Coastwest grants worth $639,164 have been awarded to 26 projects, which will rehabilitate and rejuvenate Western Australian beaches and dunes.

Planning Minister John Day said the grants were for projects designed to improve the condition and amenity of the WA coast.

“The grants will assist to ensure that Western Australia maintains some of the most beautiful and pristine stretches of coastline which attracts thousands of visitors every year,” Mr Day said.

“Without these grants many worthy coastal rehabilitation projects may never have been possible.

“The grants ranged between $4,800 and $100,000 for projects on metropolitan and regional beaches.

“The grants were awarded to those projects which would substantially contribute to improved amenity and condition of our coast line.

“The biggest grant will fund the protection of the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park and see the revegetation and dune stabilisation of a regional park in close proximity to a growing urban population.

“Other projects include works to protect the fragile dune environment at Torbay Inlet, near Albany, a seagrass monitoring program at Roebuck Bay, and a project to address and mitigate the threats caused by marine debris to the South-West coastline.”

The 2009 Coastwest grants attracted 51 applications, requesting $2,251,357 in funding.

A complete list of projects is detailed below and is also available online with project descriptions at http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies/Statewide+planning/Coastwest/1890.aspx

 PAGE 2        PAGE 3

Fishing licenses and West Coast restrictions.

The Government/Cabinet/Minister have decided. Announced 2 July. Apply from mid October 2009.

2 month closed season for West Coast demersal species 15 Oct to 15 Dec each year.

More demersal species included in the West Coast list, not just a "vulnerable 5". Coral and Coronation trout, Cods, Dhufish, Emperors, Baldchin groper and Tuskfish, Blue Groper, Hapuku, Bass groper, Trevella, Grey banded rock cod, Parrot fish, Pink Snapper, Queen snapper, Red Emperor, Red snapper, bight redfish, nannygai and swallowtail, Tropical snappers and sea perch (mangrove jack, fingermark, job fish, stripey sea perch etc.) Foxfish and Pigfish.

State wide boat licence fee $30 for any fishing from boats, (unless the activity is covered by one of the separate licences also held, eg recreational rock lobster)

West Coast demersal fishing licence from boats $150 per year, $20 for 1 day, $60 for 14 days.

Other licence fees increased to $45 each. Umbrella licence removed.

50% discounts for Pensioners and Children under 16.  Children under 16 fishing with a licenced fisher don't need a Rec boat fishing licence if using part of the licenced person's daily bag limit.

EDIT EDIT 4:15PM Ignore this >>>Some ambiguity in the wording about children under 16 needing a licence, (eg demersal licence) when fishing and using part of the licenced person's daily bag limit. Understand that the intention is no licences required for this.<<< Ignore this   EDIT EDIT Yes a separate licence IS required.

Shore based fishing for finfish doesn't need any licence, that means shore based catch of demersals doesn't need a demersal licence. Closed seasons for West Coast demersals applies to shore based fishing too.

Revenue raised from the new licensing system would be quarantined in a recreational fishing trust and only spent on matters related to recreational fishing.

The review reports which were part of the decisions on restrictions will be released.

Mixed bag limit for lower risk category 3 fish in the West Coast bioregion will reduce from 40 per angler to 30 and for medium risk category 2 fish from 16 to 12.

Tailor slot limit changes to only 2 fish over 50cm (previously only 2 fish over 60cm) within the unchanged 8 per day bag limit.

Review of all these after 12 months of operation.

Some details still to be explained or clarified.

Source:- Minister for Fisheries Media Statement:- http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx?ItemId=132159

Dept of Fisheries http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/RecFishArrange/index.php   (Added 12:14 pm)

Recfishwest Media Release http://www.recfishwest.org.au/MediaReleaseWestCoastRuleChanges2009.htm

IT'S just as well that Migaloo, the all-white humpback whale, is not the shy, retiring type, because he always stands out in the pod.

Today, Migaloo was one of several whales making their annual migration to warmer waters as he was spotted by eager whale watchers off the Queensland coast.

He is so rare, being the only documented white humpback in the world, a 500 metre exclusion zone has been ordered.

Anyone who gets too close to the migrating whales faces a hefty fine of $16,000.

Migaloo is about half way through his twenties and has been a regular visitor off the country's east coast for the last few years.

A LARGE section of the Swan River near the South of Perth Yacht Club in Applecross has been closed off following a sewage spill from a blocked pipe.

The final Rottnest Island Management Plan, setting the island’s management direction for the next five years, has been gazetted.

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said the plan had completed the legislated period of public consultation, and had been gazetted in accordance with the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987.

“The plan builds on a recent turnaround in visitor numbers and profitability and contains a range of initiatives to enrich the visitor experience, including more recreational opportunities,” Dr Constable said.

“I am confident that it provides a community-endorsed mandate for the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) to manage the island for the next five years.

“Financial sustainability remains a focus following significant State Government investment in refurbishing the island’s accommodation and utilities.

“Business investors are being sought to fund a number of new developments which will be subject to public comment before going ahead.

“In response to public comment, the RIA will develop a strengthened approval process based on local government planning guidelines. This will include a period of public comment for all new developments on the island over the next five years.”

