Did anybody else read David Greens column in the latest Fishing World about some of the new rules and regs that have been introduced in to Queensland , especially the rule that slipped under the radar with a new maximum size of 1.5mtrs on all sharks , guess that puts an end to all gamefishing for sharks over there , I thought Greeny's comments about anglers being forced to release 2m bull sharks back into the canals pretty well hit it on the money , How far are we going to let the Greenies and Tree Huggers go , and politicians that are only in it for the votes , makes me wild just thinking about it ,,,,,
HHmm Better go and get a beer I think .

The owners of the popular Shun Fung on the River restaurant were fined $11,500 in the Perth Magistrate's Court today for illegally buying abalone.

State prosecutor Daniel McDonnell told the court that an operation by Department of Fisheries officials had revealed that 11kg of abalone had been sold to the restaurant for $1300 on July 11 last year.

The court heard that Shun Fung Seafood Restaurant director Liao Qiping had been unable to provide receipts for the purchase and was new to the business, having only bought it in 2007.

Mr McDonnell said Ms Qiping had admitted to fisheries officers to receiving the abalone.

The business was handed a mandatory $9000 fine along with an additional $1500 fine and costs of $371 by magistrate Robert Black.

The prosecution went unopposed as neither a company representative or defence counsel attended proceedings.

Last year fisheries officers and police uncovered two alleged black market networks for abalone and rock lobster in Perth and the South-West.

Five vehicles, cash and 27kg of abalone valued at $4000 were seized after officers searched houses and businesses, including a suburban fish shop and city restaurants during the operation last August.

PERTH
GIORDANO STOLLEY

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuId=77&ContentID=137453

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Fishing could be banned at one of WA’s best beaches after fears swimmers could be snared by hooks and tackle.
  
Fisheries Minister Norman Moore will decide whether to ban fishing at Green’s Pool in William Bay near Denmark after long-standing tensions between swimmers and recreational fishermen.
  
The sheltered natural swimming pool in William Bay National Park attracts between 140,000 and 200,000 visitors a year and is listed by Tourism WA as one of the State’s best swimming spots.
  
The Department of Fisheries has proposed banning line, net and spear fishing over 600m of beach and headland in the area after receiving several requests.
  
There are concerns fishing hooks and tackle left behind are a hazard to swimmers and snorkelers.
  
Fisheries regional manager Phil Shaw said there were several options to regulate fishing at the beach, including time restrictions.
  
“It’s been used for swimming lessons for local kids for a long time,” he said. He urged people to make a submission before the May 29 closing date.
  
Recreational fishermen are concerned about the proposed ban and said common sense should prevail.
  
Denmark angler John Taylor runs a charter fishing business — not at Green’s Pool — and said it was one of the few spots it was safe to take children fishing off the rocks.
  
“I’ve got young kids and I take them there,” he said. “In the past there probably has been conflict between people fishing and swimmers, normally during summer time. I’ve never witnessed any animosity but I have had swimmers swim past when I’ve got a line in. But there’s plenty of room for us to coexist.”
  
Shire of Denmark chief executive Dale Stewart has called for warning signs rather than a ban.
  
“Typically, the presence of a large number of swimmers and snorkelers discourages fishers from fishing at Green’s Pool,” he said in an April 21 report to the council. “There apparently recently was an incident where a swimmer did receive a hook in the hand or finger … the concern may — if based on this incident alone — be an over reaction.”

GEORGIA LONEY

 http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=146&ContentID=137574

Acting Fisheries Minister Simon O’Brien today announced an easing of tough new measures put in place to protect the long-term sustainability of Western Australia’s rock lobster industry.

Mr O’Brien said recent reductions in pot numbers, the imposition of a four-day fishing week and size restrictions had achieved the State Government’s goal of reducing this season’s predicted lobster catch of 9,200 tonnes to below the target of 7,800 tonnes.

“In line with Fisheries Minister Norman Moore’s promise to review the new measures if they proved to be successful, I am announcing that lobster fishers will be given an extra day each week to operate,” he said.

“The Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee (RLIAC) has reviewed the latest catch predictions for this season and recommended that commercial fishers return to fishing on Mondays in May and June - allowing five days of fishing each week.

“Commercial rock lobster fishing can recommence on Mondays, from May 4 for the remainder of the season and I expect that this will enable fishers to capitalise on the increase in market price which is usually achieved towards the end of the season.”

The Acting Minister warned that lobster fishers should not take the easing of restrictions as a sign that the fishery was in good shape.

“With the lowest puerulus (juvenile rock lobster) settlement on record this year, urgent steps had to be taken to bolster levels of breeding lobsters as well as to ensure carry-over stocks are available for poor seasons expected in the next few years,” he said.

“This situation has not changed and the fishery remains in a precarious position.

“Mr Moore has indicated that puerulus numbers and the overall state of the fishery will continue to be closely monitored and he will respond quickly if worrying trends re-emerge.

“This could mean that rolling interventions to responsibly protect the fishery may be required on a more regular basis in order to ensure the long-term environmental and economic viability of the fishery is protected.

“Mr Moore is keen for everyone involved in the commercial rock lobster industry to understand this situation.

“The recent tough decisions were based on the best available research and advice which indicated that unless the fishery was protected there would be no viable, long-term industry.

“The commercial rock lobster industry is facing some difficult years ahead and adaptive and flexible management strategies need to be considered for future seasons to manage catches and address seasonal catch peaks.

“The RLIAC is developing draft management recommendations for the 2009-10 season, which will form the basis for industry consultation.”

Mr O’Brien said Department of Fisheries’ researchers were working on a range of projects aimed at finding the cause of the low puerulus settlement and investigating if environmental or other factors had impacted on the survival of juvenile rock lobsters.

