that is from a 25 foot boat with minimal overheads!
Every night for weeks on end with no limit!
Anyone who fished Cockburn sound on those days when the snapper were on top spawning would realise that it just wasn't right.There was no sport in waiting for the snapper to hit the surface and waiting for 50+ boats make a b-line for them!
The fisheries officers sat back and watched last year totally disgusted but couldn't do a thing!
Terry I would love to know where the pro's are fishing in the metro zone and in fact if they are already fishing the extreme boundaries of the new zone!
Just because boats leave from Freo doesn't mean that they are fishing out from Freo!
But some good things will definately come out of the changes and have done from changes made in regard the crabs.
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
GOATRUTAR
Scaley whalebone, if I can
Scaley whalebone, if I can feed my family fish 3 times a week I will, as I know that it is not loaded with hormones and other carsnegenic(spelling) crap!
I enjoy fishing and if I can take a feed every time I fish that is not wasted and is within regs I will!
In my eyes I am fortunate to enjoy a pastime which benifits my familys health!
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
TerryF
Goat
Goat
Yes, yes and yes to those. Recfishwest's and other informed rec fishermen's arguments about pink snapper have been vindicated once again.
I don't have commercial fishing details, and I think the stuff on page 41 of http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/mp/mp225/fmp225.pdf says enough - anyway the Gov't has decided to close metro and to put $5 million into compensation .
Read those two papers and see how bad and scary the outlook is for dhufish and snapper - both needing at least 50% reduction in catches/mortality.
The real and urgent issue for recreationals from now on is "how to manage recreational fishing"
TerryF
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Beavering away in the background......
Recfishwest - looking after YOUR recreational fishing future. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/
You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing interests. Who else has the time, the knowledge, the professional approach, the realistic alternatives, the willingness and the contacts?
Recfishwest needs YOUR support. We would really like you to become a member, get involved and help us.
For $20, you can join by post, by phone 9246 3366, by email , in person, or fill in a website form. See http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm
Tell us what you think and ask us to explain anything you don't agree with - you may give new details which will change Recfishwest's decision.
You are the ones who benefit when Recfishwest succeeds, or you will lose out when Recfishwest is ignored.
GOATRUTAR
Cheers for your posts
Cheers for your posts Terry.
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
Adam Gallash
Changes
Changes are definately coming for the recreactional sector in the metropolitan and I wouldn't even be suprised if the Gascoyne copped some too. Ones that I know are coming or am pretty sure of is that anyone caught in a sanctuary zone from now on will go straight to court, rather than just an infringement.
There has to be, an absolute essential item in any future management plans a reduction in possession limits to 10kg per person state wide. Fishing for the freezer is a huge mentality here in Exmouth and sure if that change came in I'd probably get hung at the boat ramp, but it would be worth it. I already know what people will say, well, its not worth me even coming here if I can't catch my 20kg. WELL GOOD, DON'T COME HERE! From the damage I see done at the ramps and along the coast I see it as a necessary precaution rather than reaction. Its a lot easier to save the fish you have and manage them effectively rather than try and rebuild once they're gone.
Having said that, it still takes a shipload of recreational boats to go near one commercial catch, so from what I can see, its a great start!!
Scaly
Doubtful that one Adam
"Ones that I know are coming or am pretty sure of is that anyone caught in a sanctuary zone from now on will go straight to court, rather than just an infringement."QLD has just repealed that same sort of legislation and are looking to pardon the fishers caught so far that have had criminal convictions recorded against them. I'm all for policing, but threatening a man's livelyhood because he was too stupid or ignorant to know the rules is ridiculous
Bill
Dose the ruduced bag limit
Dose the ruduced bag limit only apply in the Mandurah to lancilin stretch??
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot
Bill
I'm a little curious to how
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot
scaley whalebone
Totally agree with you on
Totally agree with you on the taking of a feed within the regs Goat. Its just that I sometimes wonder why people have to fish to the bag limit when they have already caught enough fish to eat fresh. As a matter of interest how many people release Dhufish that are over size?