The Minister said that the two-month public consultation period prompted 203 submissions from a variety of businesses, associations, researchers and holiday makers.

She said the plan also responded to the changing external environment, including climate change and economic trends, and looks to the future with a review of the Rottnest island Authority Act and the development of a 20-year vision.

The final plan is available from RIA’s website http://www.rottnestisland.com or from its offices at E Shed, Victoria Quay, Fremantle.

A $55 million boost to Tropical Marine Research will greatly increase understanding of Australia’s complex marine ecosystems and support jobs, particularly in regional areas, according to Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

Opening the Tropical Marine Research Facility Project at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) near Townsville, he said:

“The boost will take the facility to the next level, securing its leading role as the world’s best marine science centre, alongside the world’s biggest coral reef. “

”Australia’s marine industry is worth $38 billion per year and it’s vital to boost marine research infrastructure.

“We have the third largest ocean territory in the world, but too little is known about our marine region.

“AIMS is building a range of new infrastructure in both Townsville and Darwin to fill the knowledge gaps, with $55 million in funding provided in the Federal Budget under the Super Science Marine and Climate initiative.

“A major part of the project will be the Australian Tropical Oceans Simulator at the Townsville site. This will enable AIMS scientists and their collaborators to conduct detailed experiments to understand and predict the effects of global and local changes on the marine environment.

“The Tropical Marine Research Facilities Project will provide new avenues for national and international collaboration to undertake experiments that were not possible before.

“This investment represents a decisive move towards redressing the shortfalls in marine science funding identified in last year’s review of the national innovation system,” Senator Carr said.

The Liberal-National Government has moved ahead to revitalise the city with the release today of broad concepts for the development of Perth’s waterfront.

Premier Colin Barnett said the concepts reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to the project with work expected to start in about 18 months.

Mr Barnett said the Government wanted to include a mix of civic, commercial, residential, retail, education and cultural areas as well as outline better access to the river and greater integration with the city.

“The final design work is yet to be done, but by releasing this concept within just nine months of Government, we are showing our commitment to the development of our foreshore,” he said.

“Western Australians have been shown many plans for the foreshore over many years and nothing has actually happened. The Government does not want to impose yet another grand vision on the WA community. This is a more modest concept that shows a ground-scale depiction of what could be developed.

“Our plan is to reconnect the city centre to the Swan River and create a mixed-use community on the foreshore, similar to those in Sydney’s Darling Harbour and Circular Quay and Melbourne’s Southbank.

“At this stage we are not being definitive about the design elements but giving an indication of the type of waterfront development we will proceed with.

“The aim is to feature world-class architecture, without being over the top, and include public open space, public access to the water, bringing the water to the base of the existing city skyline, an inlet with boat access and a building of national significance which celebrates Australia’s Aboriginal history and heritage.

“What has been ignored in previous plans is the north-south axis at the heart of the city from Northbridge to the waterfront between Barrack and William Streets. This concept addresses that link and combined with sinking of the rail line between Perth and Northbridge, development of the Perth cultural centre and other CBD projects, we have a well-rounded plan to revitalise Perth and its surrounds.

“What had been developed by the previous government were monuments that blocked off the river from much of the public.

“It would have been an enclave for the wealthy and businesses. What we have planned and committed to is a more modest development with greater private sector involvement and greater access and usability for people living in and visiting the city.”

Future infrastructure development at Coral Bay was given the green light today after a framework agreement was signed between the Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) and the State Government.

The agreement provided several development lease grants and freehold titles based on the BAC’s voluntary surrender of a two-kilometre wide coastal strip of land from their Cardabia pastoral lease.

Minister for Lands Brendon Grylls said the BAC development would include workers accommodation, an eco-tourism site and a Bruboodjoo tourist site.

“We are confident this will address the lack of workers accommodation in Coral Bay, with many of the town’s workers and business owners currently living in overcrowded conditions,” he said.

“This initiative will strengthen the Gascoyne's infrastructure by encouraging economic growth and providing indigenous employment and tourism opportunities in the region.

"Subject to the agreement conditions, the broader community will also benefit from the future relocation and upgrade of Coral Bay's airport facilities; the establishment of a service station; new business centre; visitor centre precinct; and an adventure education camp for students.

"The BAC are also working to establish an adventure and walking trail to be known as the Baiyungu Track.”

Minister Grylls said the upgrade of community facilities was a major step forward in boosting the infrastructure of Coral Bay, which would provide a sustainable lifestyle for residents and visitors to the town.

“This initiative demonstrates the strong collaborative relationship between the State Government and indigenous community organisations,” he said.

"I acknowledge the commitment and support by BAC and the Gnulli peoples in their significant contribution to the regional development of our State.”

BAC representative and project director Noel Bridge said the Corporation was keen to start work on the project.

"We are excited by this opportunity to facilitate and contribute to the regional development of this area,” Mr Bridge said.

“Baiyungu people see this framework agreement as a strong foundation for the provision of better services for all those who live in Coral Bay and visit the Ningaloo coast.”