“The projects include oceanographic modelling, to determine the importance of particular parts of the breeding stock to future puerulus abundance and a fishery independent survey, developed in response to concerns about the possible status of the breeding stock in the northern sectors of the fishery,” he said.

Has anyone received their latest Federal Government stimulus payment? I haven't heard of anyone receiving one yet and I am interested in seeing if the Government is actually getting these payments out at the time when a lot of people and the economy needs them.

Many thanks, Colin Hay

April 7 2009

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which is devastating delicate ecosystems and fish breeding grounds in waters to Australia’s north, can no longer be managed effectively by individual nations and now requires an urgent regional solution if food security into the future is to be maintained, according to a new scientific report.
AIMS fish ecologist Dr Mark Meekan, with Charles Darwin University ecologist Dr Iain Field, Dr Corey Bradshaw from the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Research & Development Institute, and Northern Territory fisheries scientist, Dr Rik Buckworth, have published a paper in the journal Fish and Fisheries* that advocates a multi-lateral response to a problem that has grown out of control in recent decades. Worldwide the value of IUU fishing is estimated between $US9 and $US23 billion each year.
The paper is the first big-picture account of the problem from Australia’s perspective. Although there had been a decline in IUU fishing in Australian waters over the past two years, possibly linked to large Australian government expenditure on enforcement and rising fuel prices, the forces driving illegal fishing have not gone away and are likely to resurface in our waters.
Dr Meekan expects that the small-scale illegal fishers will be back to prey on other species such as snapper, trochus and trepang as soon as it is economically viable for them to do so. To date, these IUU fishers have focused mostly on high-value sharks mainly for the fin trade, to the extent that the abundance of some shark species has dropped precipitously.
He said that IUU fishing, which has devastated fish resources and their associated ecosystems throughout Southeast Asian waters, was driven by deep economic and societal forces. For example, the Asian economic crisis in the late 1990s drove a large number of people out of cities and into illegal fishing.
It was not enough to maintain just a national response as the problem crossed national maritime zones, he said, and posed one of the biggest threats known to marine ecosystems throughout the region.
“These IUU fishers are mining protein,” Dr Meekan said. “There is no regard to sustainability or factoring in fish breeding or ecosystem protection.”
“Illegal fishing in Australian waters started increasing steeply about 10 years ago, largely because of over-exploitation of waters further north, peaking in 2005-06 then falling away just as steeply,” Dr Bradshaw said.
Dr Field said there were three factors behind the recent downturn: Australian government enforcement measures estimated to have cost at least $240 million since 2006; the high price of fuel for the fishing boats; and, most importantly, the fact that the high-value species may have been fished out.
The $240 million has funded surveillance, apprehension, transportation, processing and accommodation of the several thousand illegal foreign fishermen detained each year since 2006. “These activities have been successful, but we doubt that they can hold back the IUU tide indefinitely, since the benefits to the illegal fishers of their activities far outweigh the penalties if caught,” Dr Field said.
“With increasing human populations in the region, the pressure to fish illegally is likely to increase,” according to the authors of the paper.
“Regional responses are required to deter and monitor the illegal over-exploitation of fisheries resources, which is critical to secure ecosystem stability as climate change and other destructive human activities threaten food security.”

I know a lot of your river fishers see dolphins on a regular basis. I know of one that regularly visits my bream spot near Caversham.

Environment Minister Donna Faragher joined River Guardian volunteers on the Swan River today to launch the first river-based community monitoring Dolphin Watch Project.

A community of about 25 ‘resident’ bottlenose dolphins, many of which have probably grown up in the rivers, use the Swan and Canning rivers on a near-daily basis.

Mrs Faragher said people could take part in the Dolphin Watch Project by becoming a River Guardian member.

“This project will gather information for Murdoch and Curtin university researchers who have been studying the population since 2001, and believe the dolphins’ local river knowledge is important for their survival,” the Minister said.

“The Swan River Trust has provided $17,000 through its research and innovation program to investigate the dolphins as indicators of river health.

“Perth is the only major city in Australia where dolphins are regularly spotted so far upstream - from Fremantle Port to the CBD - and this is a truly unique experience which we want to preserve.

“The group of river dolphins comprise several adult females with dependant calves, one or two ‘alliances’ of tightly-bonded adult males, and a large group of sociable youngsters.

“However, the river dolphin community is small and experiences pressure from loss of habitat, decreasing prey, entanglement, boat strikes and noise.

“The Dolphin Watch Project volunteers will be recording and reporting their observations of these dolphins throughout the year.

“The information they gather will form a comprehensive study and improve our understanding of dolphin status in the Riverpark and the effects of human activities on these mammals.

“We can all help protect dolphins while out on the water by keeping our distance, never feeding them, fishing responsibly and watching out for resting pods.

“The Swan River Trust’s River Guardians program was launched in June last year and aims to connect people with the Swan and Canning rivers.

“The program is currently free to join and has 470 public members to date, who take part in river-based events, science and cultural training activities, volunteer projects like Dolphin Watch, and receive practical information about other ways they can help keep the rivers healthy.”

For more information about River Guardians, log on to http://www.riverguardians.com, or contact the Swan River Trust on 9278 0900.

Hi guys,

Scott from WAngler here.

Wouldn't normally give our radio show a plug like this, but we have Dr Walter Starck on the show on Saturday morning to discuss fisheries management in Australia. (6am, Spirit Network, various frequencies around regional WA)

Based in Queensland , he's been around for long time and has some very interesting insights into some of the information we are being fed by environmental groups.

He also knows about the Pew group, which is a huge and very rich American environmental group that has hooked up with Jessica Meeuwig (UWA) and has its eyes on protecting WA waters from the likes of us.

