Annual Report 2008/2009, Recfishwest.

The 2008/9 Recfishwest Annual Report was formally presented to Recfishwest members at the Annual General Meeting, 30 October 2009 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 2008/2009 Annual Report:-
Board of Management
PART 1 Executive Reports
Chairman's Report
Executive Director's Report
Policy Officer's Report
PART 2 Committee Reports
Communications and Membership 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
Appendices
Appendix I: Committees/Working Groups of which Recfishwest is a member
Appendix II: Board Meeting Attendance
Appendix III: Metropolitan and Regional Fishing Clinic Report
Appendix IV: Recfishwest Consultative Structure Review

Recfishwest Annual Report 2008/2009 formatted for printing on A4 paper (385 kilobyte PDF file)

       

Board of Management (November 2008 to October 2009)

Mr Craig Leatt-Hayter, Chair of Board, Chair of Executive and the Finance & Audit Committees

Mr Andrew Matthews, Deputy Chair

Mr Norman Halse, Public Board Member, Chair of Policy Development Committee

Mr Andrew Rowland, Public Board Member, Chair of Research Sub-Committee

Mr Steven Gill, Public Board Member

Mr Matt Gillett, Public Board Member

Mr Des Wood, Public Board Member

Mr Jamie Chester, Public Board Member

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

Mr Joe Petrovich, General Board Member (AUF)

Mr Harry Vosper, General Board Member (WATFAA)

Mr Stephen Gilders, General Board Member (ANSA)

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

Mr Tim Carter, General Board Member (AFTA)

Proxy Board Members

Mr Jonathan Weston, AFTA

Mr Bretton Stitfold, WATFAA

Mr Pat Shinnick, AAA

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Chairman's Report

Another incredibly busy year draws to a close and the work ethic of the Recfishwest staff continues to amaze me. Such a lot has been achieved and a lot of the credit must go to Con Costa, Yvette Guy, Kane Moyle and Frank Prokop; the support and advice they provide to the Board, Executive and various Committees is much valued and appreciated.

Flowing on from the last Annual General Meeting was the election of four new members to the Board; Andrew Rowland, Matt Gillett, Tim Carter and Andrew Matthews. Such a turnover and influx of quality people served to revitalise the board and ensured many quality, robust discussions occurred.

One of the challenges undertaken involved redesigning the board structure in order to facilitate better representation of the non-metropolitan regions of Western Australia. Following an intense planning day the changes were ratified at a special general meeting and we are currently in the process of establishing regional committees and identifying potential regional board members.

An issue that did not attract much fanfare but perhaps epitomises the way Recfishwest often goes quietly about our business was that of the two vastly different set of rules that applied to the Commonwealth and State waters in the Ningaloo Marine Park. 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 12nm where state rules also applied.

Following a number of representations from Recfishwest the Commonwealth agreed with the position we put forward and commonsense prevailed resulting in State regulations now applying.

More recently we have been working through the very emotive issue of imposing new fishing regulations in the West Coast Bioregion to ensure the sustainability of a number of demersal species. Achieving a 50% reduction in take with minimal imposition on fishing amenity was always going to be challenging to say the least.

Members of the fishing community expressed widely varying opinions ranging from extremes such as a do nothing approach (which may have well led to the demise of a few species) to a six month closure period (which hardly allows any time to go fishing at all). Subsequent to meetings with key industry stakeholders a compromise solution was put to and accepted by Government that while causing some impositions for the fishing public should ensure we can continue fishing and have a reasonable expectation of catching quality fish well into the future.

The above only touches on a few of the issues dealt with over the past year but they do give an indication of the variety and importance of the work Recfishwest undertakes on behalf of the Western Australian fishing community.

No doubt this coming year will bring further challenges but I have every confidence that these will be met and dealt with in the professional manner as they have been in the past.

Thank you all for your contributions and support

Craig Leatt-Hayter
Chairperson

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Executive Director's Report

The 2008-2009 year has, like all other before it presented a number of hurdles to be overcome, challenges to be met and successes to be had. Some of the most important decisions in the last twenty years affecting recreational fishing have been made.

The role and accountability of Recfishwest has also been put under close scrutiny as we move towards significant changes to the Board structure and a much greater Recfishwest involvement in regional consultation for recreational fisheries.

Special mention must also go to the completely indefatigable Terry Fuller. The Casting around the Internet newsletter that Terry puts together is highly prized throughout Australia and contains exceptional information.

Challenges

Recfishwest faced a number of challenges on the funding and staffing front. The loss of Mark Pagano's experience and an additional policy position has had an impact on the issues which Recfishwest has been able to engage. Following from Recfishwest meeting its membership target, we were also able to secure some additional funding for 2008/2009.

Many fantastic things happened for the organisation. Recfishwest was able to once again run fishing clinics for more than 3,000 people throughout the state. These included clinics for remote aboriginal communities, grandparent and child clinics and Pink Fly Fishers clinic for women suffering from breast cancer. Our dedicated group of clinics presenters should feel extremely proud of these accomplishments.

I was able to attend the World Recreational Fishing Conference in Florida and to lead a national study tour on behalf of the FRDC. Participants from around Australia made nine presentations at the World Conference, including two by me.

One of the highlights of the trip is to learn of the amazingly high regard in which Bill Sawynok of Queensland is held in engaging the recreational sector in data collection. Following the Conference Bill was awarded an international conservation award by the International Gamefishing Association, helped in no small part by WA's own Neil Patrick who made the nomination.

The Release Weight

The release weight developed here in WA was one of the most keenly discussed innovations at the conference. Subsequently, Sportfishing magazine, arguably America's most prestigious saltwater fishing magazine, published an editorial extolling its virtues in reducing barotrauma related post capture mortality.

Following the publication, many thousands of hits were recorded on the Recfishwest website from American anglers keen to see what the fuss was about. A truly remarkable result!

The study tour also visited The Florida Keys National Park to see how anchor management is done so much better there and met with marine park proponents. It was amusing that the government people professed to be strongly opposed to the use of habitat enhancement as a trade-off for their much smaller sanctuary zones. Our group said we loved their massive habitat enhancement project already in place. To their frowns we said - "Yeah but you call them road bridges!!

The change of government at the federal level has had implications for Recfishwest. The good news is that Young Future Leaders graduates Lisa Sharp and Michael Sawyer have been appointed to the national Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee. This is yet another accolade for this incredibly successful program. Matt Gillett was elected to the Recfishwest Board and the 12 month reunion was full of encouraging success stories.

The bad news is that RFAC is not looking to fund programs like the Young Future Leaders and although Recfishwest is ready to move forward with another intake, the funding is proving elusive. The role of this RFAC and Recfish Australia is still unclear as is the way forward with a national recreational fishing presence.

Demersal fishing management

The whole year was taken up with negotiations on the West Coast demersal wetfish management arrangements. There were many debates over the validity of the science which lead to 'independent' reviews. After much debate, Recfishwest concluded that while the science was open to interpretation, the conclusion that definitive management was required on dhufish especially was valid.

