Recfishwest Strategic Plan 2010-2012
March 2010

Here is a version formatted for printing on A4 paper:- Strategic Plan 2010-2012 (13 kilobyte PDF file)

OUR VISION

To promote recreational fishing as a rewarding experience.

OUR MISSION

Recfishwest to be the effective voice, in all forums, to promote the best interests of recreational fishers in Western Australia.

BELIEFS AND VALUES

• We recognise fisheries as a resource which must be managed in a sustainable way.

• We believe that recreational fishing is an acceptable, enjoyable and rewarding activity.

• We seek an equitable allocation of fishery resources for future generations that recognises, and allows for, natural growth of the Western Australian community.

• We believe that recreational fishing is an activity of economic, social and sporting value.

• We prioritise and communicate our activities and functions.

• We believe that fish in Western Australia are a community resource to be shared equitably.

• We provide comment on issues which have implications for the management of, or enjoyment of, recreational fishing. Where we do not agree with a proposal we provide alternatives and negotiate in good faith to achieve the best possible outcome for the resource and our constituents.

KEY ISSUES FOR RECFISHWEST 2010-2012

Recfishwest has recently taken over responsibility from the Department of Fisheries for regional consultation on recreational fisheries management issues. This new role has come with additional financial resources under a service level agreement with the Department of Fisheries. This funding will be up for review for the 2011/2012 financial year. Recfishwest sees the following issues as particularly important in ensuring improved regional consultation.

• Maintain a strong financial membership base with a particular focus on increasing regional membership.

• Allocation of Recfishwest resources and effort between supporting sustainability in fisheries management and pursuing recreational fishing development and enhancement opportunities.

• Create and maintain adequate links with the recreational fishing community of over 600,000 people.

• Maintenance of effective linkages with appropriate government agencies and peak bodies.

• Development of strategic linkages with other bodies for joint activities, sponsorship or other support.

• Definition of role and responsibilities of Recfishwest vis-a-vis Department of Fisheries in respect to activities such as regional servicing.

• Ensuring recognition of the social and community benefits of recreational fishing including as a compatible activity in marine parks and conservation estates.

PRIORITY ACTIONS IN FISHERIES BIOREGIONS

Pilbara/Kimberley

• Commence stocking of Barramundi into Lake Kununurra with the longer term vision of establishing a world class impoundment sports fishery in Western Australia.

• Ensure recreational fishing interests are adequately considered in future mining developments and assist local fishing community groups in receiving adequate offsets relative to impacts.

• Represent recreational fishing interests in north-west commonwealth bioregional marine planning and future state based Marine Park planning in the Kimberley.

Gascoyne

• Provide management advice on scalefish management and implementation of an Integrated Fisheries Management framework for relevant fisheries, including Spanish mackerel and demersal species.

• Progress towards identifying and implementing the first Wilderness Fishing Area in Western Australia.

• Ensure World Heritage listing for Ningaloo recognises recreational fishing interests.

South Coast

• A review of commercial and recreational netting in south coast estuaries.

• Progress spatial/temporal separation of commercial demersal gill netting and recreational fishing interests.

• Progress Australian salmon and Australian herring resource sharing and in doing so recognising their significant importance to recreational fishers.

West Coast

• Provide continued management advice on demersal scalefish management and review progress of dhufish and pink snapper management implemented in 2009. Monitor and advise on management of important recreational inshore species.

• Improve community awareness of environmental impact on recreational fishing.

• Identify and progress opportunities for enhancement of recreational fishing experience through stocking and/or artificial reefs.

State Wide

• Simplification and standardising of recreational fishing rules and develop appropriate education and extension strategies in partnership with the Department of Fisheries.

• Formalisation of recreational fishing licence revenue trust fund management.

• Formalisation of consultation process and fisheries peak bodies engagement in the Aquatic Advisory Committee.

• Definition of recreational property rights for the administration of the recreational catch allocation.

• Improve two-way communication between recreational fishers and Recfishwest.

• Increase profile of Recfishwest with particular focus on regional centres. Develop a communication plan for Recfishwest in first instance.

• Promote responsible fishing practices through our Fishing Clinic Program.

• Continue to develop next generation of leaders in recreational fishing.

• Ensure development of quality research proposals that meet biological, social and economic needs. Ensure extension and adoption of relevant results.


Approved by the Recfishwest Board on 10 March 2010.


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This page prepared on 16 March 2010.