Archived page, Media Release - Common sense rules in Ningaloo Marine Park.

Quick action by Recfishwest has been able to resolve the anomaly of two vastly different sets of recreational fishing rules in commonwealth and state waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park.

With the current commonwealth management plan due to expire on 2 July 2009, recreational fishing in the entire Ningaloo Marine Park will now be undertaken in accordance with WA recreational fishing rules.

Through an administrative process that did not involve stakeholders, the Commonwealth applied a collection of rules to the waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park from 3 to 12 nautical miles that were incompatible with state based rules in the adjacent Marine Park. An example included limiting recreational fishers to only one rod with one hook per person as well as restrictions ranging from the type of bait and processing of catch. They also did not allow provisions for anglers to travel to deeper water outside 12 nm where state rules also applied.

"Recfishwest's discussions with recreational fishers indicated that almost every angler in Ningaloo would have been in breach of these rules. Almost all anglers carry a rod rigged for mackerel trolling, and at least one other rod rigged for fishing for demersal species." Mr Kane Moyle, Policy Officer Recfishwest, said today.

"This is a victory for common sense." Mr Moyle said.

"With the Ningaloo Marine Park about to receive its annual influx of visitors travelling north to make the most of the warm weather and outstanding fishing opportunities, the amendments have come at an opportune time." Mr Moyle said.

Recfishwest applauds the commonwealth government for amending this error and resolving this issue in a timely manner. This resolution highlights the value of a strong peak recreational fishing body supporting the interests of recreational fishers.

"I urge all recreational fishers that may have similar concerns regarding recreational fisheries management in their region get in touch with their peak body, Recfishwest." Mr Moyle said.

ENDS

Media Contact Kane Moyle, Policy Officer - Recfishwest ph. 9246 3366 or 0403 898 432


             

More details.

For more details see Recfishwest's Submission to the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and correspondence on Ningaloo Marine Park fishing rules



This page prepared on 25 June 2009.