Casting Around the Internet with Recfishwest
Issue 24, 10 January 2008

New commercial demersal scalefish fishery starts on 1 January

WA's new West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery (WCDSF) officially came into operation on 1 January 2008. This means that only commercial fishermen with permits to operate in the fishery will be able to go line fishing for scalefish, or have scalefish on board commercial fishing boats between Zuytdorp Cliffs, north of Kalbarri to Black Point near Augusta. The Metro zone from Lancelin to south of Mandurah was closed on 15 November.

http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/media/index.php?0000&mr=519 (link opens in a new window)


2008 Kimberley Marine and Coastal Scientific Forum Series

The sustainable use of the Kimberley region is now critical to ensure the conservation of the unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity of the marine and coastal environments.

http://www.mccn.org.au/content/2095/Kimberley%20Marine%20&
%20Coastal%20Scientific%20Forum%20Series.pdf (link opens in a new window)


Restricted activities in protection zone around metropolitan submarine cable.

From 1 February some activities will be prohibited throughout the Perth Cable Protection Zone. As a result of work by Recfishwest, demersal fishing using J-hooks is still permitted providing the fishing line has a breaking strain of 50 kg or less; anchoring is permitted, providing the anchor is fitted with a trip release mechanism; and the anchor line has a maximum breaking strain of 1,090 kg or less; and is a danforth anchor or sand and reef anchor weighing less than 15kg; or a plough anchor or reef pick anchor, weighing less than 25kg. Maps from

http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/325799/pc=PC_100868 (link opens in a new window) and http://www.recfishwest.org.au/SubACMAsubmarineCable.htm (link opens in a new window)


Recreational fishers put their support behind Recfishwest

Recfishwest has declared its membership drive a significant success, starting 2008 with 1087 members. The target was 1000 members by the end of January 2008. The government set Recfishwest the challenge to dramatically increase its membership in order to secure future funding. The support of recreational fishers for Recfishwest has met this challenge and secured its financial future as the peak recreational fishing body in WA.

http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MediaStateRFWMembership2007.htm (link opens in a new window)


Draft boating management strategy for the Swan and Canning rivers

A strategy initiated by the Swan River Trust to address boating issues and activities which may affect the enjoyment and health of these waterways is out for public comment until 4 April. Topics which may affect recreational fishing activities include boat wash and noise; boat launching facilities; public access to jetties; fishing platforms; fuel and oil discharge; sewage disposal; and anchor and boat damage to the riverbed.

http://portal.environment.wa.gov.au/pls/portal/
url/ITEM/42D6B0B4A8EAAE8EE04010AC6E057C47 (link opens in a new window)


Artificial reefs planned to foster fish stocks

Three man made reefs will be built off the NSW coast to boost fish stocks for recreational fishing. The construction of four steel or concrete pyramid-like structures up to 11 metres high anchored together will be paid for by money collected from recreational fishing licences, increasing the habitats and fishing opportunities.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/new-reefs-
to-foster-fish-stocks/2007/11/03/1193619200263.html (link opens in a new window)


Later start for the 2008 marron season

The Marron season start date relates to the moon phase to provide the best opportunity to catch a marron. The 2008 season runs from noon Friday 25 January to noon on Sunday 17 February. A recreational licence is required to take marron. Dept of Fisheries education officers will hold information sessions at Margaret River, Nannup and near the Blackwood River for people interested in going marron fishing.

http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/media/index.php?0000&mr=513 (link opens in a new window) and http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/FishingMarron/index.php?0102 (link opens in a new window)

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This page last updated on 10 January 2008.