Media Statement
Recfishwest Welcomes Wet Fish Review

12 July 2002

Recfishwest welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Fisheries Kim Chance of a review aimed at developing management arrangements for the 'wetline sector of WA's commercial fishing industry.

The Chairman of Recfishwest, Mr Norman Halse said that such a review was long overdue and congratulated Mr Chance for recognising and acting on the need.

He explained that Recreational fishers were particularly interested in the management of the commercial 'wet fish' fishery because fish species caught by commercial fishers were generally the same key species targeted by the recreational sector.

Mr Halse said, "Recfishwest places significant importance on the outcome of the review as it must provide a suitable basis for the integrated fisheries process that will follow.

He pointed out that the expenditure from recreational fishing had been estimated at $500 million annually. Given the economic significance of this, it was expected that a proportionate and equitable share of the fish resource for recreational fishing would be provided for within the Integrated Fisheries Management Process.

Mr Halse emphasised that, with this in mind, the recreational fishing sector would play an important role in the review process and looked forward to its participation and input."

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Norman Halse, Chairman - Recfishwest 0409107 434

Martin Holtz, Acting/Executive Director - Recfishwest 9246 3366, 0419 949 118.

Recfishwest is sponsored by Healthway. Recfishwest encourages responsible, Sunsmart behaviour at all times.



This page last updated on 30 December 2003.