They are also targeting the Coral Sea at the moment.

We all need to be aware of these guys and what they are about.

I think this will be valuable listening for anyone with an interest in the future of rec fishing in WA.

I hope as many people as possible can listen, even if it is the only time you tune in to the show.

I believe you'll learn a fair bit.

Cheers,

Scotty  

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has welcomed a new era in research co-operation with a $2 million agreement between one of Australia’s leading universities and the Australian Government’s tropical marine research agency.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) have today signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint research fund.

Under the agreement, worth more than $2 million over five years, UWA and AIMS will share resources to support research fellows and a pool of PhD students focused on important marine science issues.

Australian marine industries have an annual value of $38 billion with a significant portion of that activity located in WA.

Providing a strong research-based foundation for growth in this sector will pay dividends. The potential triple-bottom-line benefits – economic, environmental, social – from boosting WA marine science efforts are immense.

By establishing a formal link between UWA and AIMS’ research training in marine science, the Australian Government is helping to ensure Western Australia's future economic prosperity, environmental health and security.

Increased effort in marine science is essential as we face the challenges of climate change and explore new opportunities for sustainable growth of marine industries off the West Australian coast.

This initiative will benefit not just Western Australia but Australia generally.

The collaborative approach adopted by UWA and AIMS will provide a hub of marine science excellence in the national innovation system.

Over the next five years, local councils across the Pilbara region will receive unprecedented Federal financial help to maintain and upgrade their local roads.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia, Gary Gray, said the Rudd Labor Government would provide local councils in the Pilbara region with $10,728,187 from its $1.75 billion Roads to Recovery program.

"The unprecedented level of Federal funding will not only help to maintain and upgrade local roads, it will also support local jobs and businesses during the current global financial crisis," he said.

"This funding can be used for any road works, with councils able to spend their allocations on the local priorities identified by local communities."

The five year allocation (2009/10 to 2013/14) for each local council is:

Shire of Ashburton - $3,167,802;
Shire of East Pilbara - $3,974,717;
Town of Port Hedland - $1,720,775;
Shire of Roebourne - $1,864,893.
These funding allocations are based on the recommendations of State/Territory Local Government grants commissions.

"Last year, the Rudd Labor Government extended the program for a further five years and boosted its funding to $1.75 billion - an extra $250 million when compared to the previous government's allocation," Mr Gray said.

"This is a significant investment in the safety and condition of local roads.

"All up, our record roads funding for the nation's councils and shires will deliver more than 20,000 minor road projects in every part of the country over the next five years."

In addition to Roads to Recovery, the Rudd Labor Government is also providing the nation's councils with:

A record $1.9 billion in Financial Assistance Grants this financial year alone;
$800 million from the Community Infrastructure Program - the largest ever Federal investment in local infrastructure.

ENVIRONMENT officers are working frantically to save 25 false killer whales still alive after 80 of the mammals beached themselves near Margaret River. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has confirmed 80 false killer whales and some bottlenose dolphins are stranded at Hamelin Bay, near Margaret River, 323km south of Perth. A spokeswomen said only 25 whales were still alive.

The whales were found at about 7am close to the Hamelin Bay Caravan Park and are spread over five kilometres of beach. Staff working at the Hamelin Bay Caravan Park said those whales still alive were not looking well. “There is one (whale) still alive just out from the Bay here but he is not looking well, he is on his side with his fin in the air,” park receptionist Narelle Haddon said.

“The dead whales are fairly scratched up because they washed in over rocks," she said. DEC Incident Controller Greg Mair said the veterinary assistance had been organised to assess the health and well-being of the alive whales and equipment provided by Sea Search and Rescue was the on the way to assist efforts to return the whales back to deeper water.

“Our main priority is to ensure the welfare of the remaining alive whales before we herd them back out sea,” he said. “When we will be assisting them back to sea depends on ocean conditions and the strength of the animals, at present ocean conditions are quite dangerous with rough seas and large waves.” Ms Haddon said the scene was very sad to watch.

“It is terrible, really sad. Some of the women that were out there working this morning were in tears,” she said. Whale watching company West Whales are currently helping DEC officers with the rescue effort.

Mr Mair said that at present there were a large number of community members wishing to assist rescue efforts at the strandings site and if people were considering coming down to help they should contact DEC Busselton office on 9752 5555. False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) are medium-sized with long, slender bodies and narrow, tapered heads with rounded snouts.

They are one of the largest members of the dolphin family. Males reach an average length of 5.4m and females are a slightly smaller 4.6m. The whales are found world-wide in all tropical and temperate seas and are often found in herds of more than 100 individuals of both sexes and all ages. It is not uncommon for the species to strand themselves.

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,25227737-948,00.html

The Solomons Ministry for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology along with stakeholders and NGOs will meet on Thursday for talks on the capture and sale of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

"The forum is part of its (Solomons government) continuing effort to ensure the export of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin is sustainable and conducted in a transparent fashion," the Solomons government said in a statement.

"There has been so much media publicity on this issue by different interest groups in recent years.

"The forum offers the opportunity to present information about the efforts of the Ministry to everyone," a spokesman said.

The Solomons began selling bottlenose dolphins in 2003 and ever since there has been widespread opposition to the legality and sustainability of the trade, along with concerns for the captured animals' welfare.

Earlier this year, a luxurious Singapore resort came under fire for importing Solomons dolphins.

In 2007, 28 dolphins from the Solomons were sent to a resort in Dubai amid protests from environment groups.

The dolphin shipment was criticised by the Australian and New Zealand governments.

The two countries also protested a shipment of 28 Solomons dolphins to Mexico in 2004.

