Annual Report 2006/2007, Recfishwest.

The 2006-7 Recfishwest Annual Report was formally presented to Recfishwest members at the Annual General Meeting, 19 October 2007 in accordance with the Recfishwest Constitution.

Board and staff members of Recfishwest were present at the AGM to answer any member's questions about the Annual Report.

Contents of the 2006/2007 Annual Report:- Board of Management PART 1 EXECUTIVE REPORTS Chairman's Report Executive Director's Report Principal Policy Officer's Report PART 2 COMMITTEE REPORTS Communications Committee Policy Development Committee Sport Development Committee PART 3 ASSOCIATION REPORTS Australian Anglers Association - WA Division Australian Fishing Tackle Association - WA Branch Australian National Sportfishing Association WA Australian Underwater Federation West Australian Game Fishing Association Western Australian Trout & Freshwater Angling Association Inc. PART 4 FINANCIAL REPORTS Income and Expenditure Statement Balance Sheet Notes on Financial Statements Statement by Members of the Board of Management Independent Audit Report to Recfishwest Assets Register APPENDICES Appendix I: Committees of which Recfishwest is a Member Appendix II: Recfishwest Regional Issues and Recent Victories Appendix III: Board Meeting Attendance Appendix IV: Metropolitan and Regional Fishing Clinic Report Appendix V: Western Australian Sport and Recreation Industry Awards 2007 - Recfishwest Nominations Recfishwest Annual Report 2006/2007 formatted for printing (1033 kilobyte PDF file)

Recfishwest Annual Report 2006/2007 formatted for printing (1033 kilobyte PDF file)

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT (November 2006 to October 2007)

Mr Des Wood Chair of Board, Chair of Executive and the Finance & Audit Committees

Mr Craig Leatt-Hayter Deputy Chair

Mr Keith Tocas Public Board Member

Mr Norman Halse Public Board Member, Chair of Research Sub-Committee

Mr Craig Bibra Public Board Member

Mr Allan Bevan Public Board Member

Dr Howard Gill Public Board Member

Mr Peter Blyth Public Board Member

Mr John Webber General Board Member (WAGFA), Chair of Sport Development Committee

Mr Harry Vosper General Board Member (WATFAA), Chair of Communications Committee

Mr Stephen Gilders General Board Member (ANSA)

Mr Terry Fuller General Board Member (AAA), Chair of Policy Development Committee

Mr Paul McKeown General Board Member (AUF)

Mr Ben Patrick General Board Member (AFTA WA)

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CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

2007 has again been a year in which Recfishwest has represented our constituents in the ever growing issues relating to Recreational Fishing including access to and sustainability of the resource. Recfishwest's Executive Director Mr. Frank Prokop in his report will cover the major issues and detail the outcomes or expected outcomes of the major issues dealt with during the year most of which have resulted in positive outcomes for the recreational fishing sector.

Recfishwest remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure that we have input to the ongoing thrust towards expanding areas of existing Marine Parks and the creation of additional closed areas in the future.

The Integrated Fisheries Management process is proceeding with the Minister's decision on the Rock Lobster Industry expected in the near future. The contribution of Mr. Norman Halse, Recfishwest Board Member and past Recfishwest Chairman, who is currently an independent member of the IFAAC, is acknowledged.

Demands placed on Board Members continue to increase as Recfishwest's involvement in recreation fishing issues continues to grow. Each Board Member's response to the challenges presented has been outstanding. To the Board, thank you for your dedication to the interests of Recreational Fishers and your willing and invaluable contributions in resolving the matters placed before the Board.

The Executive Committee, comprising Board Members Terry Fuller, Howard Gill, Norman Halse, Keith Tocas and Craig Leatt-Hayter has had the additional responsibility of ensuring that the strategic direction of Recfishwest has remained on track. Gentlemen, thank you sincerely for your outstanding performance on this Committee.

The Chairman of the Policy Committee Terry Fuller and the Communications Committee Chairman Harry Vosper are also acknowledged for their work in leading their respective Committees.

I give my thanks and express my deep appreciation to our Executive Director Frank Prokop for his exceptional performance in what has been a particularly challenging year.

Thank you also to Mark Pagano, who is now with the Department of Fisheries and Kane Moyle, both of whom, with their knowledge and dedication to the tasks at hand, have made a significant difference in assisting with the preparation of Recfishwest's policy and other submissions during 2006/7.

I would also like to thank Yvette Guy and Con Costa whose efficiency and enthusiasm continues to ensure the smooth running of the day to day administrative operations of Recfishwest.

Michelle Jennings and Yvette Guy have contributed enormously as Recfishwest's "Fishing Clinic Coordinators" this year in carrying on the excellent work ensuring that our Fishing Clinics, (a massive 87 clinics throughout the State in the past 12 months) have continued to be outstanding successes. Thank you Michelle, Yvette and the myriad of other people who have assisted with the Clinics throughout the year.

I was fortunate to attend the awards dinner for the inaugural Recfishing awards recognising the contributions and excellence in Brisbane on 4 November 2006. Minister for Fisheries, Senator the Hon Eric Abetz attended the dinner and presented the awards. Western Australia was well represented in the nominations, with Recfishwest's SunSmart Fishing Clinic Program being successful in "Best project or initiative encouraging women and young people's participation in fishing". I also congratulate Board Member Terry Fuller for being a finalist for "Volunteer of the Year" and to Frank Prokop for being a finalist for "Non-Government Administrator of the Year".

Recfishwest continues to seek ways to enhance its consultative processes for recreational fishing in Western Australia through interaction with the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC), Regional RFAC's, Abalone Advisory Committee, Rock Lobster Advisory Committee, the Executive Director and staff of the Department of Fisheries as well as a multitude of other representative committees.

Once again a year of many challenges with many more ahead... Recfishwest must increase its Membership and its Regional Representation!!!

Des Wood
Chairman

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

The 2006-2007 year will certainly go down as one of the most challenging in our short but proud history.

Much of the year was taken up with justifying why Recfishwest should continue to exist with the Minister for Fisheries suggesting that with low financial membership, we could not claim to represent recreational anglers.

Recfishwest underwent a comprehensive independent corporate governance review during the year and scored extremely well, with the ONLY negative comment being that we were under-resourced to fully deliver on key performance indicator (KPI) development. An additional independent review of the recreational fishing consultative structures highly praised Recfishwest as progressive, responsive and professional. Unfortunately, this report has not been publicly released.

Recfishwest faced a number of challenges on the funding and staffing front. Mark Pagano accepted a secondment to the Department of Fisheries late in the financial year.

Mark has made every post a winner in his time at Recfishwest and will relish the opportunities which will become available through a position with the Department of Fisheries. Mark's breadth of experience, management skills and ability to work through issues will be sorely missed by Recfishwest but we will maintain a close working relationship with Mark and wish him every success. The capacity reduction from three to two professional officers will be felt during the coming year.

It is personally very distressing to have worked so hard to build up the capacity of Recfishwest to have to reduce our staff numbers for funding reasons.

On the positive side, Mark's move has meant additional opportunities for Kane Moyle who continues to grow and learn. Kane was selected for the Young Future Leaders Program to be run in Darwin by Recfish Australia and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) also nominated him for a rural industries leadership course. Only two fishing industry people were selected for this course, with Alice Hurblatt from the WA Rock Lobster Council also being successful.

The financial challenges also saw us making changes with the fishing clinics program. Michelle Jennings went to Queensland to pursue professional development opportunities and Yvette Guy undertook the Fishing Clinic Coordinators role. Michelle has subsequently taken a role as an environmental consultant and we wish her well in that role. Both Yvette and Michelle were greatly assisted during the year by Kim Burton, Craig Bibra, Terry Fuller and Paul Willis when running clinics as well as the office staff who regularly pitched in.