What remains extraordinarily frustrating for Recfishwest is that it was us, through the Dhufish Workshop in 2004 that strongly urged the need for management reforms for dhufish. The researchers refused to accept the need and indeed were reluctant to undertake research. The research was a mixed bag of some exceptional work and some extremely poor work, but the conclusion was patronising in suggesting that the resource was indeed over-exploited and that massive reductions were necessary. One wonders what could have happened if we had a cooperative approach back in 2004?

The government announced a package of reforms that included a $150 per annum license fee for demersal species. Recfishwest, with assistance from many industry leaders was able to propose an alternative management package that ultimately saw a number of compromises.

The ability to work with government and achieve a workable outcome is a major benefit to Recfishwest, yet there are still many critics who believe that because we did not do exactly what they wanted, when they wanted it - for them, that we have failed. Unless recreational fishing recognises that management is difficult and that we all need to make sacrifices for a fishing future, we will lose credibility in achieving meaningful results.

Government

During the year the change in state government brought many changes. We have developed an excellent working relationship with the Minister for Fisheries, Norman Moore, a seasoned and senior politician with a good understanding of the need to take conservative action on fisheries management. Minister Moore was also the first Fisheries Minister to attend a Recfishwest AGM.

The Ministers Chief of Staff, Trevor Whittington and Fisheries Policy Advisor, Mark Pagano have had regular briefings. While we may not always agree on everything, there is mutual recognition and respect, which is a solid base on which to base decision making. We thank the Minister and his advisers for making themselves available.

I continued as a Director to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, which is a real honour. My term comes to an end soon and politics are changing rapidly in Canberra, not always to the betterment of recreational fishing.

Kane Moyle continues to excel in many areas and continues on the Fisheries Research Advisory Body (FRAB) that advises FRDC on Western Australian research priorities. Kane has continued with the Recfishing Research team administered by Bill Sawynok.

Recfishwest has continued to have a high profile with Recfish Australia. Des Wood is a member of the Board and during the year worked hard to ensure that the politics of fishing at the national level didn't become too difficult. Recfish Australia is under enormous pressure to continue. There will be significant challenges for new CEO Len Olyott during the coming year.

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.

Department of Fisheries

During the year, Recfishwest welcomed a new Department of Fisheries CEO in Stuart Smith. Not having a background in fisheries management was a blessing, as we had struggled under the previous CEO who had little sympathy with recreational fishing issues. Stuart has been a breath of fresh air and we hope that he will be able to institute the cultural reforms that will see more transparent and equitable management processes in the future.

Our relationship with the Department of Fisheries Research Division suffered a number of testing times. Recfishwest continued to raise significant concerns about Cockburn Sound crabs modelling, recreational catch calculations and addressing the management of the metropolitan Roe's abalone fishery. There was also considerable controversy about the negative portrayal of recreational assistance in the dhufish tagging report.

This has culminated in FRDC setting aside funds to manage the changing dynamic of recreational fishing efforts and expectations in nearshore waters as a result of changes to demersal fisheries management. To date, Murdoch University have been very accommodating about projects, but the Department of Fisheries have been nowhere to be seen. This lack of cooperation and engagement is unacceptable and could result in the loss of valuable research funds to WA.

Consultative Structures

We have spent the entire year working on changes to consultative structures which would cause Recfishwest to examine its Board composition and servicing of regional issues. Recfishwest has now changed its constitution to include bioregional representation. We are looking to appoint a regional policy officer to have greater engagement on regional fisheries management priorities.

Recfishwest has worked very hard to meet the challenge that good ideas for recreational fisheries management can be adopted, but bad ideas have to be able to be objectively assessed.

The operational aspects of this initiative are expected to be resolved early in the next financial year.

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

I would like to offer special thanks to our Chairman, Craig Leatt-Hayter, whose enthusiasm and dedication has been greatly appreciated. Craig has had to take the lead on some extremely difficult issues and has done so with confidence and poise.

The staff of Recfishwest continues to show enormous leadership and teamwork. Kane Moyle faces the challenges of fatherhood and will no doubt be as accomplished at this task as he is at all others. Con Costa remains the rock upon which the foundation of Recfishwest is built and Yvette Guy has continued to develop new skills and ensure that Recfishwest maintains a professional presence with fishing clinics and management processes. My sincere thanks to you all.

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.

WAFIC and the rock lobster industry are 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.

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 challenge 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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Policy Officer's Report

I write this year's Policy Officer Report at the culmination of one of the major policy issues in Recfishwest's history. The west coast demersal management and recreational licence debate has dominated our business in the past 12 months generating community and political discussion like no other fishing issue.

Early in 2009 the findings from the management and scientific reviews, a commitment stemming from the Liberal government's election win, confirmed the need for a 50% reduction in the take of west coast demersal scalefish. Emerging from this review was also the strong call for a recreational fishing licence as part of the management arrangements which added an extra layer of complexity to the debate. While the biological package for west coast demersal management had fairly wide scale support the licence system generated poles of opinions.

As Frank has alluded to in his report, the final outcome is not one that has pleased everyone. However, I believe Recfishwest has engaged extremely well in the negotiations on this highly topical issue and facilitated an outcome that will ensure a viable demersal fishery in the west coast and continued social amenity in the fishery. As the licence moves to implementation in 2010, Recfishwest will need to closely monitor its acceptance and opinion amongst the community.

Although this one issue has taken a lot of Recfishwest's resources it hasn't restricted us from achieving a number of other significant results for our recreational fishing stakeholders.

Consultative Structures

The beginning of 2009 saw Recfishwest face the opportunity for a major shift in the way we conduct our business. A statement form the Minister and briefing from the Department of Fisheries on how they envisaged consultative structures running in the future required a review of Recfishwest's and how we consult with the fishing public. A lack of regional representation has been a long standing and valid criticism of Recfishwest, but has been difficult to improve with the limited financial resources.

A focus of the past year has been developing a funding proposal and consultation model on how Recfishwest would deliver regional recreational fishing consultation. This has resulted in a review of our constitution and restructure of the Recfishwest Board to include regional representation from the four Department of Fisheries bioregions.

Final negotiations on the funding arrangements should be resolved shortly, however, an interim budget proposal has seen Recfishwest employ Andrew Rowland to fill the role of Regional Policy Officer. I am looking forward to Andrew developing in this role and early indications suggest he will be an excellent addition to the Recfishwest team. This will see a return to the policy resources we had before Mark Pagano left in 2007.

Marine management

Recfishwest has continued to harbour good working relationships through 2008/09 with the Department of Fisheries and other government agencies on marine management issues. With the consultative structure review giving greater responsibility to Recfishwest I see these relationships strengthening even further into the future.

This year has been quieter than previous years for Marine Park planning. State based Marine Park planning has been relatively inactive with only the Walpole Nornalup Marine Park being gazetted and management plan released this year. The Commonwealth bioregional marine planning has continued to develop with the release of the south-west bioregional plan and the Areas for Further Assessment (AFA). Recfishwest will continue to work with the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on identifying recreational fishing issues within these AFAs as well as the north-west bioregion plan scheduled for release in 2009/10.