NEW FISHERIES REGULATIONS TO COMMENCE IN MARCH 2009

Substantial public interest from the recreational fishing sector has helped shape the Brumby Government’s new fishing regulations for 2009.

Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper said the new regulations, commencing on March 2, would include changes to the catch limits for popular recreational species, catch limits for commercial operators and reporting obligations for the aquaculture sector.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure there is a long-term sustainable recreational and commercial fishing sector in Victoria,” Mr Helper said.

“The changes follow a substantial public consultation phase last year during which over 800 submissions were received, most from the recreational sector.

“Among the changes to recreational regulations, there will be reduced bag limits for flathead, mulloway, elephant fish, trout and estuary perch.”

Mr Helper said increased minimum legal sizes would be introduced for bream, flathead, Australian bass, silver trevally, luderick, Murray cod, mulloway and yellowtail kingfish.

“New bag limits will be created for a range of popular recreational species that did not previously have their own species-specific limit such as albacore, sweep, tailor, barracouta, gurnard, leatherjacket and redfin,” he said.

“There will not be any changes to current recreational rod and line entitlements. Anglers fishing marine waters may continue to use up to four lines. Anglers fishing inland waters may continue to use up to two lines.”

Fisheries Victoria Acting Executive Director Michael Hodder said recreational anglers were reminded the changes do not commence until March 2, so they should continue to refer to their 2007/08 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide to fish legally over the summer period.

“There are also changes to commercial catch limits including increased minimum legal sizes for bream, flathead, luderick, southern rock cod, silver trevally and yellowtail kingfish, clearer mesh net regulations and uniform restrictions on equipment and crew limits for bait fish operations,” Mr Hodder said.

Aquaculture operators will be required to keep records of all fish acquired.

For more information about the new regulations visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing or ring the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Milestone:- half a century (50) of issues of "Casting Around the Internet With Recfishwest"

At the Surf Casting and Angling Club general meeting last night, a member said: - "I found this great link to a new electronic fishing magazine in Recfishwest's latest. Has some really great articles, photos and videos, including one on Hillarys, and well worth a look" All enthusiastic.

Thanks Andy for the link to the Release weight.

Issue 50 (11 March 2009) headings:-

• Electronic fishing magazine launched.  Issue 1 of the WA developed emagazine is a demonstration of the concept which shows the some of the forum members' talents with keyboard and camera, with internal links to some interesting fishing videos.  http://fishwrecked-reeltime.com/

• FRDC People Development program

• Recreational fishing future in safe hands

• Applications called for $12 million to boost State's fishing facilities

• Big marine sanctuaries urged for WA

• Work with us, not against us:- Recfish Australia

• Recreational fishers back shark bans but question their logic

==========

Do you want all the details and the links by email as soon as they are released? Become a member of Recfishwest.

You can join for just $20 or $10 for over 65/under 18, $40 for a family of 4 - by post, by phone 9246 3366, fax 9246 5955, by email recfish@recfishwest.org.au , in person, or fill in a website form http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm

See http://www.recfishwest.org.au/CastingAround.htm for issues 1 to 49. Posting of recent issues is deliberately delayed by about 4 weeks.

TerryF
=====

Beavering away in the background......

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today rejected calls for rock lobster fishers to receive compensation in the wake of recent changes to regulations governing the industry.

“Although I am concerned about the possible adverse fallout of recent changes to rock lobster fishing laws and sympathise with individuals who may be affected, the difficult decisions were made to protect the long-term future of the fishery,” Mr Moore said.

“Some fishermen have argued that changing the rules after the start of the season has caused them problems.

“Two points need to be made here. Firstly I introduced tougher restrictions before the start of the season. Fishermen were aware that measures were coming.

“Most lobster fishermen had ample opportunity to factor in a potentially reduced catch for the season and plan accordingly.

“Secondly, the restrictions were designed to reduce the overall catch to 7,800 tonnes. Figures from the Department of Fisheries show this season’s catch is well on track to exceed 9,000 tonnes.

“This means fishermen are actually catching as much as they did before the restrictions were imposed and subsequently, I find it difficult to believe the industry as a whole is currently suffering hardship.

“This is a highly efficient industry, fishermen are able to catch the same number of lobsters, even with restrictions in place, because of the very high level of technology and the skills of the individuals involved.

“The State Government will not offer compensation as this is an issue of sustainability. The low puerulus numbers that we refer to (juvenile lobster numbers) and on which I have based my recent decisions, are an indicator of a rock lobster drought in three to four years time - not this season.

“Many rock lobster fishers - including industry groups such as the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee and the Western Rock Lobster Council - support the direction taken by the State Government.

“They recognise the need to protect the fishery in the long-term interests of the industry and the environment.

“It is easy, populist politics for Labor to call for compensation at the same time as it ignores that most fishermen have done reasonably well this season and understand the importance of the changes to ensure the long term sustainability of their industry.”

Environment Minister Donna Faragher is urging the community to maintain the fight against cane toads, following confirmation that the invasive species has reached the Western Australian border.

One cane toad was detected by Department of Agriculture and Food quarantine officials last night at the quarantine checkpoint of the Western Australia-Northern Territory border, about 40km east of Kununurra.

Officials were also able to hear a population of toads calling, indicating the imminent arrival of a breeding group.

The community is being urged to remain vigilant as the State Government continues to provide resources to deal with the issue.

“During the past month, we have put a range of measures in place to assist the community in managing the arrival of cane toads including the establishment of disposal points in Kununurra, the creation of a database to record sightings and a series of information brochures and Cane Toad packs,” Mrs Faragher said.

“It’s been an unprecedented joint government and community effort to stop the toads even before they crossed the border and it has involved hundreds of volunteers alongside wildlife and conservation officers.”

