Other Correspondence - Recfishwest concerns with the recommendations of the Mackerel Independent Advisory Panel

Dear Members and Corresponding Members

In recent times it seems all too often that we find the need to write to our members and corresponding members requesting input or assistance. We do not do so lightly and in this instance we need your help with a very serious matter.

Recfishwest has deep concern with the recommendations of a committee known as the Mackerel Independent Advisory Panel (MIAP).

This committee has proposed a system of management for Western Australia's commercial mackerel fishery that we believe is completely inappropriate, expensive to administer, impossible to enforce and has been crafted with no regard whatsoever for the recreational fishing sector.

The needs and requirements of recreational fishing for mackerel have been completely ignored. Indeed we fear that it has been designed to strengthen the rights of commercial fishers prior to the implementation of resource sharing processes.

We cannot afford to let this happen. Recfishwest has already, repeatedly, expressed this concern to the Department of Fisheries, the Chairman of the MIAP and the Minister for Fisheries. Our concern is such that we took the unusual step of issuing a press statement on the matter.

We need your help in convincing the Minister for Fisheries that the proposed plan is inappropriate and discriminatory against recreational fishers. We need your backing for our call to disband the MIAP and commence a new process to develop mackerel management which, this time, has recreational fishing representation and is able to take into account recreational fishing matters and interests.

Attached are a number of documents that should provide an understanding of this issue and the Recfishwest concerns

We urge that members take the time to consider this issue and write to the Minister for fisheries expressing your concern.

The contact details for the Minister for Fisheries are as follows:

Hon Kim Chance MLC Phone: 9 213 6700
Minister for Fisheries Fax: 9 213 6701
11th Floor, Dumas House
2 Havelock Street
WEST PERTH WA 6005

Your help is greatly appreciated



This page last updated on 30 December 2003.