Adam Gallash
numbers
Hey Bill. Currently I am conducting Creel Surveys for the Fisheries Department for the recreational sector in the Gascoyne area. In other words I interview every boatie that comes in on specific days over the month.
I interview each angler, I get all the specifics of their catch, where, when, how long, etc etc. I also record everything they've caught and released, lost to sharks, busted off etc. With certain boats and when I have time I also measure each fish and record those details. When the interview sheet is processed in head office they input the species and the lengths and are able to determine what weight a fish is on average by its length. There are a heap of calculations and pretty full on statistical work that goes on behind the scenes. From previous creel surveys, they are now able to determine on certain days how many boats will go out and roughly what the catch will be. So, they will predict that at the Exmouth Marina there will be 18 boats out and they will bring in, 32 spangled emperor, 4 red emperor, 6 rankin cod, etc etc etc. They can then use the information that I have collected on that day to determine how accurate their prediction was based upon previous surveys, including outliers and weather conditions etc. So based upon that accuracy they are able to then determine the recreational catch, which I have been told they can get pretty spot with the data of previous surveys.
I was told the actual method a while back of determining weight/length but can't remember at the moment. But that is one of the methods they use to determine overall catch.
Andy Mac
Rec catch figures
I have problems with it too as was mentioned in previous threads months back, but that's the best they have to go on. Hopefully the moneys allocated to research as part of this deal will improve our knowledge of the extraction rate with more creel surveys spread over longer periods of time to capture seasonal differences and other variables.
The best graph (or worst depending on where you sit) is the correlation between catch rate and the influx of GPS technology. The efficiency that comercial guys have now is unbelievable. The scary thing is they have always had a jump on recs with use of cutting edge technology. With the number of guys with high powered colour sounders out there now and chart plotters the fish have nowhere to hide.
Cheers
GOATRUTAR
They can hide in my ice box
They can hide in my ice box Andy!lol!!!
Dhuie is on the menu tonight!
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
Kasey L.
I was told the actual method a while back of determining weight/
obtain a large sample of weight and lengths, spreadsheet it, plot it, then fit to a von bertalanffy curve
von bertalanffy growth equation then allows you to then predict.
see i learn things at uni :P
Maverick
Scaly Whalebone
I release all my metro Dhufish , big small and inbetween.
But that just me , some even get a little tag in them .
If I was fishing up Jurien to Dongara area where the pressure is reduced compared to metro I MAY take one to eat but I don't see the big deal in Dhuies , I would rather a feed of Pinkies or some pigfish , now there's a fish to savour , even flatties and whiting are above Dhuies for me .
Adam Gallash
Rec Changes
Expect your Rec changes in December/January - increased size limits, reduced bag limits and maybe an overall boat limit. Further restrictions will be in May which will extend further north. The statement has been delayed until the quiet period in the Gascoyne survey. The West Coast survey will begin, 1st of April and will be between Kalbarri and Augusta and there will be nearly 20 fisheries research positions available.
tailor marc
Im a catch and release
Im a catch and release person, so bring on the tighter rec fish changes ;)
Andy Mac
Boat Limit?
Having been pretty successful at picking up the odd dhufish every now and again we have only once or twice in the last 5 years come home with more than a couple of Dhuies in the esky. So I figure it isn't going to hurt too badly, however bigger boats with more people onboard will feel the effects far more severely.
Dropping the boat limit to 2 might cause a bit of angst onboard after I nail the first two
but I think it would be pretty easy to swallow as far as my boat and crew is concerned as we don;t kill the pig anyway. We've just been lucky enough to get one or two a trip between us with lots of blanks in between and that's all.
Seriously it would be interesting to see how they arrive at a fair and equitable figure per boat. If it does come in, is it going to be based on boat size, crew size or just cart blache (spelling).
Very interesting.
Cheers
Big Kev
New Fishing Restrictions
I'm currently in the hunt for a boat having recently sold mine before heading south. These new fishing restrictions could be a blessing for me and any other people looking at purchasing a new boat. The restrictions will force some boat owners to sell also make it tough for retailers to sell boats from their dealerships. Therefore I have decided to wait untill next year when I am 100% sure market prices on boats will drop. What do you guys think could I be right?