Research

The 2008/09 financial year also provided a fantastic opportunity for my professional development as the recipient of the FRDC Peter Dundas-Smith Scholarship.

A cornerstone of the project was attending the 2008 American Fisheries Society Conference in Ottawa and presenting a paper on barotrauma research and a poster on empowering recreational anglers to engage in fisheries research. The scholarship also involved a week study tour with Infofish's Bill Sawynok to learn from the Released Fish Survival program and the development of a discussion paper for collecting scientifically sound recreational fishing data in Western Australia.

I would like to thank FRDC for sponsoring my professional development through the Peter Dundas-Smith scholarship. The scholarship has been invaluable in developing my knowledge in recreational fisheries research and provided a unique opportunity to learn from leaders both nationally and internationally in our industry.

As a result of my travels I returned inspired and motivated to rekindle some of the world class stewardship and research managed through Recfishwest as part of Samson Science and release weight research. Unfortunately with limited policy resources and the development of west coast demersal management and recreational licences as a major issues has seen this progressed down the list of priorities. However, this still remains something that I'm passionate about and focussed towards progressing in the coming financial year.

The past year has seen my continued involvement in the Fisheries Research Advisory Board as the representative with recreational fisheries expertise. Recreational research is repeatedly raised by our stakeholders as a priority and Recfishwest continues to have strong involvement in ensuring these needs are met for Western Australia. This year I have continued as a member of the national Recfishing Research Committee that advises FRDC on recreational research priorities.

I must pass on my thanks to the Recfishwest staff on what has been another very busy and challenging year. Con Costa and Yvette Guy have continued to run the administrative duties and coordination of fishing clinics for Recfishwest at a very high standard. I must also thank Frank Prokop for his continued mentoring and direction with policy issues. Thank you also to the Recfishwest Board and Members that have provide comment and assisted with the development of Recfishwest' submissions in the past year.

I look forward to continue working with Recfishwest and our many stakeholders on the many challenges that lie ahead for the recreational fishing industry.

Kane Moyle
Policy Officer

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Communications and Membership Committee

The 2008/9 year has been yet another interesting one for the Communications and Membership Committee.

Recfishwest Membership

In 2007, the then Minister for Fisheries set Recfishwest a challenge to substantially increase membership during the 2007 calendar year as part of the conditions for Recfishwest's funding.

Through the efforts of office staff and Board members, the membership exceeded the target of over 1000 before the end of that year. However the extra membership numbers caused a substantial increase in workload and cost just to service the renewals and mandatory notices such as notices of Annual General Meeting and Board elections. These costs are not fully covered by the low membership fees. Nevertheless Recfishwest is committed to maintaining a significant membership.

Once again, with the support of sponsors, a prize draw was held for some great Christmas presents for some lucky members, including an Engel portable fridge/freezer, 2 Halco lure packs and a quality rod and reel.

Special thanks to Yvette Guy and Con Costa for all the administrative work involved with membership renewals, reminders and follow ups throughout the year, including the extra work in emailing media releases, Recfishwest and other publications to all members with email.

With a limited admin staff and time available, this extra membership work has a cost, including that some other work has to be sacrificed, and some things which could and perhaps should be done do not get done as well as we might like.

Recfishwest Website

The Recfishwest website is a critical part of informing members and the public about Recfishwest's activities, communicating with some of WA's recreational anglers, and being a reference source with comprehensive new content added regularly to the website.

All pages maintain the same consistent layout, appearance and features, using many familiar website conventions and standards which make it as easy as possible for both inexperienced and experienced Internet users. Terry Fuller regularly checks the website to ensure that all links are correct and working to avoid, as far as possible, those annoying "page not found" messages which result when links on external websites are removed or the websites are rearranged.

One of the invisible features is that all pages on the website have intelligent "counters" to record the entry page, the website from where the visitor was referred, documents downloaded, external links visited, and other pages read during that same visit.

A total of over 64,350 pages were read in nearly 40,000 website visits during 2008/9, an average of 176 pages and 106 visits per day, but ranging up to 800 pages and 517 visits on a day when important new information was added.

This use and page access information has been extremely useful for monitoring of website page popularity and usage, website management, research and development, and to demonstrate the value of advertising Recfishwest's activities on other websites, particularly in the discussion forums on local fishing websites.

It has also demonstrated the value of having a professional standard website with interesting and relevant content and link cross-references which can be found by search pages such as Google. These introduce new visitors who often look at other pages on the RFW website during their visit.

This usage information is collected in accordance with Recfishwest's Privacy Policy and does not collect personal information about people or identify individual users or computers.

Spreading the Recfishwest message via "fishing forums"

Seven local WA fishing website forums are used by WA anglers:- Hotbite, Western Angler, Fishwrecked, FishingWA, Breammaster, Southcoastfishing, and WAFishAman. These are used by a cross section of local anglers as chat rooms and to discuss and debate various fishing related topics.

The forums are one very important way of communicating with some recreational fishers and others through the forum readers' interactions with other fishers who do not use the forums.

When Terry Fuller first started using the forums several years ago, some posts and perceptions of Recfishwest's activities were very misinformed, one sided and some were extremely critical. Frank Prokop answered some of these, but some posters got very personal and did not seem to care about the facts.

Terry Fuller has used these forums in his own personal time as one way of communicating with some of the recreational angling public. Terry's approach has been to report about Recfishwest's activities, submissions, policies, membership, etc which are in the public domain published on the Recfishwest website, but being careful of statements which may be interpreted as speaking for Recfishwest.

Some forum readers do not realise this distinction and many see Terry as a spokesperson for Recfishwest. The Recfishwest Chairman and professional staff and some Ministers' staff and Government Departments, particularly the Department of Fisheries also monitor the posts on these forums.

Government Departments rarely (if ever) post information or answers on forums, and leave an information vacuum. Terry has posted a considerable amount of information which has been supplied by the Departments concerned, or available in their publications.

Terry responds to comments and statements made by others about Recfishwest, fishing management and marine park matters, and posts relevant links and extracts from official websites to provide the correct information or alternative approaches to the topics. Terry tries to be diplomatic but firm and answer all the questions and comments until everything raised has been answered.

At times this involves dealing with some very controversial topics and very strongly held and diverging opinions, for example on the proposals for management of recreational demersal fishing on the West Coast. Even when the original poster can or will not be convinced, there are real benefits in posting replies and factual information for the other readers of those threads.

It is rewarding to note that this consistent approach of providing comprehensive information seems to be paying off on most, but not all, of the local fishing forums. There are now few negative posts about Recfishwest which cannot be answered by facts, often as already published on the Recfishwest website.

The general tone of comments about Recfishwest on most WA fishing forums has become much more positive and informed and is remembered. Other posters regularly quote Recfishwest's work and links in answer to questions and comments when new people start using the forums and asking questions which have been covered before.

