Demersals back on the menu for Christmas

Recreational fishing on the west coast for a range of demersal scalefish, including the prized Western Australia dhufish, will reopen today providing an opportunity for recreational fishers to catch one of these prized species in time for Christmas.

The two month closure from 15 October to 15 December was part of a raft of management measures put in place to help deliver a required 50% reduction in the catch of these species.

"The closure was a significant component of the long term management of species like dhufish and snapper. We are very pleased with reports from the boat ramps that recreational fishers have complied with the closed period", Recfishwest executive director, Frank Prokop said today.

Recfishwest has urged people to continue fishing responsibility as the fishery reopens and has warned that there is still a way to go to see the recovery of these stocks.

"By undertaking responsible fishing practices the recreational sector should reap the benefits as the stocks begin to recover", Mr Prokop said.

Recreational fishers are also reminded that they now must carry a release weight when fishing for demersal species.

Recfishwest strongly advocated for the carriage of a release weight to be compulsory for anyone who lands a west coast demersal species.

Research has proven that the release weight dramatically improves survival of dhufish. Mr Prokop said that it was important to continue to improve survival of released fish.

"The recreational fishing sector has shown significant leadership in responding to this sustainability challenge. We have played a strong part in developing a management package that should ensure a recovery of stocks while allowing the overall enjoyment of fishing."

"We hope that everyone has a safe and fishy Christmas and that there is plenty of fishing tackle under the tree for the 600,000 recreational fishers in this state", Mr Prokop concluded.

ENDS

Media Contacts

Frank Prokop, Executive Director - Recfishwest ph. 92463366 or 0419949118

Kane Moyle, Principal Policy Officer - Recfishwest ph. 92463366 or 0403898432



This page prepared on 16 December 2009.