Meanwhile, Yvette has filled the role of clinics coordinator with great skill and dedication, continuing the success of that program.

Con Costa, of course continues to be the rock upon which Recfishwest is built. He happily runs three jobs, as Admin Manager, Financial Manager and website coordinator with good cheer and astounding professionalism. While no one is irreplaceable, Con Costa is an extremely important asset to the organisation.

It was not all doom and gloom for the year from a management perspective. Indeed, there were many highlights during the year.

The rock lobster allocations were made, and the recreational allocation of 5% was slightly higher than had been proposed, with Minister Ford opting to administer a 95%, 5% allocation.

One of the most anticipated announcements during the year was the long running wetline management saga. The announcement was particularly pleasing for Recfishwest as the wetline sector finally comes under formal management arrangements in about a year or so. While this might seem like a long time to wait, there are many formalities that must be adhered to when dealing with commercial fishing allocations.

We applaud the Minister for the decision that prohibits the carrying of fishing gear on licensed commercial fishing boats without a wetline entitlement. Remember however, that quite a few rock lobster boats that have a clear and demonstrated wetline catch history will be able to continue to fish. However, the small, dedicated and profitable wetline fleet should see an enormous decrease in conflict with the commercial fishing sector.

With this greater access to the resource must also come greater responsibility and it will be Recfishwest that will be at the forefront of management negotiations. I am confident that the recreational sector that has been so responsible and proactive in so many areas will rise to this challenge and develop management strategies that will ensure that our fishing remains the envy of the rest of the world. This will require leadership and responsibility to develop workable yet conservative management arrangements for difficult species such as dhufish. We must also address the almost hysterical claims that each and every recreational fisher wants to fish each and every day with sophisticated electronic aids to destroy the resource.

As the pressure increases on managing the resource, we must remain focussed on dealing with the real issues and not be driven by emotion. The recreational sector leads the way in responsible fisheries management, yet we cannot rest on our laurels to maintain a quality fishing experience into the future.

• Consistent lobbying paid off when for the first time an Easter closure to commercial salmon fishing in the south-west was announced.

• Recfishwest negotiated the 'barra accord' with commercial fishermen to get more areas as recreational fishing only. We are also working to get a fishway on the lower Ord River!

• Recfishwest has made a real difference in allowing fishing to continue in a proposed two mile wide no-fishing zone around a submarine cable in the most popular recreational fishing areas in metropolitan waters.

• Recfishwest, with special recognition of Mark Pagano's efforts, worked closely with passionate local Robert Robinson to get the Wilson Inlet pink snapper minimum legal size limit brought into line with the rest of the state!

• Recfishwest worked with the Swan River Trust for research on river prawns and other environmental aspects of the Swan River ecology also with Murdoch University.

• Recfishwest was successful in getting total protection for cobbler in the Swan and Canning River - yet another example of proactive management of the resource by the recreational sector. Largely through the tireless efforts of Board member Craig Bibra, the Lakes on Heirisson Island have now been closed to fishing, allowing pre-spawning aggregations to form without fishing pressure.

Additional good news during the year came through the Commonwealth Recreational Fishing Community Grants Scheme. Recfishwest was able to win a total of four grants (the DVD grant was announced during the 2007 financial year but was still a pleasing result).

The grants included:

Addicted to Fishing Not Drugs (phase two). We are particularly thankful to Federal Minister Eric Abetz who approved funding for this program and launched the new initiative himself in April. With an announced increase in Healthway funding, we will continue to deliver a quality fishing clinic service throughout Western Australia. We have been able to specifically reach indigenous, disadvantaged and remote area children with these clinics.

During the year we ran a total of 87 fishing clinics across the state to nearly 3000 students from Esperance to Kununurra.

Recfishwest was able to get funding for a Young Future Leaders Program to be run at the Abrolhos Islands in March 2008. Nearly 30 young future leaders, with mentors will stay at the Department of Fisheries research establishment to learn about management, research and personal development. This excellent initiative follows on from the ground breaking Recfish Australia program to be run in Darwin.

The Young Future Leaders Program would not be possible without the strong support from the Commonwealth government, Fisheries Minister Jon Ford and the Department of Fisheries. This should be one of the best activities Recfishwest has ever undertaken.

Artificial habitat enhancement into Drakesrook Dam. This project was the result of cooperation between Recfishwest, Department of Fisheries freshwater researcher Martin de Graaf and the Water Corporation to create artificial rock habitat, especially for marron following maintenance work at the dam.

Unfortunately, the Water Corporation changed the timetable for this work, but we are hoping that we can get an extension for what is an exciting and innovative project.

Finally, Recfishwest was successful in gaining funding to produce a DVD on the use of the release weight. This will be distributed to tackle stores to be given when someone buys a release weight and as part of our general education program.

During the year Minister for Fisheries Jon Ford continued to have regular meetings with our Chairman Des Wood and I. The Minister has made a number of informal approaches on policy issues and we thank the Minister and his advisers for making themselves available.

The sanctuary zones at Rottnest were announced on Boxing Day and their implementation released over the Easter holidays - interesting timing. The Department of Fisheries has worked extremely hard to develop a workable outcome from the trolling decision at the West End and a number of the Rottnest staff, especially Paolo Amaranti and the rangers have also re-established a working relationship with Recfishwest. We have developed a joint log book research program with the Rottnest Island Authority and the Department of Fisheries which is a very positive sign.

Ironically, total protection for blue groper in all Rottnest waters which was supported by Recfishwest has not been implemented.

Recfishwest continued its high level involvement with research planning and management. Andrew Rowland left his Recfishwest position and worked diligently during the year on completing his PhD. Unfortunately the FRDC funding application on extension work was not successful and Andrew is now pursuing other career options. Andrew Rowland is, however, one of the best credentialed young research scientists in Australia and we know that he will make his mark at the international level in the future.

I was successful during the year in being appointed as a Director to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, which is a real honour. I also continued to represent the recreational fishing sector on the National Oceans Advisory Group, which is the peak body on marine and oceans issues including marine parks. My Board position with the FRDC meant that I resigned from the Recfishing Research team administered by Bill Sawynok. I am confident that this program will continue to grow.

Mark Pagano and then Kane Moyle have moved onto the Fisheries Research Advisory Body (FRAB) that advises FRDC on Western Australian research priorities. Both have met the challenges extremely well. Western Australia has some challenges to meet in developing quality research applications, especially with Integrated Fisheries Management information needs not qualifying for many external funding programs and the start up of the new Western Australian Marine Science Institute (WAMSI) with CSIRO also competing for time of the researchers.

Recfishwest has continued to have a high profile with Recfish Australia. Des Wood was elected to the Board during the year and worked hard to ensure that the politics of fishing at the national level didn't become too difficult. Recfish Australia has made enormous progress during the year but has also suffered through the dedicated efforts of a few individuals to try and bring our national peak body to its knees. It is frustrating that this happens so often in fishing.

The list of the vast range of committees and working groups in which Recfishwest participates demonstrates the regard with which our views are held. We add value not only to all of the program initiatives of the Department of Fisheries, but across a huge spectrum of government and non-government issues. We have given and earned respect from the commercial fishing industry, mainstream conservation groups, local government, state government departments and their Ministers and the Australian government. We should all feel proud that we ensure that the views of recreational fishing are considered. We may not win everything and there are times when it feels that the mountain to climb is extremely high, but it is better to have tried and failed than not to have tried at all.