"Casting around the Internet with Recfishwest"

First introduced in mid 2007, sixty one (61) separate issues of "Casting around the Internet with Recfishwest" have been produced up until the end of June 2009. The aim of these is to inform Recfishwest members of some of the new things which affect recreational fishing.

Each issue has details of 6 to 8 interesting new fishing related articles found on the Internet. The emphasis is on Western Australian topics, but includes other significant or interesting articles from elsewhere when these are found. The format is a heading, some sentences about the contents and a clickable link to the full article on the Internet.

A conscious and deliberate decision has been made that "Casting Around..." will report information found on the Internet but does not add comments either in support of or against the original contents. The summaries may draw attention to particular parts of the article, but we leave it to readers to read the original full article for themselves, and make up their own mind about that. Sometimes two or more items are deliberately chosen and placed together to invite the reader to make comparisons of the information in the articles.

These publications are researched, compiled and produced by Terry Fuller as a service for Recfishwest members. The most recent up to date issues are reserved for members of Recfishwest and are emailed directly to members as soon as they are produced. Older versions are placed on the Recfishwest website but are deliberately delayed by about 4 weeks so that members get more up to date information than the general public does. The response to these publications has been overwhelmingly positive from Recfishwest members and others who receive them.

Fishing Clinics

Once again this was an important activity and opportunity to generate publicity for Recfishwest, introduce children to recreational fishing, meet recreational anglers face to face and fill a need in the community. See Yvette Guy's fishing clinic report for details.

Shows and Events

Recfishwest attended the Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show, Seniors Recreation Council "Have a Go Day" and Melville Angling Club's Swanfish. At all of the above, the Recfishwest display trailer was on display and manned by Recfishwest people. Many of the public viewed the displays, took pamphlets and received information on many matters concerning recreational fishing and Recfishwest activities. Thank you to all who gave up their time to man the trailer.

The Future

This report covers the year July 2008 to June 2009. Activities from July up to the October Annual General Meeting will be covered in next year's Annual Report.

My 2008 report said I hoped to be able to report on the directions of the long awaited review of recreational fishing consultative structures and implications for more both-way communications and interactions with recreational anglers particularly outside the metropolitan area.

While Recfishwest was completely ready and some progress has been made, decisions needed to be made in the Department of Fisheries and unfortunately little was finalised during 2008/9. The uncertainty continues to delay conclusions and initiatives for changes to regional communications and consultation.

The next year is going to be most interesting and I see continuing effort by this committee and individuals to assist in meeting the communications and membership targets required by Recfishwest.

Terry Fuller
Chair of Communications and Membership Committee

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Policy Development Committee

The Policy Development Committee (PDC) only met twice during the last year, January 28 and October 23, 2009.

The reason for this is firstly because Recfishwest now has a suite of developed policies which cover most of its interests and this limits the need for new policy development. Secondly it was a particularly busy year dealing with West Coast demersal fish management issues and associated license issues which restricted time available for longer term matters.

The main efforts of the PDC were concerned with amending and producing a new recreational license policy and this went through a number of drafts before being finally accepted. Other issues considered included conflict over use of the FADS (the fish attracting devices anchored in deep water west of Rottnest), dive flags for protection of breath-hold divers, the fillet possession limit and blue swimmer crab management including closures.

Norman Halse
Chair of Policy Development Committee

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Sport Development Committee

The Sports Development Committee met only once during the 2008/2009 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

Again 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, clubs needing guidance, and national issues. 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 2008. The quality of the casting was excellent, people jumped in and assisted where necessary and made for a great event.

Don Cox and Jason Pember have been the drivers 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 at Walpole Estuary and the Rock and Beach at Albany Cheynes Beach, ran smoothly. Thank you to Don, Jason 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 Hillarys Marina with headquarters at the Hillarys Yacht Club (HYC), providing the venue for the weigh in and presentation area, this was a huge success. HYC 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 you 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 Wallaroo in March 2009. 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 travel across Australia to represent us.

WA was successful in All the events nominated, and was sincerely thanked by the organisers of the event in the assistance provided by WA in the initial, during and after events set ups.

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 the latest consultative process did not work for the Boating sections.

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 was clarified last year. 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.

This year Richard was presented with an award for the meritorious service he has done for the records authority and was a worthy recipient, and it was with extreme pride that we were able to present this to Richard.

The records 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 have been programmed for the 2010 year and we have already received a great deal of encouragement from our delegates who are always there to assist, when needed.

Pat Shinnick
President, Australian Anglers Association, WA Division.

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Australian Fishing Tackle Association - WA Branch

It has been a very busy year at Recfishwest, with some extremely important changes to recreational fishing currently taking place. Whilst I would have liked more time to get acquainted with the board in my first year as the AFTA representative , much work needed to be done and all of the members have been hard at it to guide recreational fishing interests in the right direction.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore has undertaken as promised, a scientific review of the information that prompted the "vulnerable five" regulations proposed by former Minister Jon Ford.

Ultimately, the scientific work undertaken in the original study has been vindicated by the independent peer review and as such we have to accept that the Western Australian Dhufish, in particular, needs further management measures to stop overfishing for this iconic Western Australian species.

While we at AFTA agree that additional steps to protect Dhufish stocks are required, we are concerned at the inclusion of many other demersal species where there is clearly no evidence of any problem in the fishery. The revised package that the Minister Moore has introduced has several measures that the tackle industry can accept however several issues were unable to be resolved from our perspective.

The proposed two month demersal closure from mid October to mid December and a new bag limit of two Category 1 demersal species per person is acceptable from a conservation point of view to the majority of our members however the introduction of a new boat fishing licence along with hefty increases in other existing licences and the dropping of the umbrella licence concept is a backward step in our opinion.

No meaningful public consultation on the boat licences was undertaken by government prior to the Ministers plan being announced and several influential members of the angling community were forced to rally against the new fees with a campaign for proper community consultation on this very important issue.

Whilst the vast majority of Recfishwest board members have endorsed the Ministers revised package, the Australian Tackle Association could not fully endorse the entire package due to the lack of community consultation on the licence issue and believes a far better outcome for the angling community could have been achieved had further negotiations on consultation taken place.

On a more positive note, the closure of crabbing in Cockburn Sound looks set to be lifted early this summer, as the crab stocks appear to have recovered enough to make this highly enjoyable pastime available to families again. We trust fisheries will keep a close eye on the commercial sector ensuring they do not undo the good work done over the last 2 years.

By the time you read this report, Recfishwest will have a new constitution and board structure. The new board will have fewer members from the public and association bases however those losses have been necessary to make way for four new positions from across regional Western Australia.

This initiative will provide better representation for anglers in the regions than they have had in the past. Additional funding has been provided to Recfishwest by fisheries to provide for better services across the regions and trust that the new regional representatives will be highly effective in putting regional interests forward while we push forward with future management issues.