FISHING IS MY ADDICTION
knothome
i wont
Big kev i wont sell my boat ill just travell a bit more.
and fish more often.
Scaley whalebone i dont know of a over size for dhufish.
who read the west today front page here it comes and youll pay for it.oh well now
to do what the gov does and put up my costs to cover it
A boat limit is the way to go so it wont matter if theres 6 or 2 people on board.
cheers dennis
Bill
I will just spend more time
I will just spend more time at busso that's where i'm heading for the long weekend
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot
tangles
kalbarri area
Im not to switched on w the fishing down here anymore but i do know that up in kalbarri most of the wetliners that do the right thing fish out at the bank which is an average of 40miles out and further, there are a couple of mavricks that fish the lumps close to home but only a couple. Unfortunately now for us up there all your hot spots close to home are well guarded and left alone when holidays are on. Ill take the tinny 18-25 miles up the coast and fish light line for pinks in the shallows and only take my 4 pinks which are 3kg or over anything under is thrown back.. Common sense really, but ill eat 4 pinks in 2 days cos up there seafood is the staple diet. Heres a good one for ya! no offence to fisheries BUT!! One day after work put the boat in the pen and i was chatting to 2 fisheries officers and asked them when they were going to put an office up here and told them the reason why, my response- "sorry mate its not going to happen cos therell be arguments over who will want to come up here." That was 4 years ago now and still nothing has happened. The decreased bag limits on charter boats is well overdue as well and if ya dont like it go down the jetty and buy fish strait from the boat fresh cheap and easy....................
TerryF
Saving the Dhuie, Pink Snapper and demersal fish.
Recreational fishing management changes.
Saving the Dhuie, Pink Snapper and demersal fish.
Media Statement :- Minister Ford encourages debate on how to save iconic fish species
Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has today called on Western Australians to engage in debate about the future of recreational fishing for demersal scalefish, such as dhufish and pink snapper that are under threat.
The Minister's call follows Monday's release of a discussion paper that highlights the need for a more effective long-term management strategy for recreational fishing of demersal scalefish to ensure the future sustainability of these vulnerable iconic species.
Demersal scalefish are bottom-dwelling fish such as dhufish, baldchin groper and pink snapper. These species are predominantly found in deeper offshore waters and are targeted by boat fishers.
Demersal scalefish do not include herring, whiting or any other similar species caught in inshore waters such as beaches, jetties or groynes.
Mr Ford said the discussion paper was released as part of a new 'fishing management package' that would secure fish for the future in WA by preserving key demersal scalefish.
He said the package included new research that showed stocks of Western Australia's iconic demersal scalefish such as dhufish, baldchin groper and pink snapper would collapse within four to five years if action was not taken.
Commercial fishers were also a focus of the package, with commercial line and gillnet commercial fishers being banned from the Metropolitan Fishing Zone, between Lancelin and south of Mandurah.
Another part of the package was the announcement of interim measures that would affect predominantly recreational fishers throughout the State. These measures would be put in place until a long-term management strategy for recreational fishing of demersal scalefish was finalised next year.
The Minister said the discussion paper, 'Managing the Recreational Catch of Demersal Scalefish', marked the beginning of a process to develop this long-term management strategy.
"The discussion paper includes some possible options as a starting point for debate. They are only some of the options that people can consider and will not necessarily form part of the final recommendations to be released for public comment early next year," he said.
"Recreational fishers in WA are to be commended for the way they have supported the existing management system based on bag and size limits but it's clear that the problems we now face require new and innovative solutions.
"The release of this discussion paper for public comment provides an opportunity for Western Australians to express their views on how recreational fishing for demersal species should be managed in the future.
"While I encourage a broad ranging debate, let's be clear that the debate is about demersal scalefish and not fish such as herring or whiting.
"I look forward to receiving people's ideas as we move towards a better management system that will ensure that our grandkids can fish for these iconic fish in the future," he said.
A series of public meetings will be held next month and copies of the discussion paper can be obtained from Department of Fisheries or viewed online at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/mp/mp225/index.php?0602
The closing date for submissions on the discussion paper is November 16, 2007.