The presence of Recfishwest, the Conservation Council, MG Kailis group, WAFIC and Aquaculture Council on the Halt the Salt project is a testimony to the capacity of these groups to work together. These efforts resulted in some traction which was pleasing to see.

During the year, I am sad to report that my friend and mentor Peter Rogers retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Fisheries. Peter was a driving force in fisheries management Western Australia, and you always knew where you stood with Pete. He was a man of his word and although we lost some pretty interesting battles, he was respected by all for his honesty and integrity and will be sorely missed by the fishing fraternity. Peter now Chairs WAMSI and is a Professor at Murdoch University so we all look forward to keeping in touch.

We are extremely fortunate to have the strong support of Peter Rogers and now Peter Millington and many staff from the Department of Fisheries for our activities. We also have very strong support from many Cabinet members and members of Parliament.

It is also extremely important to point out the enormous contribution of our volunteer based Board. The Executive Committee including Des Wood, Howard Gill, Craig Leatt-Hayter, Norman Halse and Terry Fuller work many hours a week on Recfishwest issues.

We have been continuing to ensure that the needs of recreational fishermen are given full consideration in the development of management strategies by local, state and federal government and by other interest groups such as commercial fishing, conservation and many others.

Our funding will again be closely examined during the year, particularly to ensure that our funding is assured for the medium term. The coming year provides many challenges as we need to shore up our funding base in what is an increasingly competitive funding environment.

The Minister for Fisheries has set Recfishwest a difficult target to get 1000 members by February 2008 or we may not receive future funding. WAFIC and the other peak bodies have also been set significant challenges. It is now time for the recreational fishing community, which has really taken the efforts of Recfishwest for granted, to stand up and be counted, or simply put, Recfishwest will no longer exist.

This challenge will be extremely difficult, with reduced staff and many other issues going on. Many have already made a commitment to the cause, with Halco lures and Engel fridges for example, helping out in our membership drive.

While we can get money for running fishing clinics and research projects, it is the daily grind of management negotiations, the heartbreakingly mundane series of meetings that may never lead to an outcome which is where we are having trouble getting core funding.

Recfish Australia is faced with similar problems and the peak national body for commercial fishing ASIC folded due to lack of funding and support. WAFIC is also facing many challenges and it is essential that all recreational fishers understand how important it is to have a strong, professional and viable peak body for both commercial and recreational fishing in Western Australia.

I urge all recreational fishers to get behind Recfishwest during this time of need, when we have finally made progress on wetline fishing, and we are about to start serious negotiations for species such as dhufish and snapper in the metropolitan zones where recreational fishing pressure is large.

I will reach 10 years of service to Recfishwest during the coming year. When I took on the job, I promised inaugural Chairman Ian Stagles 'two good years'. I never thought that I would be here to qualify for long service leave!

The loss of staff and core funding challenges must rest to a significant degree on the shoulders of the paid executive officer and for that I am sorry. The Board and recreational fishers of this state have indulged the strengths and weaknesses of my passion for management reforms for a decade.

Fighting for Recfishwest's future requires total dedication and I find myself tired and I see it in the eyes of some of the Board as well. It is time for a new person to take over the reigns of Recfishwest. I believe that during the coming year we will need to find a new and invigorated Executive Director to take Recfishwest to the next level.

I would like to offer special thanks to our Chairman, Des Wood, whose enthusiasm and dedication over the last four years has been greatly appreciated. Special mention goes to Des Wood, Norman Halse, Stephen Gilders and John Webber who will notch up 10 years of service on the Board in September 2007.

Special thanks to Board members Craig Bibra and Keith Tocas who have indicated that they will not be standing for re-election this year. Both have served the organisation very well, including time on the executive Committee and we hope that both will continue to keep in touch.

The efforts of all Board members and other volunteers who give so freely of their time on behalf of recreational fishing are often under recognised. It has been a bittersweet pleasure to work on the variety of issues during the past year with such enthusiastic and dedicated people.

Frank Prokop
Executive Director

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PRINCIPAL POLICY OFFICER'S REPORT

My role as Principal Policy Officer is a broad one and there are many challenges. First and foremost Recfishwest represents the "interests" of all recreational fishers in Western Australia, but at times the views and aspirations of recreational fishers can be quite polarized. The conundrum we face is the expectation that we actually directly represent every recreational fisher. Those who are aware of our role often have strong views at the extreme ends of the scale and expect to see their positions advocated vehemently. Unfortunately we also experience tremendous apathy from among our constituents.

This apathy was especially evident through the recent Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) process. During the year, the ACMA under Commonwealth legislation proposed to establish a protection zone around the SEA-ME-WE3 submarine data cable off the metropolitan coast. We represented recreational boat fishing interests on the Western Australian Protection Zone Advisory Committee (WAPZAC). We strongly challenged the potential impact or otherwise of recreational fishing activities on the submarine data cable, including strong representations regarding the lack of formal risk assessment that may well have negated the need for the proposed prohibitions and restrictions.

Recfishwest communicated details of the proposal extensively writing articles for, and providing presentations to many groups and individuals, including appearing on Channel 10 and WIN nightly news state-wide, and radio on 720-ABC, 883-6PR and Sport FM. The proposal was also presented to Boating WA, Boating Industry Association (WA) and the Power Yacht section of the Fremantle Sailing Club. Articles were published in the Australian Fishing Tackle Retailer magazine, Boating WA Newsletter, Western Angler Magazine and website forum, Hotbite Magazine and website forum, the Recfishwest Newsletter and website and the West Australian newspaper. Presentations were made to several peak recreational fishing associations through the Recfishwest Board and to the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) and the Metropolitan Regional RFAC.

Recreational fishing apathy raised its head again through this process. The result of all the communication above was only one, yes one, submission from a recreational fisher to the ACMA proposal. It is important to note that the original proposal was to, prohibit rock lobster potting and any form of anchoring, and to restrict line fishing with J hooks to a maximum 4/0 size in the protection zone which encompasses the highest recreational boat fishing usage area in Western Australia.

Through negotiation, we achieved concessions that significantly mitigated the proposed restrictions and prohibitions including; allowing rock lobster potting within the zone, the only restriction to recreational line fishing is a 50kg breaking strain limit when using J hooks, and anchoring is restricted to a 1090kg breaking strain anchor rope when fitted with a breakaway or trip anchor.

This result is significant and alone should provide strong incentive for recreational fishers to support Recfishwest as their peak body. A special thanks to the Western Rock Lobster Council for their support during the process, in particular Steven Gill and Dexter Davies.

During the year we successfully applied for funding from the Commonwealth Government Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme to run the Young Future Leaders in Recreational Fishing Workshop. The workshop will be held in March 2008 and will bring together the next generation of recreational fishing leaders in a forum where they will be educated and mentored by a group of experienced and recognised leaders in recreational fishing advocacy and management. We thank Senator Ebetz for his ongoing support of Recfishwest's capacity building and Peter Millington, CEO of the Department of Fishing, for his support for this workshop.

The Halt the Salt Alliance continues with MG Kailis Group and the Conservation Council (WA) with support from Pearl Producers Association, Western Australian Fishing Industry Council, North West Research Association, Cape Conservation Group, Australian Conservation Foundation and Recfish Australia.

The potential impact of the full-scale proposal for a solar salt mine on the eastern shores on the Exmouth Gulf could be catastrophic on an ecosystem scale. Some recreational fishers think that this is some sort of unholy alliance, well think again. Recfishwest will keep on working with industry and community on issues where we have mutual concerns. Collectively we can make a difference.