The Minister said the issue needed to be tackled from multiple fronts and work continues in research, quarantine and surveillance, biodiversity asset identification and protection and public awareness programs.

“The Department of Environment and Conservation’s surveillance and control team based in Kununurra will continue to work with community groups to reduce the number of toads moving west,” Mrs Faragher said.

“The State Government is also working with researchers at the University of Sydney to determine the impact that cane toads will have on our native animals and to find an effective control method.”

Minister's office - 9213 7250

Hi all,

 I'm in SA and there is currently a proposal being put forward regarding the implimentation of marine parks in certain areas.

 They say the marine parks will be open for recreational and professional fishing with the exception of small areas.  Thats my concern the more I look into it the more concerned I am about what they are not saying.  I have info on where the marine parks are however there is zip about the no go areas.  My usual annual holiday spot - Smoky Bay on Eyre penisula is all Marine park however there not saying where the no go zones are.  The way I see it the no go zone can't be too small or they will not be able to identfy it (given most who fish there use tinnys and do not have gps- if its by landmarks i.e. north of point such n such I dont see how it can be small). Certainly has the potentail to kill the local economy of smoky bay and other small towns for whom fishing tourism is a major drawcard.

I believe they are looking at doing the same in WA (or have they already) and have done so in the eastern states.

What are your views as to where the no go zones are positioned i.e. are they making the reefs etc where you would/did normally target a no go zone and letting you fish in the (naturally) barren areas.  Any view of anyone who has experience in other states where these are already in place particularly sought.

A few professional companies have spoken up here in SA however there does not seem to be any rec Voice having any significant imput (other than the letter to the editor I wrote today).  Local tackle shop guy I spoke to shrugged his shoulders which was a bit disappointing.

Cheers

Paul

Looks like they won't give up....

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,25092757-5005399,00.html

Wait for more detail on the Geraldton bit, but would imagine they are talking Abrolhos....

Pete

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) says restrictions on shark fishing are not to blame for several recent attacks around Sydney.

There were two shark attacks within two days in Sydney last week.

To ensure shark sustainability, fishermen in New South Wales are restricted to a catch of four sharks a day, after general shark fishing reached its 60 tonnes quota.

DPI chief scientist Professor Steve Kennelly says not all sharks are a threat.

"The sharks that are implicated in shark attacks on humans in New South Wales are usually, mostly, virtually all, bull sharks, tiger sharks and white pointer sharks," he said.

"Now those are caught extremely rarely in those fisheries, it's a different species of sharks that are caught in those fisheries.

"It's sharks that are not implicated in attacks on humans."

The Department says shark attacks are rare, but can be avoided by not swimming at dawn and dusk and swimming between the flags or in groups.

The DPI says shark numbers in Sydney waters have increased as a result of healthier ecosystems.

Professor Kennelly says sharks are a necessary part of New South Wales's environment.

"The ecosystem in Sydney Harbour's improved a lot over the last decade or so," he said.

"To the point where we're getting whales underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge and we're seeing it return to quite a normal place, with lots of good bait fish coming in, tailor, king fish and so on and sharks feed on those things.

"So we're seeing that sort of ecosystem returning to normal."

Big marine sanctuaries urged for WA

9th February 2009, 6:00 WST

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=123616

The Federal Government has been urged to establish marine sanctuaries covering big expanses of ocean off WA, with new research finding the region is home to a plethora of important marine life. A report, Protecting WA’s Big Blue Backyard, to be launched today, found that up to nine out of 10 marine species off the coast between Kalbarri and Eucla were found nowhere else in the world.

The region also had a number of globally significant “hotspots” for marine life. They included the Perth Canyon, which is one of only two feeding sites in Australian waters for the critically endangered blue whale, the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands and Australia’s biggest underwater mountain range, the Diamantina Fracture Zone.

But despite the one million square kilometre region being “critically important to the economic development of the State and the nation”, less than one per cent was protected in any form from threats such as overfishing and climate change. Nationally, barely 4 per cent of Australia’s 16 million square kilometres of ocean is protected as a marine sanctuary.

Professor Jessica Meeuwig, from the University of WA’s Centre for Marine Futures, said big marine sanctuaries were critical to maintain the health of the marine environment, help fish stocks recover and secure the future of commercial and recreational fishing. She said creating smaller marine parks was no longer adequate and a new, bigger strategy was needed by the Federal Government to combat significant threats.

“We have a relatively small population and the marine environment is still in relatively good nick so there’s been no strong social demand for more effective and larger marine parks,” she said. “But I really think we’re starting to see the tide turn on that.”

The report, written by Australian Conservation Foundation marine campaign co-ordinator Chris Smyth, found big marine sanctuaries would also buffer the impact of climate change, which would be felt along the ecologically important 5500km Leeuwin Current. The report said marine sanctuaries would boost the region’s $3 billion marine-based tourism industry.

A spokesman for Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the Government was developing the draft South-West Marine Bioregional Plan, which was scheduled for completion by the middle of the year.