Tim Carter
Board Member, Australian Fishing Tackle Association

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Australian National Sportfishing Association WA - WA BRANCH

The Western Australian recreational fishing scene had many traumatic times during 2008/09. Reductions in bag limits, closed seasons, alterations to closed seasons and changes in Ministerial approach all added up to a very interesting period.

ANSA was also passing through a period of change. Clubs and members in the Metropolitan region continued to decline. Lurecasters ran short of members and no longer exist and the oldest of all WA clubs, West Coast Sportsfishing Club is also in mothballs.

The surviving club, Cockburn Powerboat Club however still manages comfortably and their Children's Day was a resounding success. Safety Instructions and fish handling were two of the major topics tackled at the day long (or should that be long day) exercise.

Kalbarri Offshore again also staged a very successful Children's Event. This event is held on two days during school holidays and therefore reaches kids from all over. The topics were again Safety and fish handling. With the changing regulations and the growing awareness of respect for the environment these topics are certain to be of benefit to the future of the fishing experience.

Numbers in the further north club at Dampier/Karratha, Nickol Bay, also fell, but being a very transient population the current economical climate has had a great influence.

Again changes of attitudes have come to the fore in the hunt for records. This year only four state/national records were sought. This could and should change over the coming season with the changes from weight to length and the introduction of the use of braid in the tackle. The fish will be under less pressure and therefore will be easier to return to the water.

This report is my last act as State President as my retirement after 12 years was effective August 16. I have enjoyed my time and I believe I have served some good purpose in that time. I extend my thanks to my Committee and many friends I have met during my stint. I believe the new committee is taking over a strong and financially stable Association and I am sure they can only prosper.

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

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Australian Underwater Federation

The 2008/09 year was busy one for the West Australian Spearfishing Commission (WA branch of the Australian Underwater Federation) with 2 major events organised and hosted, as well as multiple regulation changes to keep members informed of. While this put a few dedicated individuals under pressure, it did highlight to members that the WASC's objectives are relevant to diving in the modern world and a representative voice is needed to maintain our pastime.

To refresh; the WASC's main objectives are:

• Provide a focal and distribution point for Spearfishing issues within WA

• Provide a high profile contact point for new divers and unbiasedly link them to divers in their area or with similar goals.

• Document achievements and exploits of WA divers via a state newsletter and online records

• Retain current members while demonstrating to members the advantages of joining the AUF.

The WA AUF sees its relationship with Recfishwest as a vital in ensuring our pastime has a future. As a result a large percentage of both the WA AUF affiliated clubs (West Australian Undersea Club and Bluewater Freedivers of Western Australia) have joined Recfishwest as individuals rather than by AUF proxy during the 2008/09 year.

Membership Status 2008/09

Spearfishing AUF membership within WA reached a high of 103 financial members for 2008/09. The vast majority of these members belong to either the West Australian Undersea Club (WAUC) or Bluewater Freedivers of Western Australia (BFWA). These are the only two AUF affiliated clubs in Western Australia although there are some independent AUF divers scattered across the state.

This slight increase on 2007/08 is mainly attributed to the Australian Championships which were held in WA during February 2009.

Membership for 2009/10 is likely to be similar to 2007/08 levels although the introduction of a national AUF policy in July 2009 may boost levels once a definite ruling on what is classed as an AUF event is given at the national AUF AGM (the policy only covers divers during "AUF events" although we are being told we can register normal dives as "AUF events").

Committee Status

Simon Longbottom resigned as Chair in March 2009, Joe Petrovich and Cameron Nilsson-Linne have been fulfilling the role in caretaker mode until the position is filled. No other changes occurred to the committee during 2008/09.

The current committee is:

Chair: Joe Petrovich / Cameron Nilsson-Linne
Treasurer: Peter Barbara
Secretary: Jodi McNeill (also proxy for Peter who works offshore)
State Records Officer: Lee Paxman
Competition Organiser: Alastair McNeill
WASC Representative on Recfishwest: Joe Petrovich (also WAUC Rep)
BFWA Representative: Barry Paxman

The committee meets irregularly (about every 4 months) with most issues are resolved via email or phone.

State Spearfishing Records

Several records where claimed during the 2008/09 year these where:

Rachycentron canadus Cobia 35.750 S. Paxman

Parupeneus spilurus Black-spot Goatfish 1.588 G.Carlisle

Thunnus maccoyii Southern Bluefin Tuna 5.705 J. Felton

Thunnus tonggol Northern Bluefin Tuna 13.450 D.Goodall

State records can be viewed on line at: http://www.bluewaterfreediversofwa.com/files/WAspearfishingrecords.htm

Rules and Application forms are available for download at: http://www.bluewaterfreediversofwa.com/files/documents/CLAIMINGAWESTAUSTRALIANSPEARFISHINGRECORD.pdf

2008 / 09 AUF Events

As previously noted the WASC organised and ran 2 major events in 2008/09. The first being the National Titles in Dunsborough, February 2009, and the second being the Interpacific International in April 2009.

Both were very successful events. At the nationals WA Diver Arnold Piccoli won his 3rd national spearfishing title and another WA diver Derek Dufall took out Super Diver (combination of points from spearfishing, photography and fin swimming).

These 2 divers combined with Dave Sutcliffe (WA) and Drew Fenny (Vic) to win the Interpacific competition against strong teams from New Zealand, Hawaii and Tahiti. Both these events were well attended by DEC and DoF which was good to see them taking an active interest. The majority of the fish were collected on site by Foodbank WA.

More detailed reports or the event rules can be obtained by contacting Simon Longbottom: s.longbottom@curtin.edu.au

Other major issues of 2008/09

Changes in fishing regulations

As in 2007/08 this topic dominated WASC agenda throughout the year. As the current minister seems to be heading down the path of one peak recreation body WASC will seek to convey its member"s views to Recfishwest via Joe Petrovich. However the WASC will obtain answers direct from DoF for member's queries on specific rulings.

Challenges facing the WA Spearfishing commission for 2009/10

Resource Sharing with other Rec. Fishers

Probably the only area of conflict is the FADS. Preferably the WASC would like to see the code of conduct adopted as provided to Recfishwest by Joe Petrovich.

Diver safety

The explosion of online forums and websites in recent years as exposed a lot of new, inexperienced divers to the "extreme" end of freedive spearfishing. As a result a lot of new divers think it is the "norm" to drive miles offshore, dive deep water and catch big fish. This dangerous combination of inexperience and adverse conditions has resulted in 4 deaths on the east coast this year (none in WA).

Obviously the WASC can not stop its members diving in certain conditions but is can educate them. Currently a national AUF committee is creating DVD explaining shallow water blackout, how to avoid it and how to deal with it should the worst occur. I believe the DVD will also include information on treating lacerations and other such diving related injuries. Copies will be distributed to all members once completed.

Sustaining membership base

This is always our biggest challenge. Many divers say "why should I join the AUF, what does it do for me". Fair enough, some people need tangible personal benefits and don't want to give a few dollars a year for volunteers to represent spearfishing.