The Walpole/Nornalup Inlets Marine Park Indicative Management Plan came to a conclusion during the year. Recfishwest was a member of the Community Focus Group and we commend the Focus Group and the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority for acknowledging significant amendments to recreational fisheries management that came into effect during the process, namely the reduction to the black bream bag limit by 60% from 20 to 8 fish and the introduction of state-wide possession limits.

The Marine Park challenge in terms of recreational fishing is to adequately provide for the conservation values of a marine protected area in an equitable, integrated and sustainable manner while minimising the impact on the historical and social values of recreational fishing. The recommendation to zone the entire Marine Park as a recreation zone was not taken lightly by the Focus Group.

I believe that our Wilderness Fishing policy will play a role in future management of our aquatic resources. Wilderness fishing areas can provide for a different user group, for the recreational fisher wishing to experience high quality fishing in a remote location. With a growing population and regional development remote areas are not so remote anymore and access is becoming easier. A wilderness fishing area will go a long way toward securing that special fishing experience for those that are not so interested in fishing to their limit.

The Policy isn't just about safeguarding a fishing special fishing opportunity though. Remote Wilderness Fishing Areas, if large enough could potentially contribute in a meaningful way to the overall spawning biomass of fish stocks.

I was privileged to be given the chance to participate in the Australian Rural Leadership Program and would once again like to thank my sponsor the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation for making this opportunity possible.

During the year, the long-term security of my employment became a priority with the recent addition to my family. Uncertainties regarding future funding for Recfishwest and opportunities within the Department of Fisheries have lead to my acceptance of a permanent position with the Department.

I have learnt a great deal about aquatic resource management in my time at Recfishwest and I sincerely thank Frank Prokop for the strong leadership he has provided throughout that time and the opportunity to develop my skills in advocacy and fisheries management.

My sincere appreciation goes out to Policy Officer, Kane Moyle, Administration Officer Con Costa and Administration Assistant and Fishing Clinics Coordinator Yvette Guy for all their efforts in ensuring Recfishwest functions at the highest standard.

I would also like to thank all Recfishwest Board members for their support. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Recfishwest and other stakeholders with whom I have developed professional relationship.

Mark Pagano
Principal Policy Officer

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COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

The year 2006/2007 has been an interesting one for the Communications Committee. I would like to thank all those who attended the meetings and for the contributions that they made. I would especially like to thank Terry Fuller and Con Costa, for the sterling work that they have done on our revamped and updated website. I would also like to thank Kane Moyle and Peter Blyth for their support and contributions this year.

The committee has met three times this financial year and has produced several electronic newsletters which have been distributed to Recfishwest members and placed on the website.

This year has seen the introduction of the popular "Casting around the Internet" weekly email correspondence. Many thanks must go out to Terry Fuller for creating and maintaining this fantastic communication medium.

The media exposure by way of television, newspapers and magazines has been particularly pleasing and a tribute to Frank Prokop and the office staff who have been most successful in spreading the word that Recfishwest is alive and well and on top of current issues. Both Kane and Frank are also writing regular columns in fishing magazines.

Fishing Clinics

Once again this was the main forum used to generate publicity and fill a need in the community. The clinics, this year were divided into two sections. Perth Metro/Southwest and the Northern Tour.

Perth Metro/Southwest

Some 45 clinics were held and 1201 participants enjoyed learning about fishing, conservation and safety.

The Northern Tour

This tour commenced in Geraldton on the 24th of August and ended in Derby on the 18th September 2006. A total of 800 participants attended 33 clinics in 11 different regional towns including Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Onslow, Karratha/Dampier, Port Hedland, Broome, Derby and Kununurra. We would like to thank the sponsors who supplied the tackle used, the staff and Board members who conducted the clinics and all the teachers and adults who helped.

As these participants were young people it is hoped that the information conveyed will result in more responsible adults in future years. There is no doubt that a format has been set for the clinics to be an annual event.

Shows and Events

Recfishwest attended the Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show, Seniors Recreation Council "Have a Go Day", SWANFISH and Sea Week Expo. At all of the above, the trailer was on display and manned. Many of the public viewed the displays, took pamphlets and received information on all matters concerning recreational fishing. Thank you to all who manned the trailer.

The forthcoming 12 months are going to be most interesting and I foresee a major effort by this committee to assist in achieving the targets required by Recfishwest.

I have enjoyed my stint as Chairman of this Committee and hope all the future targets are achieved. A very big thank you to the Recfishwest staff for all their support that I and this committee have received.

Harry Vosper
Chair of Communications Committee

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POLICY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Five meetings have been held during 2006/2007. Attendance at the meetings ranged from 2 to 5 Board members plus Recfishwest staff.

The work and issues included the revision of existing policies, the preparation of draft policies, submissions and papers covering a range of topics, including:-

• Consideration of Recfishwest statement or policy on compulsory wearing of Personal Flotation Devices

• Review of Recfishwest's Vehicular Beach Access Policy

• Policy Statement on Working with Political Parties

• Consideration of Policy on adding a category of life or honorary members

• Policy on Setting of Fish Harvest Levels

Several other topics are currently under consideration. All new policies required to meet external needs have been produced.

Recfishwest's work priorities this year have been more focussed on website and membership matters and these have not yet resulted in the development of new policies.

Thanks to Board members and new Board Member Peter Blyth for their assistance with reviews and comments, and to Principal Policy Officer Mark Pagano and Policy Officer Kane Moyle for help with comments and the organisation of issues.

Terry Fuller
Chair of Policy Development Committee

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SPORT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Sports Development Committee met only twice during the 2006/2007 year.

The charter of the Sports Development Committee is to concentrate on the allocations and administration of the Department of Sport and Recreation funding. This funding has remained unchanged in the last few years.

The committee operates very smoothly as all of the associations liaise with each other to obtain the best results possible, taking into account any special projects that may be planned for the year.

As always my thanks to all concerned for their efforts on behalf of all associations.

John Webber
Chair of Sport Development Committee

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AUSTRALIAN ANGLERS ASSOCIATION (WA DIVISION)

It has been a fairly tumultuous year in the AAA, with the losing of some good members due to health issues, others that have left the metropolitan area, and internal issues due to the "overload" of positions. However the positive out of the year was that the AAA still ran efficiently enough to provide its members with information and assistance wherever needed, and provided a vocal and focal point for issues that needed to be addressed for clubs and individuals. We will always try our best, remembering we are all but mere volunteers that appreciate the simple things in life that others may take for granted, and consult with others for the rights of fellow club members and public alike, then assist wherever possible, to help all to enjoy the wonderful relaxing pastime in fishing and enjoy the camaraderie of clubmanship.

State AAA Events

State AAA events took up a lot of our time. The first was the State Dry Casting in October 2006. The quality of the casting was excellent.

Don Cox has been the driver on the AAA State Estuary, Rock and Beach group and with a small band of workers had conducted meetings to organise both events.

Both events, the Estuary on the Swan River and the Rock and Beach at Albany Cheynes beach, ran smoothly. Thank you to Don and all those who supported them. Don has also been a major organiser for the Melville Club's Swanfish event that is run every year for all categories, and is always well received within the general public.

The AAA State Boating Championship was held at the Ocean Reef Marina with headquarters at the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club (ORSSC), providing the venue for the weigh in and presentation area, this was a huge success. ORSSC organised the event with assistance from all other boating clubs and coordinated by the AAA. The attendance and positive results showed what can be achieved by good organisation, professionalism and the support of club members.

Good weather was enjoyed and some excellent catches were achieved. The competition is run allowing only one fish of each species from an eligible species list. To the boating sub committee a big thanks from all of us for the great effort.