BEATRICE THOMAS

Minister moves to protect Big Bank lobster breeding stock.
Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today announced the closure for the current season of the
Big Bank rock lobster fishery north of Kalbarri, following advice from the Rock Lobster Industry
Advisory Committee.
“It gives me no pleasure to take this step but it is an action we have to take if we are going to
protect Western Australia’s important rock lobster industry,” Mr Moore said.
“I am forced into this position because ongoing monitoring and assessment show the fishery is
under rapidly-increasing pressure.
“In response to low puerulus (juvenile lobster) settlement last year, the level of effort permitted
in the fishery was significantly reduced for the 2008-09 season.
“That was one of the first decisions I made after being sworn in as Fisheries Minister and I took
that action as an urgent precautionary measure to protect the fishery.
“Settlement figures through to January 2009 confirm that the puerulus count in 2008-09
remains the lowest on record.
“As a further precautionary measure, I have decided that the Big Bank area of the fishery,
which was due to open on February 10, will stay closed this season.
“Available information suggests the condition of breeding stock at Big Bank is extremely poor,
which could potentially be a factor behind the low puerulus settlement on the west coast.
“The closure of the fishery is intended to allow breeding stock in the Big Bank area to recover
by protecting resident lobsters and animals that migrate into the area.”
The Minister said the Department of Fisheries was investigating the cause of this year’s low
puerulus settlement and was researching if breeding stock levels, environmental factors, or
both, had led to the current situation.
“I have also reviewed this season’s catches so far and am concerned that the earlier changes I
introduced for the 2008-09 season, including today’s announcement of the Big Bank closure,
may not limit the total catch to 7,800 tonnes,” he said.
“If this proves to be the case, then I will have to consider the need for additional measures this
season.”

30 January 2009 06/2009

Crab fishing crooks raise concerns for Fisheries Officers

Crab fishing prosecutions have more than doubled in Mandurah and Fisheries and Marine

Officers are concerned about a large number of offenders being caught with undersize crabs.

South Metropolitan Region Compliance Manager John Breeden said crabbing rules were in place

in the Peel Harvey’s iconic fishery to help keep it sustainable and people who breached the

fishing laws were spoiling it for the majority of fishers who did the right thing.

“There can be many undersize crabs in the estuary at this time of year and those fishers that take

undersize crabs, or those who take more crabs than the limits allow, are ignoring the important

social value of the fishery,” Mr Breeden said.

“Many local residents are also concerned and they have been phoning the Department of

Fisheries FISHWATCH line 1800 815 507 to report illegal crab fishing activity.

“Since 15 December 2008 we have begun 42 prosecutions for serious offences (up from 15 for

the same period in 2007/08) and also issued 108 infringements (up from 50 this time last year).

“In one prosecution we have this year, four fishers were apprehended with as many as 255

undersize crabs in the boot of their vehicle.”

Mr Breeden said fishers not only needed to be aware of the size limits for crab fishing in the

West Coast Bioregion, but also the bag and boat limits as well as other rules and closed areas or

seasonal restrictions that applied.

The minimum legal size limit for blue swimmer crabs is 127mm across the widest part of the

shell. There is a bag limit of 10 blue swimmer crabs per fisher per day and a daily boat limit of

20 per boat when two or more people are on the vessel.

“Fishers also need to be aware that at present Cockburn Sound is a closed area for crab fishing so

depleted blue swimmer stocks can continue to rebuild,” Mr Breeden said.

“Rockingham-based Fisheries and Marine Officers have made a number of recent apprehensions

for crab fishing in Cockburn Sound, issuing 15 infringements - including one on Wednesday

night this week where the offenders hid their catch and tried to return later to collect it.

It not only shows the rules that apply in various locations, the guide also shows you how to

measure crabs and other fish as well as explaining why the rules are important for sustainability.

A crab fishing rules flyer is available from Fisheries offices.

Rous Head reclamation - the end of the "Kiosk" fishing area at the North Mole.



Fremantle Ports intends to reclaim 27 hectares (67 acres) of sea floor at Rous Head using material dredged from the Inner Harbour, behind 1,000 metres of new sea wall.



This reclamation will remove the popular fishing area at the base of the North Mole commonly known as "the Kiosk". This area has plenty of parking and is well protected from those strong south-west and southerly winds which are common in the summer. Much of this existing rockwall is made of limestone which is much easier and safer to stand on than the larger, irregular and slippery granite rocks further out the North mole.



The new rock wall gives an opportunity for recreational fishermen to ask for (demand) that their recreation be properly recognized and the loss of the existing area be compensated by a new area with:-



1.     adequate car parking,



2.     properly designed and usable fishing platforms in several places, for disabled people, children and people who are not physically able to clamber over rocks.



3.     "fisherman-friendly" and safe rock walls where the rocks are carefully placed to give enough flat and accessible spots to stand right along the wall, not just dumped from the back of a truck so that any flat spots are just the result of luck, as seems to happen with most rock walls.



This is a rare opportunity to get a new rockwall built which properly considers recreational fishing needs.



It's SO EASY to do this when the seawall is being built. It seems to be SO HARD to get anything changed later. Even if you are active and fit now and don't care about clambering over rocks, think about all the other people who are not so agile, and about yourself in 10, 20 or 30 years into the future when you will be grateful for such protected and productive fishing spots.



It needs YOUR support to lobby Fremantle Ports, the Government, your member of Parliament, Fremantle Council, the EPA, and anyone else you can think of who can help.







Extracts from Recfishwest Policy:- "Fishing Jetties, Wharves and Platforms" http://www.recfishwest.org.au/PolicyJetties.htm

spot available for friday call on 0412110428
daz

2009.... Representing many new challenges and opportunities



Dear Valued Member of Recfishwest,



Recfishwest is very much looking forward to meeting the considerable and diverse challenges presented in 2009. In many respects, 2009 will be the year when recreational fishing receives the profile and prominence which it deserves. However, with that comes additional responsibility and a need to ensure that recreational fishers act responsibly with respect to sustainability of the resource.



In 2009 we have a new Minister, Hon Norman Moore, who has considerable experience in government and who is senior within Cabinet. We also have a new CEO of the Department of Fisheries, Stuart Smith, and a commitment to develop stronger partnerships with groups like Recfishwest.



