DRAFT Submission for the Future Management of Pink Snapper Fishing in Cockburn Sound and Surrounding Waters", Fisheries Management Paper No. 187

The following is the draft of Recfishwest's submission. If you have any comments on this draft, please contact Mark Pagano at mark@recfishwest.org.au Recfishwest encourages any feedback on this important issue and always welcomes the views of it members and the fishing community on recreational fishing issues.

Recfishwest is the peak body representing the interests of the estimated 643,000 recreational fishers in Western Australia. We place the highest priority on preserving the future of recreational fishing and the resources upon which it depends.

Recfishwest welcomes Fisheries Management Paper No. 187 Proposals for Community Discussion on the Future Management of Pink Snapper in Cockburn Sound and Surrounding Waters (FMP 187).

The protection of fish spawning aggregations is particularly important to Recfishwest and we place a high priority on working with the Department of Fisheries to ensure that breeding stocks are protected whilst vulnerable to ensure adequate recruitment and longevity of this important recreational fishery.

There is no doubt that the common concern among recreational anglers is the adequate protection of spawning aggregations of pink snapper in Cockburn Sound in a workable, equitable and enforceable manner. Recfishwest believes the proposals outlined in FMP 187 represent fair and balanced options to manage pink snapper in the metropolitan area.

Recfishwest strongly supports the following proposals:

Proposal 1: The boundaries for the metropolitan pink snapper spawning closure be defined as those waters of Cockburn Sound and Warnbro Sound. Anecdotal evidence supports the inclusion of Warnbro Sound to the metropolitan snapper spawning closure.

Proposal 2 and 3: The spawning closure should commence on 1 October and end on 30 November. While aggregations primarily coincide with new and full moon phases, it is believed that this proposed closure period will protect the majority of spawning fish over the long term

Proposal 4: A maximum size limit of 600mm (fork length) apply to pink snapper between Two Rocks and Mandurah during the spawning season closure of 1 October to 30 November.

Proposal 5: A closed season to the take of pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds apply from 1 October to 30 November.

Proposal 6: During the spawning closure a prohibition exist on the possession of pink snapper while fishing in Cockburn Sound. This proposal should also include Warnbro Sound.

Previous to the implementation of the West Coast Review a slot limit existed on pink snapper for several months when vulnerable to overfishing. Recfishwest suggests that a slot limit be reintroduced for pink snapper with a personal bag limit of 2 fish and a boat limit of 4 fish over the proposed 600mm (fork length) for the West Coast region. This would further protect spawning aggregations in the months before and after the closure.

The slot limit would allow fishing for pink snapper to continue but would limit the opportunity to take advantage of schooling aggregations easily targeted by anglers. Pink snapper of considerable size are also taken between July and February in Cockburn Sound and we feel there is a need to limit the number of breeding fish removed from these aggregations to adequately protect recruitment and to ensure a quality fishing experience for future generations.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office should further information or clarification be required.



This page last updated on 7 January 2005.