To all the various winners and overall champions, both individual and teams in all our State events go congratulations from all clubs and their members. Results are detailed on the AAAWA website http://www.aaawa.iinet.net.au/

National AAA Convention

A lot of work went into preparing and sending a WA State team to Phillip Island in March 2007. The support of the Department of Sport and Recreation via Recfishwest has helped to make this possible and as a result we had a team of 18 travel across Australia to represent us.

WA was successful in winning the Open and Veteran's team events, and the Ladies came fourth. Joe Pullella won the Open Individual event, Vix Alexander won the Ladies Individual event, and Gary Gildersleeves was runner up in the Veterans division. Keith Heaney had the longest cast of 172.56 metres in the 112 gram distance event which was cast into a brisk headwind.

Our junior caster, Andrew Pekaar who had been casting for less than six months, cast extremely well to run third and was very close to two very talented juniors who have a lot of casting experience.

There is certainly a large personal cost to these individuals, but they are a committed lot and work together to achieve on Western Australia's behalf. Dry Casting is the main event they target at these conventions, but they get involved in all other fishing events where possible.

Fisheries Management and Access

In recent years there has been a lot of time spent dealing with many fisheries management and Marine Park issues. Our policy of working in a positive manner with Recfishwest and the Department of Fisheries and any other group involved in fisheries management and Marine Parks has certainly borne fruit, although Marine Protected Areas such as Rottnest have been particularly difficult. Thankfully we have a diligent representative of the AAA on the Recfishwest board in Terry Fuller, we as a group are thankful and proud that Terry has represented us efficiently in this role and appreciate the overflow effect of Terry's infectious attitude.

Records

The role of the AAA National Records Authority has been clarified. At each National AAA convention since 1985, WA has been given the job of National records, and Richard Siudak and his team have been trying to update all the records.

Once again this can be seen in the AAA website that Terry Fuller has assisted in providing for all and when given the chance has assisted by trying to keeping it up to date on the web, the latest reports etc are on the website.

Fishing Clinics

Clinics were run for the public in July 2006 at the Hillarys Yacht Club. Quality local recreational fishing information, tips and advice were presented by experienced anglers in interesting and informative sessions over three nights.

Pat Shinnick
Acting President, Australian Anglers Association, WA Division.

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AUSTRALIAN FISHING TACKLE ASSOCIATION - WA BRANCH

The Australian Fishing Tackle Association (AFTA) has initiated some significant moves over the last twelve months, the most important and significant being the formulation of a new Business Plan. The Plan was developed at a conference over 3 days. The Plan is to be implemented along with some constitutional changes that have been endorsed by the AFTA Annual General Meeting.

The conference and the process subsequently have given insight into and an admiration for the organisation we know as AFTA. Our structure and constitution is sound and well based, in my opinion and I must commend the work done, the financial management and decisions made by some of the longer-standing members of the committee over the years.

Our Association is one of the few, if not the only fully independently funded organisation that operates in the recreational fishing industry. This is a remarkable situation in an arena that is dominated by recreational angling lobby groups that are by and large dependant on government funding and one that we are proud of.

As part of the Business Plan a Code of Ethics, an Environmental Policy and a commitment to better encompass retailers was developed.

I'd like to thank my committee and our now full time Executive Officer, Doug Joyner, for all the work they've done this year.

Ben Patrick
Board Member, Australian Fishing Tackle Association - WA Branch

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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION - WA BRANCH

Every year at this time one sits and ponders "what have we done... where has the year gone".

Firstly .What have we done? We have had meetings which have been pretty lacklustre affairs. We have re-arranged meetings to still be lacklustre affairs. Come on guys... Where is the ANSA spirit?

On a more serious note we have come to the end of the demersal scalefish tagging program (Snapper, Dhufish, Breaksea, Baldchin). The belief is the final report will be out before Christmas. Interim reports indicate the program was very successful in its data collection and when this information is finally analysed, our understanding of these fish will, we hope, be very useful in their management. These species, especially the Dhufish, are icons of Western Australian fishing. More will be reported as the summer fishing season draws near.

The Ministers response to the "Wetline Review" was recently released and is now under the process of implementation. Maybe this will be enough to ignite a spark of life into the membership and lift the spirits?

On the record front this year things have followed the pattern of the last 3 to 4 years. Two records were granted and two are still pending. Congratulations to Mark "cotti" Cottrell from Nicol Bay Sportsfishing Club on a 6.38kg queenfish on 1kg(gamefish section) and a 7.92kg chinaman on 2kg (sportfish section). Again this is showing anglers are fishing more for the experience and it is taking exceptional catches to threaten the books.

Again I will take the closing paragraph to thank my Committee for their endeavour over the past year. Richard, Steve and John, thanks a heap.

Stephen G Gilders
President, Australian National Sportfishing Association WA Branch (Inc.)

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AUSTRALIAN UNDERWATER FEDERATION

The year of 2006/07 has seen somewhat of a revival of the WA spearfishing branch of the Australian Underwater Federation (AUF).

This has come about with the recognition that the state body needs to do more than just overseeing competitions. More specifically there is a need to; educate the public as to the real facts of free dive spearfishing, make sure information about marine park and fisheries management proposals is passed on to divers (and responded to), and provide a high profile contact point for new divers.

Spearfishing AUF membership within WA is at a 10 year high with approximately 60 financial members. This is likely to increase during the financial year with the formation, or revival, of clubs in Albany, Geraldton and Dunsborough.

There have been a number of changes within the committee of the WA AUF Spearfishing division for 2006/07.

Joe Petrovich, long serving chair of the WA Spearfishing commission, has taken over from Paul McKeown as WA AUF spearfishing representative on the Recfishwest board. Simon Longbottom has taken on the role of chair at the commission. Alistair McNeill has taken over as competition organiser. Alistair has a great deal of experience in this area and has some great ideas such as digital "photograph and release" type competitions aimed at increasing the skill of the free diver while removing the capture of less desirable species.

In conjunction with the national AUF, the WA state body is investigating having competitions assessed so that they achieve at least a 4 star rating under the National Environmental Assessment of Tournament Fishing. The national AUF has recently achieved this rating for the Blue Water Classic in NSW.

Simon Longbottom
Chair, West Australian Spearfishing Commission

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WEST AUSTRALIAN GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION

Sadly the loss of access to large areas of the Rowley Shoals, Monte Bello Islands and Rottnest Island greatly concerns and disappoints our Association. Indeed members of our Management Committee were particularly concerned with the Monte Bello Island closures given Recfishwest Board members involvement.

Our Association is also extremely disappointed that the catch and release study area proposal, as discussed at a research priority setting meeting at Fisheries Research Branch, was not progressed by Recfishwest. This Association believes that this type of research project should now be pursued with both diligence and urgency.

Notwithstanding these issues the WAGFA Management Committee continues to appreciate the ongoing support from Recfishwest on many other issues.

Club membership remains at similar levels to the previous years although the lack of a La Nina event since 1999 has meant that the Leeuwin Current has not helped our catch rates in the southern half of the State.

Again it has been a pleasure working with the staff and Board of Management at Recfishwest, and I thank them for their support during the year.

John Webber
Board Member, West Australian Game Fishing Association

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WESTERN AUSTRALIAN TROUT & FRESHWATER ANGLING ASSOCIATION INC.

The past twelve months have been good for WATFAA and the Association is in very good shape. As many people have said before, an organisation is only as good as the people that run it and this is proven by the Council that I have been fortunate to work with, this year. The Council has worked well together and this has been a most productive and exciting year. Membership is high and growing on a monthly basis and financially we are secure.

