Proposed Tourism Development at Long Island, Houtman Abrolhos Islands, WA

Recfishwest is the peak body representing the interests of the estimated 643,000 recreational fishers in Western Australia. We are formally recognised and funded by the Government in that role. Recfishwest places the highest priority on preserving the future of recreational fishing in Western Australia.

Recfishwest supports in-principle the proposed tourism development at Long Island, in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands group. We believe the design of the resort reflects careful consideration of the potential environmental impacts and will have a minimal impact on the environment whilst allowing a small number of tourists to enjoy what the Abrolhos Islands has to offer.

Recfishwest met with Mr Barry Humfrey regarding the proposed development at Long Island, December 7, 2005. Recfishwest advised Mr Humfrey of our support for this development, provided that a few recommendations are adopted into the resort's planning.

Mr Humfrey mentioned that shore based fishing would not be permitted on Long Island. Recfishwest would like to propose that a small section of the island be available for 'Low Impact' fishing with an emphasis on 'release' fishing. This would allow people to safely enjoy fishing without posing a risk to swimmers or result in guests returning with fish to the resort. Please see the attached Recfishwest policy on Wilderness and Low Impact Fishing.

The quality of fishing at the Abrolhos Islands is world class with both tropical and temperate species. We believe that it is important that visitors to the Abrolhos Islands are able to enjoy the high quality shore based angling that this environmentally unique place has to offer. 'Low Impact' fishing fits with the minimal impact tourism ethos that this development supports and would be a suitable solution to allow some fishing on the island.

The proposal to extend the Beacon Island Reef Observation Area (ROA) to incorporate the waters surrounding Long Island needs clarifying. A map of the proposed extension to the Beacon Island ROA needs to be available prior to Recfishwest supporting this part of the proposal.
The Beacon Island ROA is the largest at the Abrolhos Islands. The proposal to double the size of this ROA just to incorporate Long Island seems excessive. A better way of incorporating Long Island would be an extension to the western boundary of the ROA by another one kilometre. We believe this would provide a suitable marine protection zone around Long Island.

The Beacon Island ROA at present prohibits all types of fishing except commercial rock lobster potting. The issue of damage by rock lobster pots to reef communities within the ROA has been a longstanding concern of Recfishwest. We believe that in order to provide complete protection of the surrounding Long Island marine environment, closing of the area to rock lobster potting would seem logical and reasonable.

Recfishwest also has concerns with issues that could arise with moorings for visiting craft. Priority for allocations, booking protocols and management of day visitors anchoring in the vicinity of the island are all important considerations. Consideration of the mooring design, who will accept responsibility for their maintenance and the cost recovery principles, will also need addressing. Planning for vessel effluent, fuel or introduced marine pests must form part of this plan and considerations made for the consequences of such an event. It may be appropriate, through a Memorandum of Understanding for the proponents to maintain and hire moorings out for guests.

Recfishwest believes it is important that if guests of the resort travel the long distance to the Abrolhos Islands by boat, they are able to have access to a suitable and well designed mooring.

Recfishwest requires clarification on the restrictions on public access to Long Island. Would day visitors be allowed on the island and what restrictions would be placed on anchoring in the vicinity of Long Island?

Recfishwest requests that our above recommendations are incorporated into the development of the Long Island resort. Management plans and mitigation processes are no substitute for correct planning in the first place.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this development. Should you require any further information or clarification please do not hesitate to contact me on 9246 3366.



This page last updated March 2006.