Submissions should be sent to: Recreational Fishing Review, Department of Fisheries, Locked Bag 39, Cloisters Square Post Office, Perth, WA, 6850. Alternatively, submissions can be entered online by visiting the Department of Fisheries' website at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 9213 7200
================================
The papers are http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/mp/mp225/index.php?0602 Managing The Recreational Catch Of Demersal Scalefish On The West Coast - Future Management Scenarios for Community Consideration
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/frr/frr163/index.php?0401 Spatial scales of exploitation among populations of demersal scalefish: implications for management. Part 1: Stock status of the key indicator species for the demersal scalefish fishery in the West Coast Bioregion.
TerryF
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Beavering away in the background......
Recfishwest - looking after YOUR recreational fishing future. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/
You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing interests. Who else has the time, the knowledge, the professional approach, the realistic alternatives, the willingness and the contacts?
Recfishwest needs YOUR support. We would really like you to become a member, get involved and help us.
For $20, you can join by post, by phone 9246 3366, by email , in person, or fill in a website form. See http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm
Tell us what you think and ask us to explain anything you don't agree with - you may give new details which will change Recfishwest's decision.
You are the ones who benefit when Recfishwest succeeds, or you will lose out when Recfishwest is ignored.
Bill
Honestly I really can't see
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot
Bill
With the talked about new
With the talked about new rules You want need a rod to go out and catch a dhuie just a net to scoop them off the top after being released in 80 meters because a bigger was caught.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot
Andy Mac
Surface netting
Upgrading of deepwater specimens would churn my stomach if that was truly still going on out there after all the publicity about catch care and sustainability recently. A very selfish act with total disregard for the future. Hopefully they are a dying breed.
Cheers
GOATRUTAR
The reported mortality rate
The reported mortality rate of dhuies in water greater than 90m is almost 100%.
So what then Andy!
If I was a fast enough typer I would list a heap of problems that will occur with the new regs!
I will chat to you soon Andy over a beer about the issues that will occur!
Your stomach will churn Andy because it will happen!
They are not rose coloured glasses your wearing, are they!
Unfortunately I bashed out a very large post this morning only to lose it whe I was submitting it!PISSED OFF!!
One topic was fishing comps.
What do you think will happen when a few bucks is up for grabs when it comes too fish upgrading!
The smaller fish will be sacrificed, either to bait or waste!
I fear the same will happen with a normal fishing day.
What would you do if you have 4 smallish prize fish and nail your first big dhuie,15-20 kg's!
I will be suprised if many members would let it go!Just a thought.
This isn't me saying that members on this site would but the theory would be worth exploring!
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
Andy Mac
Paradigm Shift
The "bus" being the "do the right thing bandwagon" and the running over bit is the "or we won;t have any decent fish left to catch." Simple as that!
Goat, I don't doubt you are right about the practices of some out there and they will continue on to some extent, but I think that there are a load of fishos out there with far rosier glasses than me if they think that the Dhuie isnt in any danger and take the (oh, what's my one fish over the side going to do in the bigger scheme of things, she'll be right mate, lets upgrade.) In isolation it isn't going to make much impact, but that attitude unfortunately will, as that is what gets passed from generation to generation. This generation has to change unfortunately, so its up to us!
I know there are going to be problems with comps where incentives to catch the big one will possibly tempt some to upgrade, but lets hope that gradually (make that as quickly as possible) the general boat fishing public will come to accept what needs to be done and make that paradigm shift from protecting their "right to fish" to "enjoying the privilage of fishing, whilst accepting that it now comes with some added responsibility."
As for the 4 smallish cat 1 fish followed by the 15kg dhuie, if they frequent this site, hopefully they will take a heap of very quick pics and video tape the release for all to admire. To me the everlasting images of a giant of the species heading back to make some more babies will be far more appreciated than a few fillets in the tummy for the next three or four weeks and the guilt of seeing a dead fish float away. In which case again a topical FWA Mag article I wrote is coming up hopefully in November's issue and is on increasing your desirable bycatch of other species whilst fishing for Dhuies and Snapper etc. In there I talk about a "trip saver" and that is my fall back if I don't get a big fish, that way I always come home with a feed so the disappointment of letting a big Dhuie go back down is kind of minimised if you like.