Council members have taken their responsibilities to heart and have given freely of their time and efforts. I would like to thank the whole Council for the effort that they put in covering all the ongoing needs such as activity nights, serving behind the bar, stocking our dams, maintaining Rose Cottage and ensuring that the Association operates smoothly and efficiently to the benefit of all members.

Our Honorary Secretary Wally Mackowiak has once again been the backbone of both the Council and the Association and I thank him for all he has done for us.

Whilst it has been a relatively quiet year for freshwater issues, I would like to thank Executive Director, Frank Prokop and his staff for their constant vigilance and strong lobbying. I would draw attention to the building of the Marron Habitat at Drakesbrook Dam and compliment Frank for achieving the results which he has. We hope that the final result will exceed all expectations.

With Frank and I both sitting on the Recreational Freshwater Stakeholders Sub-committee, it bodes well for freshwater fishing in Western Australia.

Harry Vosper
President, Western Australian Trout and Freshwater Angling Association

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APPENDIX I: Committees/Working Groups of Which Recfishwest is a Member

APPENDIX II: Recfishwest Regional Issues and Recent Victories

Pilbara/Kimberley

• Working on fishway for Lake Kununurra. Helped obtain funds for cultural study and study on fish populations with Scott Goodson.

• Lobbying with East Kimberley RFAC to allow use of opera house traps for red claw (pest) in Lake Kununurra.

• Recfishwest negotiated the 'barra accord' with commercial fishermen to get more areas as recreational fishing only. Hopeful to have first ever catch and release barra area in Kimberleys.

• Working on Scott Reef management with new gas exploration.

• Working with charter sector on management and interactions including with pearling industry.

• Assisted with research into threadfin salmon, estuary cod and mangrove jacks - joint research between DoF and Murdoch.

• Lobbied for total protection of saw sharks and river whaler (Glyphis spp.)

• Made major submissions on Rowley Shoals, not successful.

• Changes made to Dampier Marine Park proposals to accommodate recreational fishing sector needs.

• Ran special week long clinic with follow-up for youth at risk in Onslow.

• Working with DoF on Kimberley 2015 regional plan.

• Worked with government on aboriginal fishing policy - not yet implemented.

Gascoyne

• Ongoing discussions on Ningaloo management and especially design of research projects.

• Negotiated with GAMEX organizers on shark capture protocols.

• Shark Bay snapper management in Eastern Gulf saw recovery. Awarded Premiers prize for management.

• Participated in Halt the Salt campaign with commercial fishing industry and conservationists objecting to world's largest salt production facility.

• Negotiated on World Heritage issues and potential boundaries at Ningaloo and Exmouth Gulf.

• Attended Gascoyne Muster and working groups on pastoral lease access for recreational fishers.

West Coast

• Recfishwest has made a real difference in allowing fishing to continue in a proposed two mile wide no-fishing zone around a submarine cable running through Hale Reef.

• Recfishwest worked with the Swan River Trust for research on river prawns and other environmental aspects of the Swan River ecology also with Murdoch University.

• Recfishwest was successful in getting total protection for cobbler in the Swan and Canning River.

• The Lakes on Heirisson Island have now been closed to fishing, allowing pre-spawning aggregations to form without fishing pressure.

• Negotiated to allow trolling to continue at Rottnest West End sanctuary zone - also proposed total protection for blue groper in Rottnest waters.

• Initiated special management for pink snapper in Cockburn Sound.

• Stocked over 250,000 bream into Swan River following major fish kill.

• Ensured access to new Port Coogee marina including for disabled fishers.

• With City of Canning, got three fishing platforms constructed on Canning River.

• Got commitment to remove commercial fishing for snapper from Cockburn Sound.

• Negotiated for a 5% catch share of rock lobster resource which will provide time for natural growth of fishery.

• Negotiated that commercial fishing boats without wetline entitlement would not be able to carry any line fishing gear.

• Ran highly successful dhufish workshop.

• Coordinated tagging on snapper, dhufish and breaksea cod with DoF and ANSA and research efforts into Samson fish.

• With Garry Lilley developed and promoted release weight and its benefits to recreational sector. Funding for production of DVD on use successful from Commonwealth government.

• Member of Cockburn Sound management council and input into all developments including outer harbour and desalination plant design, access and environmental impact.

• Tried to get decommissioned submarine sunk as specific recreational fishing site off Perth.

• Worked with DoF on tilapia eradication from Bennett Brook.

• Negotiated removal of metropolitan beach bait fishery through buy-out.

South-west

• Got pipeline removed from Lefroy Brook.

• Obtained Commonwealth funding for artificial habitats to be installed (with DoF and Water Corporation) into Drakesbrook Dam.

• Ensured trees remained in Harvey Weir and that electric motors would be permitted.

• Negotiated for major changes to marron fishery including increased size limits and reduced bag limits with the support of the community.

• Coordinated responses to Geographe Bay fishing closure, working with Geobay for the Future group.

• Consistent lobbying paid off when for the first time an Easter closure to commercial salmon fishing in the south-west was announced.

• With local representatives, had significant input into Cape to Cape marine planning exercises.

• Input into Yarragadee extraction implications.

• With government helped facilitate the removal of commercial fishing effort from Leschenault estuary.

• Input into conservation program for Margaret River hairy marron.

• Lobbied for herring to become recreational only species in south-west.

South Coast

• Worked closely with member for Albany Peter Watson and passionate local Robert Robinson to get the Wilson Inlet pink snapper minimum legal size limit brought into line with the rest of the state.

• Lobbied for changes to management of Culham Inlet to allow bream to breed.

• Lobbied for Pallinup estuary to become recreational only.

• Coordinating input into Commonwealth South-west bioregional marine planning exercise (from Kangaroo Island in South Australia Kalbarri) and state south coast regional marine planning run by DEC.

• Input into fishway design and construction for native fish on south coast.

Statewide

• Ran 87 fishing clinics from Kununurra to Esperance last year, plus 10 events such as the Mandurah Boat Show and Have a Go Day. Special clinics included Mother and Child clinics, Talking Tackle clinics at Recfishwest office.

• Ensured $650,000, for several years which had been moved from the recreational boating facilities scheme was made available for boat ramp and infrastructure construction.

• Represent recreational fishing interests on state marine planning strategic group making real headway on difficult problems.

• Won National prize for SunSmart/FishSmart fishing clinics participation and finalist in Healthway excellence in sponsorship awards for fishing clinics.

• Will be running a Pink Fly Fishing Clinic on 28 November for breast Cancer survivors.

• Worked with Fishers with disabilities association.

• Ensured that fee exemption for fishers with recreational fishing licence in National Parks continued to apply.

• Ensured coordinated and agreed common position on fish kill responses throughout the state, including tightening of penalties for fish kills.

• Lobbied for uniform stream side vegetation protection laws and environmental flows from dams. Also lobbied for continued access to Logue Brook dam.

• Coordinated Joff Weston and Kane Moyle to attend National Future Leaders Course in Darwin - September 2007.

• Obtained funding for WA Young Future Leaders course for 18 - 20 young people at Abrolhos Islands in March 2008.

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APPENDIX III: Board Meeting Attendance

The Recfishwest Board of Management held eleven Board meetings during the 2006/2007 year. Details of Board member's attendance are set out below.

# Commenced Term December 2006

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APPENDIX IV: Metropolitan and Regional Fishing Clinics Report

In April 2007, I was appointed as the new Recfishwest Fishing Clinic Co-ordinator to carry on the good work of Michelle Jennings who resigned from the position to take up an appointment with Environmental Consultant.