In some ways the recent constant changes in fishing rules have been a good example of why divers need a distribution point for spearfishing. With good communicate and constant feedback it is likely we will maintain our membership base.

Conclusion

In summary 2008/09 has been fairly successful year for the WASC, building a bigger diver network since its resurrection on 2006/07.

With Recfishwest poised to be the peak recreational body advising government, the WASC is confident we can work together to ensure freedive spearfishing stays recognised as a legitimate form of recreational fish (and is afforded the same rights as recreational line fishing) while educating divers as to their environmental responsibilities.

Simon Longbottom
Chair, West Australian Spearfishing Commission

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West Australian Game Fishing Association

This year has proved to be a challenging for recreational fishers in particular in relation to the proposed changes to recreational fisheries management and increasing pressure from big C conservationists wanting to remove further access to recreational fisheries.

Recreational Licensing

This single issue has dominated discussions amongst anglers affiliated with WAGFA as many of us chase edible demersal species as well as pelagics. We copied a copy of our letter to the Minister on the subject, which covered our concerns at that time. This has become the adopted communication protocol to meet the Minister's stated position to have Recfishwest as his principle source of advice.

Since then the Fishing Tax Grab campaign has re-ignited the debate in government as to the best solution to the perceived demersal stock problem. We are pleased to see that common sense (and political reality) prevailed and the position is now resolved in the shorter-term. We remain concern as to the description of some "high risk" pelagic species, which clearly are not. It is our view that the rules around the entire category and licence structure now clearly need urgent review.

Our Association recognises that part of the accepted rule changes relate to allowing for stock recovery of demersal species, but that it also attempts to address some recreational resource sharing issues. However, the self-sacrificing approach is no longer available given the meagre catch levels not permitted, and we must move forward with new ideas for future resource management issues.

Fishery Report

Game fishing tournaments in the north of our State have enjoyed a good year with billfish and competitor numbers remaining strong. Dampier in particular has an excellent billfish season. Northern clubs primarily catch back marlin whereas southern billfish anglers rely blue marlin for their catches, and all indications are that blue marlin numbers are at critically low levels. In addition yellowfin and bigeye tuna catches have been almost non-existent in the south and this has resulted in lower levels of angler participation in sanctioned tournaments south of Exmouth. And we have just experienced a La Nina event which traditionally should produce good fishing for us.

We remain extremely concerned as to the stock status of blue marlin and all tuna species in West Australian waters. Although we recognise that the cause of the dramatic decline in numbers relates to the high level of high seas long lining and purse seining this is of no consolation to us. Federal government appears powerless to address the high seas fishing problem.

Given that highly prized pelagic species such a mackerel will soon come up for resource sharing consideration we ask that Recfishwest ensures that our access to this and other species is not allowed to solely be based upon catch history across the sectors. In recent times we have agreed (at times reluctantly) to accept reduced bag limits of pelagic species to assist in maintaining stocks significantly put under pressure by increasing commercial effort - mackerel being a prime example of this. Clearly the some of the information provided by the Department of Fisheries, upon which these decisions were made, was incorrect. It is therefore a statement of the obvious that any allocation based upon current catch share percentages across the sectors would be unacceptable to our Association.

Marine Parks

The current State government has happily not pushed ahead with more extensive marine parks with associated no-fishing areas. We acknowledge our members participation in the Recreational Fishing Alliance's efforts in this regard.

However, of more concern right now are the Federal government's plans to create huge offshore marine parks which apparently are to include no-fishing zones around such iconic locations as the Rottnest Trench! Given the environmental impact of our activity over nearly half a century has negligible impacts we would ask Recfishwest to continue to pursue this matter, on behalf of all West Australian anglers, as vigorously as possible.

Our Association is aware that as a result of the Ministers changes to his consultative arrangements this year has been challenging for Recfishwest and we appreciate the work that has been done on our behalf. We have also initiated a communication protocol in which any correspondence we send to the Minister is copied to Recfishwest so it may be pursued in the course of business. This represents a significant change for WAGFA as we have historically enjoyed good access to both State and Federal Ministers. The WAGFA Management Committee will be naturally looking to Recfishwest for ongoing reports as to the progress of the issues raised with the Minister.

These are indeed challenging times which we find ourselves in and I would like to acknowledge our hardworking Management Committee for their efforts and dedication during the year.

John Webber
Board Member, West Australian Game Fishing Association

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Western Australian Trout & Freshwater Angling Association Inc.

It is most pleasing to report that WATFAA is alive and well and growing at a great rate. Our total membership is now two hundred and we are represented in the following areas;

• Bunbury/Collie;
• Busselton/Dunsborough;
• Albany/Denmark/Walpole and;
• Bridgetown/Manjimup/Pemberton.

The past twelve months have been quite momentous for WATFAA with our Association accommodation in Pemberton at almost the occupancy stage. This is a project which has taken a great deal of time and effort and I thank all the members who gave so freely of their time, expertise and financial contributions. It is wonderful to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and to realise that it is not a train coming through at great speed.

The WATFAA Executive Council has changed this year and it is most gratifying to see that the new councillors have taken up their responsibilities most enthusiastically.

To the outgoing President Harry Vosper and the outgoing Secretary/Treasurer Wally Mackowiak, I would, on behalf of the Association, extend a grateful and heartfelt thank for all their efforts while on Council. (Harry - 11 years & Wally 13 years. I hope that you both will now relax and get in some fishing.

Harry is still our representative on Recfishwest and the Recreational Freshwater Fishing Stakeholder Sub-Committee. Wally is involved on Council, steering the hand over and acting as adviser to the new Executive.

Whilst it has been a relatively quiet year for Freshwater input by Recfishwest, it would be remiss of me not to mention the introduction of the Marron habitats and the return of Logue Brook Dam to public fishing.

I would thank Executive Director Frank Prokop and his staff for their constant vigilance and strong lobbying. Recfishwest as you know is undergoing huge changes and it is hoped that once they have been completed, they will become a new and stronger organisation that will truly and fairly represent the divergent membership of the recreational fishing community.

Mel Pearce
President, Western Australian Trout and Freshwater Angling Association

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Financial Reports

Detailed financial reports are provided to members of Recfishwest at the Annual General Meeting in a printed version of the Annual Report.

Balance Sheet

Income and Expenditure Statement

Notes on Financial Statements

Statement by Members of the Board of Management

Independent Audit Report to Recfishwest

Assets Register

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Appendix I: Committees/Working Groups of which Recfishwest is a member

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Appendix II: Board Meeting Attendance

The Recfishwest Board of Management held twelve Board meetings during the 2008/2009 year. Details of Board member's attendance are set out below.

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Appendix III: Metropolitan and Regional Fishing Clinics Report

Recfishwest conducted 51 clinics with over 1,143 participants during 2008/2009.

A number of Community clinics were held during the latter part of 2008 which included three very successful Grandparent and Child clinics held with the assistance of the Craigie Leisure Centre and the City of Stirling. These clinics were aimed specifically at grandparent and children being able to communicate and to discuss issues with their grandparent and which they are unable to talk to their parents about. It was also about spending quality time outdoors with family rather than sitting in front of the TV playing play station, x-box etc.