If this topic had come up say 10 years ago I would have been far less green and far more gung ho, but having tasted some success with the species I now have a much greater respect for them and having read up a lot about them over the last 18 months and spent quite some time talking to Ian Keay and the like, I guess I have come to realise that it isn't like the old days and never will be again. I figured the quicker I could jump on that "bus" the quicker I would get to "enjoy the ride", rather than running alongside worried that the next bus is going to run me over.
Crikey I sound like a fishing evangelist!!!
Honestly I am not trying to form a crusade like others have in the past (heaven forbid, don't get me confused with a "fishing nazi"), I simply want people to understand why I have adopted this view and why I have changed some of my practices with a view to doing what little bit I can to help the species survive.
Looking forward to that beer Goat. Lots to discuss in this very quickly changing landscape of rec fishing in WA. Lets hope for your sake they don;t drop the KG bag limit down to 2 per angler.
I have to pick your brain some more on catching those big KG's as I need to switch species now.
Cheers
fishcrazy
kgs
i hope they dont drop the limit on those kgs either lol
Andy Mac
Page 51 Thursday's West Australian
Well one thing is for sure and that is they won';t be fishing it for much longer.
Still lots to do and even tighter controls required but it is a welcome start in my book.
Cheers
SPESS
Hell yeah andy! I read that
Hell yeah andy! I read that as well.....fully agree with ya dude!
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!
Dean
Will be interesting to see
Will be interesting to see if catch rate will increase after the pro's have been out the metro for a while.
Bill
I had a very interesting
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot
rickets
Sounds like hes in denial
Sounds like hes in denial and is trying to fabricate loopholes to make himself feel better about his dismal situation lol
GOATRUTAR
That was how he was fishing
That was how he was fishing for them last year Bill!
100lb handlines with 2 baits and a snapper lead!
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
Dean
Does anyone know how far the
Does anyone know how far the metero area covers?
Just want to know if places like the derwent and other offshore spots will be protected from Pro's.
rickets
yeah my question is, how far
yeah my question is, how far west does the metro area cover :P
GOATRUTAR
I believe it is the
I believe it is the shelf!
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
Big Kev
Proposed Fishing Restrictions
Any ideas how long the restrictions will be inforce,if they are put in place?
FISHING IS MY ADDICTION
Dean
So they can still fish the
So they can still fish the offshore spots like the derwent which can hold loads of pinkies?
NOHA
I thought I read it was all
I thought I read it was all the way out to the 200NM AEZ but I cant find it again, in the 10 minutes I just spent then looking, so I cant be 100% sure on that.
OK found this one http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/mp/mp224/fmp224.pdf
In there the metropolitian fishing zone extends to the 250 metre contour.
.
.
No Orange Hats Allowed
Adam Gallash
Ouch
The recreational changes were due in last Monday but have been delayed until we finish surveying during the school holidays. I have had my boss with me on my last trip and got a bit of the inside news, lets just say there pretty heavy, especially a few of the closed areas.
quote Bill:: Not every boat that goes deep catches and I can't remember the last time I heard someone say they bagged out.
Thats exactly the point Bill. There aren't enough fish out there anymore for people to bag out, why something needs to be changed. The fish need a chance to repopulate from years of getting hammered, now that the pro's have gone it is a great start. Whilst the rec's are going to take heavy cuts and restrictionss, atleast you are still able to fish, which is all that's important in my books.
Andy Mac
Bump
Cheers
Dean
250m contour, I suppose that
GOATRUTAR
I'm still waiting to see
I'm still waiting to see some real figures about the number of boats which are/were currently fishing the new exclusion zone.
I'm not so sure the creel surveys are up to scratch either judging by the figures of dhufish they state have been taken by the amatuers compared to the pro's.
I also find that the amount of dhufish that I have caught over the last 5 years has been really similar from year to year.
IF IT SMELLS LIKE FISH IT MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU!
SPESS
Agree andy.....maybe a catch
Agree andy.....maybe