My initial responsibility for Recfishwest involved the organisation/co-ordination of the 2007 Northern Fishing Clinic tour held during August. Due to the resounding success of the 2006 Northern Tour, Recfishwest has expanded on the planned number of regional townships to be included in the 2007.

In 2006, The Federal Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Eric Abetz launched a new Recfishwest initiative as part of the Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program called, "Addicted to Fishing Not Drugs". Following the success of this inaugural program, Recfishwest was successful in gaining follow-up funding to allow this program to continue for a second year in 2007 and reach even more children.

This program over the last 18 months has reached nearly 3,000 children ranging in ages from 10 to 18 years in metropolitan and regional Western Australia. It has resulted in thousands of young West Australians being taught the importance of sustainable fishing, believing in themselves and their abilities and the social benefits of fishing as an activity.

The success of this program in its first year saw Recfishwest announced the winner of the 'Best project or initiative encouraging women and young people's participation in fishing' at the 2006 Recfish Australia Awards held in November.

The 2006 Northern Fishing Clinics Tour was run in August/September and included 33 clinics with over 800 participants. Townships visited included Geraldton, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Onslow, Karratha/Dampier, Port Hedland, Broome, Derby and Kununurra. I would like to acknowledge the great work of Michelle Jennings in co-ordinating the 2006 Northern Tour.

As part of National Youth Week 2007, Recfishwest in conjunction with the Onslow Youth Outreach Project and the Shire of Ashburton conducted a three day fishing clinic program in Onslow, 17th - 19th April 2007. These fishing clinics coincided with the official launch of the Onslow Youth Outreach Project.

The three day 'Gone Fishing' program provided 25 local children the opportunity to try their hand at fishing and learn new and exciting skills and techniques. The clinics promoted the important messages of 'FishSmart SunSmart' and 'Addicted to Fishing not Drugs'.

The Shire of Ashburton requested that Recfishwest return to Onslow for a more intensive fishing clinic program following our visit as part of the 2006 Recfishwest Northern Fishing Clinic Tour. The idea behind the longer program was to develop relationships with the local children to talk about social issues and teach them valuable life skills. This longer program was able to over-come this problem of past events and enabled the Recfishwest program presenters and the participants to develop important relationships with the children.

Through funding from local mining companies BHP, Chevron and Onslow Salt, the Onslow Youth Outreach Project was able to purchase two plaka boats for the community. Assistance at the fishing clinics from the local community members, local police and the Shire of Ashburton ensured that many children were introduced to their first boat fishing experience.

This program was a resounding success, thanks largely to the excellent work of fishing clinic presenters Kim Burton and Paul Willis. I would also like to thank Policy Officer Kane Moyle for his assistance in organising and co-ordinating the program.

The fishing clinic program again visited the south-west with two fishing clinics being held in Bremer Bay during January 2007 with a total of 41 participants. Carnarvon local, Wally Dale, coordinated a fishing clinic for local children as part of the "Carnarfin" annual event with a total of 80 participants. Recfishwest provided tackle boxes, educational materials, hats, sunscreen and other giveaways.

2006/2007 has been another highly successful year for the Fishing Clinic Program. Relationships with major sponsor Healthway continue to be strong and potential funding avenues through Woodside are being explored for continuation of the Northern Tour in 2008.

I would like to thank Kim Burton, Craig Bibra, Paul Willis and Terry Fuller for their fantastic work as Fishing Clinic Presenters. Their infectious attitude towards fishing and their fantastic ability to interact with clinic participants are what help make this program such a success.

Yvette Guy
Fishing Clinic Coordinator

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APPENDIX V: Western Australian Sport and Recreation Industry Awards 2007 - Recfishwest Nominations

Commitment to Professional Development - Recfishwest

Recfishwest is the peak recreational fishing body in Western Australian, representing the best interests of the 643,000 people that recreationally fish at least once a year. Recfishwest is governed by 14 Board members representing 6 recreational fishing Associations and 8 elected public members. Under the guidance of Executive Director, Frank Prokop, the Recfishwest office has grown from one full-time staff member in 1999 to four full-time and one part-time in 2007.

The Board of Recfishwest identified in its 2006 strategic planning a distinct need for succession planning within our industry as well of ensuring the ongoing professional development of our staff and Board members.

All Recfishwest staff members have undertaken professional development courses in 2007 to ensure their leadership, management and operational skills continue to develop and make Recfishwest a more influential association.

Professional development of Recfishwest staff members includes;

Executive Director, Frank Prokop, encourages all staff members to participate in professional development courses to ensure their skills continue to develop in their role. Frank continues to develop his own skills and position within the fishing industry through external participation. Frank was selected in 2007 to become a Director of Fisheries Research and Development Corporation administrating about $130 million in research grants. To take up this position Frank left the Executive of Recfish Australia. Frank has presented at the Recfish Australia Marine Park conference in Brisbane and was invited as a key note speaker at the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Conference in late 2006. In this capacity he continues to develop the profile and influence of Recfishwest as the peak recreational fishing body of Western Australia.

Principal Policy Officer, Mark Pagano, participated in the 2006/07 Australian Rural Leadership Program. This course is renowned as one of the premier leadership programs in Australia. It provides a forum where participants develop leadership skills and increase their knowledge and understanding by sharing ideas and experiences and exploring contemporary issues. The program is funded by sponsors and Mark was the successful recipient of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation's, Fisheries Scholarship. Mark's commitment to professional development has seen him be seconded to the Department of Fisheries in 2007 to conduct a review of recreational fishing consultative structures. This highlights the high regard for Recfishwest's staff within the Department of Fisheries.

Policy Officer, Kane Moyle, also developed his leadership skills in 2007 being a successful applicant for the Pathways to Rural Leadership Program for young people in the industries of agriculture, fisheries and forestry. This week long program in Canberra was restricted to 20 participants from around Australia aged between 20 and 35 and concentrated on developing skills in leadership, influence, team dynamics, government process, networking and media skills. Kane has also been successful in his application to the Recfish Australia's Next Generation of Leaders Program to be held in Darwin in September 2007. Kane represents Recfishwest on important committees such as the Swan Catchment Council, Developing New Fisheries and Rock Lobster Puerulus Aquaculture.

Administration Officer, Con Costa, attended an Incorporated Association workshop in 2007 to further develop his knowledge of business administration. He also regularly undergoes tuition in website construction to ensure the Recfishwest website is interesting and informative. The Recfishwest website is regarded as the best of all recreational fishing associations around Australia (an independent quote from the Winstanley review of Western Australian Recreational Fishing Consultative Structures).

Part-time Administration Assistant, Yvette Guy, has added responsibility to her position having taken on board the role of Fishing Clinics Coordinator. The added workload and responsibility that this role brings has seen Yvette develop her skills through guidance from Executive Director, Frank Prokop. Recfishwest won national recognition for this program at the 2006 Recfish Australia Awards by winning the 'Best project or initiative encouraging women and young people's participation in fishing'.

As a not for profit organisation the participation in professional development courses is largely through sponsorship. Staff members are actively encouraged to apply for sponsorship for professional development courses with great success. The Board of Recfishwest acknowledges the importance of professional development of its staff and the positive return on investment that these courses bring to Recfishwest. All staff members are supported financially during their professional development courses.

Board Members also receive opportunities for professional development. Chairman Des Wood is a Board Member of Recfish Australia and Board Member Terry Fuller is coordinating recreational community input into the Commonwealth Marine Bioregional Planning process for the South-west from Kangaroo Island to Kalbarri. Board Member and regular Fishing Clinic Presenter Craig Bibra also attended meetings for the Outdoors WA Adventure Activity Standards.