Recfishwest instructors covered topics relating to the Sunsmart message and the importance of the "slip, slop, slap" message. Recfishwest's Addicted to Fishing Not Drugs message was also conveyed.

As part of the first term school holidays, Recfishwest in conjunction with the Onslow Youth Outreach Project and the Shire of Ashburton, conducted another three day fishing clinic program in Onslow, 21 - 23 April 2008. These fishing clinics coincided with the official launch of the Onslow Youth Outreach Project. The clinics have become a highly anticipated community event in Onslow and have subsequently returned excellent promotion for Recfishwest and our Fishing Clinics program.

The event was again run over three days, encompassing a selection of fishing, games and information sessions to keep the children entertained as well as learn about what their natural resources have to offer. A highlight for the week is teaching the children basic boating safety and fishing from boats purchased by the Shire of Ashburton through local mining company sponsorship. The Recfishwest clinics are one of the few times each year the boats are used and are very popular amongst the participants.

Kane Moyle, Kim Burton and Paul Willis were fishing clinic presenters for the trip and their work should be highly commended. Both Kim and Paul have attended all three programs in Onslow and are held in high esteem by the children. Their rapport with the children is excellent and they both are great representatives for Recfishwest.

Recfishwest held its second Pink Flyfishing Clinic - "Fish and Fly" at Point Walter on 6 December 2008 for 10 women recovering from breast cancer. Fly fishing is an excellent form of recovery exercise for breast cancer surgery. I would also like to thank David Bell a member of the Saltwater Flyrodder's Association and Mike Roennfeldt for helping the girls with their fly fishing technique on the day. Many thanks to Lisa Sharp, Alan Guthrie and Terry Fuller for co-ordinating this day.

The fishing clinic program again visited the south-west with a fishing clinics held in Bremer Bay during January 2009 with a total of 30 participants. "Carnarfin" fishing clinic, which was co-ordinated by Wally Dale with support from Recfishwest, was also held in Carnarvon in May 2009 with a total of 123 participants. A Parent/Child community clinic was held in Albany in June 2009 to coincide with the Minister for Fisheries visit to the area. Mark Halse co-ordinated a clinic for the Walpole Primary School's "Back to Nature Program" with support provided by Recfishwest.

2008/2009 has been another highly successful year for the Fishing Clinic Program. Relationships with major sponsor Healthway continue to be strong. Recfishwest is also exploring other potential funding avenues for continuation of the Northern and Southern Tours in 2010.

I would like to thank Lisa Sharp, Kim Burton, Paul Willis, Craig Bibra, Terry Fuller and Alan Guthrie for their fantastic work as Fishing Clinic Presenters. Their infectious attitude towards fishing and their 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 IV: Recfishwest Consultative Structure Review

Objective

Recfishwest has developed a model to deliver improved recreational fisheries consultation in regional Western Australia. A driver for this structure is the Department of Fisheries reform to consultative structures to improve their efficiency, cost effectiveness and flexibility to deal with fisheries management issues.

Recfishwest's Board has endorsed a regional consultation model that requires a restructure of its office and Board to better service regional recreational fisheries management issues (Attached). A restructure of Recfishwest's Board in conjunction with servicing of regional areas through a Regional Policy Officer should ensure a responsive and accountable system for fisheries management consultation.

A key driver for this change has been to engage at a regional, regional centre and local angler level. The Board strives to promote quality ideas for improved fisheries management through a transparent process.

Recfishwest has been trying to extend its presence in regional areas for some time and the changes to consultative structures recently announced gives it the challenge to extend its advocacy and representational roles for recreational fishers to all of Western Australia. Recfishwest has a record of timely and professional response to issues and this extended role gives it the opportunity to demonstrate this in regional areas.

The process clearly separates the role of the Department as steward of the resource from the advocacy and representation roles that Recfishwest fulfils. Recfishwest is happy to be held accountable against the performance criteria in this document and further negotiation will be needed during the operational phase of this three year plan to ensure that Recfishwest is adequately resourced to deliver the agreed outcomes.

In meeting these needs Recfishwest will -

• Change its Board structure and Constitution to include bio-regional representation.

• Meet 4 times a year in each bioregion to address recreational fisheries management issues in the region.

• Meet twice a year in each major regional centre within each bioregion.

• Employ a bio-regional policy officer and part time administrative assistant to deliver these meetings.

• Formalise an MOU with the Department of Fisheries to ensure that VFLO and red-shirt programs are able to be meet the needs of Recfishwest for grass roots communication without compromising existing Departmental activities.

• Deliver a northern and southern fishing clinics tour to major centres in regional Western Australia which will include engagement on management issues.

• Contribute to the (proposed) northern and southern bioregional coordinating processes to ensure that recreational management proposals are consistent with the needs of other user groups.

• Contribute to the state based co-management group to ensure that strategic directions for bio-regional management are able to be consistently applied.

• Co-ordinate regional involvement in tasked working groups and other regional committees as required.

• Act as a conduit for regional priorities and ensure that responses and actions on matters of regional importance are progressed.

• Ensure that the level of engagement between regional and existing Recfishwest structures promote innovative and appropriate management strategies and are assessed in an objective manner.

• Continue to work with the Minister and Department of Fisheries on strategic and operational fisheries management matters.

Recfishwest Board Restructure

In developing a Board structure that encompasses a greater bio-regional representation Recfishwest has considered two potential options. Essentially these options are bringing representatives from the regions to Recfishwest or bringing the Recfishwest Board meetings to the regions. Considering the substantial costs involved with sending 14 Board Members plus executive support to regional centres for Board meetings and the perception that Recfishwest would still be metropolitan focussed, it is deemed to be far more cost effective to bring 4 bio-regional members to Recfishwest for meetings.

Under this model the Recfishwest Board will be reviewing the frequency of its currently monthly Board meetings to ensure a representative and cost effective representation of regional members on the Recfishwest Board. The Executive Committee is still planned to meet monthly. If an issue requires a meeting outside the agreed Board meeting schedule, teleconferences will be used in preference to additional costs of flying regional members to Perth.

If regional members of the community will be taking time out of their day jobs to attend Recfishwest Board meetings there will be an expectation of some financial remuneration for their time. All travel costs are proposed to be picked up by Recfishwest as well as a sitting fee of $100 for Recfishwest Board meetings. Sitting fees have not been historically paid to Recfishwest Board Members, however, are paid to the WAFIC Board Members as well as many government advisory committees e.g. RFAC.

The bio-regional Board Members, with the support of the Regional Policy Officer, will be responsible for reporting recreational fisheries management issues to the Board and Executive for consideration. Their communication will also be two-way, reporting back to the regions outcomes of Recfishwest Board Meetings. They will be paid a sitting fee for coordinating quarterly (but offset) meetings in their bio-regions.