The 'Casting around the Internet' newsletter http://www.recfishwest.org.au/CastingAround.htm has been extremely successful, but a number of our members do not have any or a current email address and we value their views on management issues. Here are some of the major issues which Recfishwest expects to be prominent during this critical year.



1. Implementation of management arrangements for the West Coast demersal species



Immediately prior to the state election, the previous Minister for Fisheries, Jon Ford, released his decision on what he called the management of the vulnerable 5 species in the West Coast bioregion. The decision which included a closed season was not gazetted before the election was called. Given the significance of this decision and the hot debate amongst the recreational fishing public, the Liberal Party, which subsequently formed government, made a commitment to review both the science that sat behind the decision and the management processes which were used.



Mr Peter Neville, a former director of Queensland Fisheries and current Chairman of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation will review the management process, while Dr Michael O'Neill, a Queensland researcher, will be reviewer of the research finding and processes.



The Minister is committed to progressing this review by the middle of March 2009 and an announcement will be made shortly thereafter about future management arrangements. The good news is that in the opinion of the Recfishwest Board -



    1. Everyone accepts that there is a major problem with WA dhufish in particular.



2. Everyone agrees that we have to act now or much stronger action will have to be taken in the future.



3. We need support of the community to make it work.



The form that future management will take, the methods to assess its effectiveness and the responses to future management if recovery targets are not met or are exceeded, will be focus for discussions. The new Minister is of a view that Recfishwest should be the primary voice for the recreational sector on this issue and we will be asking for your views.



2. Future consultative structures and Recfishwest



One of the significant changes to result from the Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM) system will be to better define the roles and responsibilities of the commercial and recreational sectors in managing their share of the resource. This will require a system where commercial and recreational representatives can come together to discuss management arrangements in an equitable manner. This is likely to be done at the bioregional level and will replace the existing Management Advisory Committee (MAC) system.



It will require a re-examination of the regional recreational consultative structures to revitalize community input in regional areas. It is likely that Recfishwest will play a much greater role in the future and this will also require a re-examination of the Recfishwest Board structure to ensure greater input from regional areas.



It is expected that exciting changes will be discussed with our members and regional representatives in the first half of 2009.



3. Partnerships



Following on from changes to consultative structures, there is also an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between Recfishwest and the Department of Fisheries and Recfishwest with regional fishing groups. There is scope to improve the administration of projects such as log books, pamphlet production and extension activities such as fishing clinics between the Department and Recfishwest.



We look forward to previous systems such as existed with the Samson Science program and the tagging of snapper and dhufish to have greater involvement and ownership of research programs. We hope to be able to work even more closely with groups such as Broome Fishing Club, Nichol Bay Sportfishing Club, Bremer Bay Fishing Club, the bream tournaments and many others to develop special projects of benefit to regional fisheries management. Let us know your ideas.



4. The need for better services for recreational fishing



For a variety of reasons, recreational fisher and community expectation is increasing for better servicing of the recreational fishing sector. There is a need for more responsive management measures and better consultation, more field officers to police new rules, more commercial fishing buy-backs and better catch and economic information will all cost more money rather than less.



This will pose a considerable challenge as consolidated funding is decreasing while our expectations are rapidly increasing. It is expected that during 2009 there will be considerable debate on recreational licensing as a possible measure to meet the increasing demands on fisheries management. No doubt this will be hotly debated, but you have an assurance that Recfishwest will be ensuring that any additional funds raised will be for new initiatives and that the funds will be administered by recreational fishers for projects which they determine are important.



5. Recfishwest Membership



Recfishwest is the peak body representing the interests of recreational fishers in Western Australia. Last year when the organization was under threat, recreational fishers supported Recfishwest, but we need you to continue that support.



Decisions to be made in 2009 will affect future fishing opportunities for your children and grandchildren. Recfishwest intends meeting these challenges and assures you that we will be the most effective vehicle for getting your views heard in this crucial year.



Recfishwest is your public voice whenever decisions which affect our fisheries, or access to them, are being made. We want you to become a member of Recfishwest or to renew your membership. Membership costs only $20 a year per person, $40 for families and $10 for seniors.



Please contact the office on (08) 9246 3366, email to recfish@recfishwest.org.au or apply at the Recfishwest website, http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm Together we can make a difference!!



Frank Prokop

Executive Director

Recfishwest



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TerryF

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Beavering away in the background.......







Recfishwest - looking after YOUR recreational fishing future. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/



You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing interests. Who else has the time, the knowledge, the professional approach, the realistic alternatives, the willingness and the contacts?



Recfishwest needs YOUR support. We would really like you to become a member, get involved and help us. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm



Tell us what you think and ask us to explain anything you don't agree with.



You are the ones who benefit when Recfishwest succeeds, or you will lose out if Recfishwest is ignored.

Environment Minister Donna Faragher has announced the State Government’s support for World Heritage nomination and National Heritage listing for the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park.

“World Heritage listing is the highest global recognition of the importance of a site and I am delighted to give our support for Ningaloo being recognised as a site of outstanding natural importance,” Mrs Faragher said.

“The State Government is committed to protecting the unique natural heritage of Ningaloo Reef and its diverse marine species of manta rays, marine turtles, corals, whales and whale sharks.

“Ningaloo is the closest fringing coral reef in Australia, among the closest to land of its type in the world and ranks seventh on the global list of coral reef biodiversity ‘hotspots’.

“World heritage listing will see Ningaloo listed alongside other Australian sites such as the Great Barrier Reef and Shark Bay, as well as international locations like the Grand Canyon.

“The prestige of this listing means tourism operators and associated travel and service providers in the region are likely to experience significant economic benefits.”