Recfishwest understands the importance of succession planning and the need to have young people taking an advocacy role within this industry. In 2007, Recfishwest was successful in an application to the Commonwealth Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program for the 'Western Australian Young Future Leaders in Recreational Fishing' project. This project will bring together the next generation of recreational fishing leaders at the Abrolhos Islands in February 2008. The selected participants will be educated and mentored by a group of experienced and recognised leaders in recreational fishing advocacy and management. This project will help to ensure that there is a trained group of people able to assist in the management and leadership of recreational fishing. It is hoped a number of these young industry leaders can be mentored as the next generation of Recfishwest Board members.

Recfishwest is committed to ensuring that its staff and industry members continue to develop and take on greater leadership roles within the fishing industry. It is important that the recreational fishing industry has affective leaders that can communicate to government the many social and economic benefits of recreational fishing as an industry and a sport. Recfishwest is working hard to ensure the future of this important industry.

Commitment to Participation - Recfishwest Fishing Clinic Program

In 2006, The Federal Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Eric Abetz launched a new Recfishwest initiative called, "Addicted to Fishing Not Drugs". Following the success of this inaugural program, Recfishwest was granted a second year of funding to allow this program to continue in 2007 and reach even more children.

This program over the last 18 months has reached nearly 3,000 children ranging in ages from 10 to 18 years in metropolitan and regional Western Australia covering coastal towns from Esperance to Derby and Kununurra. It has resulted in thousands of young West Australians being taught the importance of sustainable fishing, believing in themselves and their abilities and the social benefits of fishing as an activity.

The first year success of this program saw Recfishwest announced as the winner of the 2006 Recfish Australia Awards for 'Best project or initiative encouraging women and young people's participation in fishing'. In 2007 the program has reached even more youth at risk, with Recfishwest again conducting a Northern Fishing Clinic Tour from Carnarvon to Derby as well as conducting dedicated programs for indigenous youth in Onslow and the remote Warralong Community near Port Hedland.

Recreational fishing encourages children to be enlightened by a new and fun activity which helps to provide positive life skills such as creative decision making, problem solving, goal setting and patience. Shared experiences help children better communicate and interact with each other and their families, gain confidence and find a new sense of respect and responsibility for themselves and their community.

These clinics encourage messages of sustainable fishing practices including casting techniques, selection of bait and general rigging, recognition of fish species, catch and release and aquatic conservation. They will also cover personal safety, caring for your catch as well as current rules and regulations.

The Recfishwest Fishing Clinic Program also promotes the SunSmart message and provides free sunscreen to all participants at the clinics. Our policy of "no hat no fish" ensures participants are not affected by the harmful UV rays of the sun. All fishing equipment is supplied by Recfishwest along with a number of giveaways for participants. Recfishwest was also recognised as a finalist in the 2006 Healthway Awards in the category 'Sponsorship awards showing innovation and strong community participation'.

Fishing clinics have been a huge success in regional Western Australia, and are a much anticipated event for numerous small towns which are often missed due to their isolation. Many young children in these towns have never fished with fishing rods and are therefore taught new skills which increases their confidence and encourages them to open up.

Due to their isolation and lack of interaction with other people, children in remote towns often lack the life-skills required to communicate with adults and peers. These fishing clinics not only give the children an opportunity to interact with people outside their townships, but leave them with new skills which will hopefully help them in their own lives.

Recfishwest has particularly targeted disadvantaged youth such as indigenous youth through 'Youth at Risk' programs. One of the most gratifying aspects of the fishing clinics is that many children gain enormous self-esteem and self-confidence. Fishing skills do not necessarily require enormous strength, dexterity or cleverness to be successful. Therefore many children searching for a sense of self find that fishing provides an active, healthy family activity that they can perform well in. Many teachers report an improvement in behaviour from many of the children. Other teachers report that fishing is such a highly valued activity that the entire class stays focussed for weeks before the clinic so as to not jeopardise the activity.

A Pink Flyfishing Clinic is anticipated later in 2007 for women recovering from breast cancer and to provide an opportunity for women who have been affected by the disease to gather in a natural and relaxing environment to learn fly-fishing.

Recfishwest attends public events such as Boat Shows, Have a Go Days, Seniors events, sportfishing competitions encouraging responsible, healthy active participation in fishing.

SUMMARY OF RECFISHWEST FISHING CLINICS 2006

Community Event Award - Recfishwest & Shire of Ashburton "Gone Fishing" Program

As part of National Youth Week, 16 -20 April 2007, Recfishwest in conjunction with the Shire of Ashburton conducted a three day fishing clinic program for the youth of Onslow. The Recfishwest fishing clinics coincided with the official launch of the Onslow Youth Outreach Project, which aims to engage the youth of Onslow in healthy social activities in their community

The intensive three day 'Gone Fishing' program provided 25 local children with the opportunity to try their hand at fishing and learn new and exciting skills and techniques. The clinics promoted the important messages of 'FishSmart SunSmart' and 'Addicted to Fishing not Drugs'.

The 'Addicted to Fishing not Drugs' program encourages children and their families to go fishing, enjoy a healthy outdoor activity and talk about issues that they many be facing at school with their friends or family. In this way, issues such as drug use, bullying and self image issues can be detected earlier to the benefit of the student and the family.

The Shire of Ashburton requested that Recfishwest return to Onslow for a more intensive fishing clinic program following our visit as part of the 2006 Recfishwest Northern Fishing Clinic Tour. The idea behind the longer program was to develop relationships with the local children to talk about social issues and teach them valuable life skills. Shire of Ashburton Executive Manager, Amanda O'Halloran was concerned that Onslow youth are often forgotten in community events due to its isolation and when an event visits the town it is generally for only one day. This provides the children with a massive boost of confidence and excitement for one day, but they are often left disappointed when the next day everything returns to normal. This longer program was able to over-come this problem of past events and enabled the program presenters and the participants to develop important relationships.

The program facilitated three Recfishwest instructors to travel to Onslow and teach the local children a wide range of skills associated with fishing so that they could make the most of their wonderful natural resources. The program was arranged around the school holidays where children have previously had few organised social activities, causing antisocial activities within the community.

Many of the children were already keen fishers, however, their only previous exposure to fishing was a handline, a hook and a piece of bait. The three days of clinics broadened their horizons with many kids fishing with a rod and reel for the first time. The children were taught how to fish with lures and soft plastics, tie fishing rigs, set up a tackle box, conduct maintenance on fishing gear and fillet a fish. When not fishing, the group were listening to talks about the importance of "fishing today for tomorrow", proper fish handling techniques and the social benefits of fishing.

Through funding from local mining companies BHP, Chevron and Onslow Salt the Onslow Youth Outreach Project was able to purchase two plaka boats for the community. Assistance at the fishing clinics from the local community members, local police and the Shire of Ashburton ensured that many children were introduced to their first boat fishing experience.

At the conclusion of the program all participants were awarded their own fishing rod and reel along with a Recfishwest tackle box full of all the gear they would need.

A request has been received from the Shire of Ashburton for Recfishwest to return as part of National Youth Week 2008 and conduct another week long program with a new group of local children.

Recfishwest was able to reunite with the participants from 'Gone Fishing' program as part of the 2007 Northern Fishing Clinic Tour held in August this year. The reunion clinic was again well received by the local community and the development of the children since this program was significant. The growth of many of the children's social confidence and behaviour was significant and their enthusiasm for fishing and their natural resource was evidently displayed. The reunion clinic received state wide media coverage with three participants from the program being interviewed on ABC radio.

Recfishwest is investigating other funding avenues to hold similar programs in other regional centres with youth at risk.

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This page last updated on 20 October 2007.