A restructure to the Recfishwest Board will require amendments to the Constitution and changes to how Board Members are elected. Association membership of the Board will be elected from eligible Associations that are Members of Recfishwest. The process as to how the Associations as well as the Bio-regional Members are elected to the Recfishwest Board will be discussed further as part of Recfishwest's strategic planning exercise.

The issue of incorporation of the Charter Boat industry needs additional consideration.

Deliverables

2009/10 & 2010/2011

• Restructure Recfishwest Constitution to include Bio-regional representation.

• Election of Bioregional representative and new Board Members at the 2009 Annual General Meeting

• Resolution on the frequency of Recfishwest Board meetings to ensure adequate representation of Bio-regional Board Members travelling to Perth for meetings.

• Recreational Fisheries Management meetings to become the next tier below the Recfishwest Board and be held between each Board meeting. Chaired by the Bio-regional Board representative and meeting 4 times a year.

• Executive Meeting to meet monthly.

• Board Members to be paid a sitting fee of $100/meeting.

2011/2012

• Review Recfishwest Board structure to ensure delivery of Regional Consultation Objectives

Bio-regional Recreational Fisheries Management Meetings

These meetings are the next tier below Recfishwest Board meetings and will be an important forum for discussion and debate of recreational fisheries management issues. The bio-regional Recfishwest Board member will be responsible for calling and chairing these meetings and reporting outcomes back to the Recfishwest Board. It is expected that around four meetings/year will be held at the bioregional level with two meetings/year for the main centres in each bioregion. One will be part of a bioregional meeting and one will coincide with the Recfishwest Regional Fishing Clinics Tour.

The Regional Policy Officer will attend these meetings and this will require a significant increase to the current travel budget. Previously, Recfishwest has relied on Department of Fisheries financial assistance to attend any regional fisheries management meetings. Under this proposed new structure and funding arrangements Recfishwest will have the financial resources for professional staff to attend regional meetings.

Recfishwest Regional Policy Officer & Administration Support

Recfishwest proposes the establishment of a Regional Policy Officer to provide support to the new regional consultation structure. This position will be responsible for coordinating meetings and advice on recreational fisheries management, marine parks and natural resource management from the bio-regions. This position will be based in the Recfishwest offices, however, will spend a significant amount of time travelling to regional meetings. The option of basing this position in the region has been considered, but given the infrastructure already exists in Perth and the logistically challenging nature of travel that would still be required for the other 3 bio-regions, it was decided that it would be best based in Perth. This position will report directly to the Principal Policy Officer.

Recfishwest has budgeted 0.5FTE for administrative support for this position. Support will be required in organising meetings, preparing agendas, taking minutes, ensuring actions are progressing and organising travel arrangements for Board and regional meetings.

Deliverables

2009/2010

• Recruit and employ a suitable person to the position of Regional Policy Officer.

• Recruit and employ a 0.5 FTE Administrative Officer to support Regional Policy Officer and Principal Policy Officer in delivery of Regional Consultation Model.

• Regional Policy Officer in conjunction with Executive Director canvasses potential Bio-regional Recfishwest Board Members for election at 2009 Annual General Meeting.

• Regional Policy Officer and elected Bioregional Board Members hold first Bioregional Recreational Fisheries Management Meeting in each Bioregion.

2010/2011

• Regional Policy Officer and elected Bioregional Board Member meet 4 times a year in each bioregion to address recreational fisheries management issues in the region.

• Regional Policy Officer co-ordinate regional involvement in Tasked Working Groups and other regional committees as required.

• Regional Policy Officer acts as a conduit for regional priorities and ensures that responses and actions on matters of regional importance are progressed.

• Regional Policy Officer develop a contact network of recreational fishers in each major regional centre within each bioregion.

• Regional Policy Officer work on developing an MOU with the Department of Fisheries to ensure that VFLO and Red Shirt programs are able to meet the needs of Recfishwest for grass roots communication.

2011/2012

• Continue to meet 4 times a year in each bioregion to address recreational fisheries management issues in the region.

• Formalise MOU with Department of Fisheries to engage with VFLO and red shirt program.

• Review engagement between regional consultative structures and the Recfishwest Board to ensure appropriate and innovative management strategies are assessed in an objective manner

Recfishwest Regional Fishing Clinics Tour

Recfishwest has run regional fishing clinic tours with the support of project funding from Healthway and the commonwealth government. These regional tours are important for building the profile of Recfishwest in regional areas along with promoting educational messages about sustainable recreational fishing practices.

These tours are dependent on annual project funding. With Recfishwest developing an increased regional consultation responsibility these regional tours become more important. The regional tours provide an existing structure for convening public meetings about regional fisheries management issues and could deliver both on regional consultation and education/extension priorities for Recfishwest and the Department of Fisheries.

Recfishwest believes it would be far more cost effective to be funded to deliver both these services concurrently rather than doubling up travel expenses for regional visits. The capital cost for the coming year is for a vehicle that is able to transport the fishing clinics trailer. The current Recfishwest vehicle is not suitable for this purpose and has experienced mechanical difficulties when towing the trailer to places like Bremer Bay or Esperance.

Deliverables

2009/10, 2010/2011 & 2011/2012

• Conduct an annual Northern and Southern Regional Fishing Clinics Tour.

• Increase youth participation in fishing as a leisure activity, visiting at least 30 regional and rural communities annually with particular emphasis on remote and disadvantaged communities.

• Utilise the Regional Fishing Clinics Tour to conduct public fisheries consultation meetings in major regional centres.

• Continue promoting fishing as an alternative to drugs through our "Addicted to Fishing Not Drugs" message.

• Utilise the electronic and written media in both metropolitan and regional areas, delivering the "Fish for the Future", "SunSmart" and other health messages.

• Ensure that at least five clinics are held targeting disadvantaged or Aboriginal persons per year.

• Provide written evidence of meeting these goals and objectives including provision of testimonials.

Department of Fisheries

VFLOs & Red Shirts

Recfishwest believes that these programs are an important interface between grass roots anglers and their peak body. Recfishwest's consultation model has highlighted a pathway for engaging with members of these programs so that issues can progress through the system to Recfishwest and then either the Department of Fisheries or Minister.

It is important that a memorandum of understanding be developed so that these volunteers can provide management information to Recfishwest without compromising their duties in Departmental run programs. However, in many small centres, it is essential that Recfishwest be able to utilise these people who are already committed to sustainable fisheries management.

Bioregional Fisheries Stakeholder Working Group

Recfishwest's proposed structure has included a Bioregional Fisheries Stakeholder Working Group as we believe this is an important inclusion in the Department of Fisheries proposed structure. It is important that a forum exists where various industry stakeholders can discuss and debate fisheries management issues in the same room.

Recfishwest suggests the establishment of a Northern and Southern Working Group, consistent with the Integrated Fisheries Management program of the Department of Fisheries. If such a forum is not present, then existing silo approaches between particularly commercial and recreational sectors will not be able to be transparently resolved.


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This page prepared on 13 November 2009.