The Minister said the State Government’s proposed boundary encompassed State and Commonwealth waters in Ningaloo Marine Park; Cape Range National Park; Jurabi and Bundegi coastal parks; an area of unallocated Crown land north of the national park; the Learmonth Air Weapons Range and land earmarked for exclusion from pastoral leases abutting Ningaloo Marine Park.

Not included in the State’s proposed World Heritage boundary are the marine management area around the Muiron Islands, a proposed conservation and limestone management reserve, two tourism nodes as well as existing and potential quarries on unallocated Crown land and pastoral station homesteads and associated infrastructure.

Mrs Faragher reaffirmed World Heritage listing would not bring any significant changes in the management of the parks, which are already covered by comprehensive management plans.

“The people of Western Australia have long recognised the significance of the Ningaloo Coast, which was demonstrated with the establishment of Cape Range National Park in 1964 and Ningaloo Marine Park in 1987,” she said.

“The State Government expects to remain principally responsible for management and decision making in the area, in consultation with community stakeholders.

“World Heritage listing does not change the way lands and waters are managed or change existing land uses and activities.”

The Minister said that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett had been informed of the State’s support for World Heritage listing and the proposed boundary.

“The State looks forward to working with the Commonwealth to progress this World Heritage nomination,” Mrs Faragher said.

The reef and the adjoining Cape Range National Park attract more than 200,000 visitors a year, which results in an injection of approximately $127million into the Gascoyne region’s economy.

Shark Bay and Purnululu National Park are the only other Western Australian sites which are World Heritage listed.

A map of the State Government’s proposed World Heritage boundary is attached.

On the issue of shark carnage at 80 mile beach Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said:

The harvesting of big numbers of sharks is a cause for concern and the photographic evidence I have seen relating to the alleged slaughter is disturbing.

The Department of Fisheries has been conducting investigations into this matter which occurred on 80 Mile Beach in March 2008, with a view to prosecution.

Commercial fishing investigations, like this, have significant implications and are complex.

The prosecution process is in train and I don’t wish to comment any further and run the risk of jeopardising the case other than to say a court hearing date has been listed for February in Broome.

In respect to penalties under the Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA), the Government is assessing the work done by a committee established by the previous Minister for Fisheries which reviewed the FRMA.

The committee’s report recommended that consideration be given to implementing harsher penalties under the Act.

Although it is too early at this stage to talk about specifics, this Government is predisposed to implementing tougher penalties for criminal activities, including illegal fishing and black market operations.

Minister's office - 9422 3000

Snorkelers, free divers and dive flags.



Some of you will remember the incident at one of the FADs off Rottnest last year in which a free diving (breathholding) spear fishing diver was injured by a boat while he was flying a dive flag.



Joe Petrovitch, Recfishwest Board Member from the Australian Underwater Federation (AUF) told us that previous changes to the Navigable Waters Regulations 1958 appeared to have removed the protection that a dive flag gave to snorkelers and free divers.



There were even various statements/questions made at some stages of the discussions that it might actually be illegal to use a dive flag if you were snorkelling or free diving.



Dive flag rules seem to have real gaps in the protection they provide and it seems they are often ignored in practice.



This topic generated some hot debate in Recfishwest about what could be done, who should do it, and how to do it.



Recfishwest wrote to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure requesting amendments to the Regulations, specifically proposing a meeting with representatives of breath-hold divers, the boating industry and DPI to discusss the issues further.



That was Recfishwest making a move to get the matter discussed by the other people and organisations most involved and with DPI who have the responsibility.



If that meeting had been set up, then it would have been widely publicised and a call for nominations to attend.



DPI didn't take up the request to discuss the issues, so nothing has changed.



Instead DPI explained that some things are "impractical and difficult to enforce" or "are extremely difficult to police or prove and interpretation is far too subjective."



They confirmed that the current Regulations do not have any penalties for divers choosing to carry/use the dive flag and so it is not an offence, but is rather a matter of personal choice for their own safety.



All this is covered in http://www.recfishwest.org.au/SubSnorkelerDiveFlag.htm , including links to the sections in the Navigable Waters Regulations 1958 and other DPI information.



The recent snorkeling death has made this a hot topic once again, and maybe this will lead to another look at what should be done, so Recfishwest has decided to publicise their actions on this and the DPI response.



I don't think it is appropriate to comment on the recent incident until the results of the Police investigation are released.



The dive flag problems/limitations could remain well into the future, so can people please limit their comments to the Regulations, and what could or should be done.



TerryF

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Beavering away in the background.......







You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing future.



Who else has the time, knowledge, professional approach, realistic alternatives, willingness and contacts?



We would really like you to become a member, get involved and help us. http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm

Win a 60 litre Engel fridge/freezer.

Join Recfishwest or renew your membership NOW to be in this year's membership prize draw!

All financial members of Recfishwest are eligible for the draw.

You could win this great Engel 60 litre fridge/freezer valued at $1639 RRP.



A lucky winner will be drawn am Friday 19 December 2008 for this great prize, just in time for a great Christmas present.

The winner's details will be placed on the Recfishwest website.

If you were thinking of joining Recfishwest, or have not renewed your membership, you have only a few days left to be included.

You can join by post PO Box 34, North Beach, WA, 6920, by phone 9246 3366, by fax 9246 5955, by email recfish@recfishwest.org.au , in person at Waterman's Marine Centre, West Coast Drive opposite Elvire Street, (business hours) or fill in a website form. See http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MembershipDet.htm

Easiest way is by phone 9246 3366 and credit card - a few minutes and it's all done.

Single membership $20 per year

Family membership $40.00 for two adults and two children living at home.

Over 65: $10.00 per year

Junior membership (under 18): $10.00 per year (All GST inclusive)

All the details are in the RFW website http://www.recfishwest.org.au/

TerryF
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Beavering away in the background.......