Exploring WA’s Unique Marine Environment Jessica Meeuwig



The advertisement for this in Wed's West Australian is headed "Free public lecture" and bookings are open again.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1191718/WILLIAM-SITWELL-As-film-warns-species-face-extinction-stop-eating-fish.html

Watch out, the food police are on the prowl again - and they've got your lunchtime sandwich in their sights. This time it's tuna that has got them in a flap. And so effective has their campaign been that Julian Metcalfe, the man behind the Pret A Manger sandwich bar chain, has announced he is banning tuna from his sarnies and sushi boxes.

Such is the market dominance of Pret that other retailers are now expected to follow suit.

His decision was prompted by the hard-hitting documentary The End Of The Line, which its makers hope will do for the world's oceans what An Inconvenient Truth did for climate change - raising awareness about an imminent ecological crisis.

Now, your first response to such crusading films might be one of deep scepticism.

Life for the consumer is certainly hard enough without being lectured by handwringing eco zealots who say eating any kind of fish is akin to chopping down rainforests or shooting Giant Pandas.

And get this: it's being backed by a fishy celebrity campaign featuring the likes of Greta Scacchi and Emilia Fox stripping naked, like those models used to do to protest against the fur trade.

So what's the true story? Must we really give up our tuna sarnies? Indeed, should we give up eating fish altogether, as the more extreme campaigners seem to suggest?

In a bid to sift the facts from the flimflam, I bagged (or should I say netted?) a copy of The End Of The Line. The first thing to report is that it certainly tugs hard on the eco heartstrings.

Not since Finding Nemo has a film stirred up such empathy for creatures of the deep. It does so by mixing glorious sequences of fish swimming through the oceans with arresting film of trawlers heaving out huge, wasteful catches and of fishermen slaughtering majestic tuna.

These shots alone should get the bunny-hugging brigade on side.

But there's no denying that at the heart of the film lie some frightening statistics.

A SECOND bottlenose dolphin has been found dead in the Swan River - just three days after a juvenile was discovered on Friday.

Calls for tax hike on 4WD owners

WTF? Why are they taxing 4WDs? Many owners of these vehicles are tourists taking money to regional Western Australia.

Crikies, sell the car and go to Phuket for the holidays. Most of the time the family cruises around in the 1.8l Toyota Corolla.

To cop a lump some tax for bugger all use is rediculous.

I feel like Im getting the bill for the mining boom.

Apparently consultation is about to take place for closure to fishing?

On the first day of autumn, fishing was the only activity at the Yanchep lagoon. The weather wasn’t the best for the regular lagoon swimmers. They would not have been able to swim at the lagoon anyway due to the high number of people fishing there.

Over the past couple of years, snagged hooks and dumped tangled fishing line,have become a worrying problem for swimmers in the lagoon.

Both Yanchep and Two Rocks schools use the lagoon for their swimming carnivals and some parents have expressed their concern about the carelessness of some fisher people in this area.

One Yanchep resident said: “With the shark attacks in Sydney over the last three months we are being warned not to swim where there are people fishing.”

Do you think fishing should be banned in the immediate Yanchep Lagoon area?

Researchers from 36 countries will this week take part in the most significant international forum for fisheries researchers and biologists ever held in Western Australia.
Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said more than 500 delegates were expected to gather at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle for the 8th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference and the Australian Society for Fish Biology 2009 Conference and Workshop.
Mr Moore said the week’s theme was biodiversity and biogeography (the historical pattern of species’ spread) and he anticipated scientists would engage in a valuable exchange of information.
“Lessons learned and evidence gathered from fisheries in different parts of the world helps scientists to understand the impacts of environmental change and fishing pressure on different marine ecosystems,” the Minister said.
“Understanding marine biodiversity hot spots, what supports them and the broader role they play, will help us to better manage our fisheries.”
Department of Fisheries supervising scientist Dan Gaughan said the department and the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research Development Corporation were major sponsors of the joint conferences and workshops.
Dr Gaughan said one keynote address would look at the latest efforts in modelling the impacts on marine systems of competing demands in order to develop management strategies to aid environmental sustainability.
“Other presentations will include projects that have explored factors that may have influenced the development of different species of fish and groups of species over time,” Dr Gaughan said.
“Understanding what has led to the current pattern of species distribution should help us predict what changes can be expected in the future through climate change.

wanted to buy 40 or 50 hp outboard ours just doesnt cut the mustard after 30 or 40 years of service!!

Exmouth meetings - fishing rules and Marine Parks

Sorry about the short notice, this was hand delivered to Recfishwest mid week, and I haven't found this anywhere else.

You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing future.

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

Support Recfishwest http://www.recfishwest.org.au

------------

Recreational fishing: cost or benefit to sustainable aquatic management?



Date: 20/05/2009 at 16:00:00

Venue: Blakers Lecture Room, Ground Floor, Mathematics Building, UWA

Speaker: Frank Prokop, Executive Director , Recfishwest



Recreational fishing is arguably the largest ‘invisible' industry in Western Australia. With participation rates of around 650,000 per year and an industry worth between $500 million and $1 billion a year to the economy, it should be a major player in most aquatic management debates.



Recreational fishing's critics argue that the massive participation rate results in a huge impact on aquatic resources which must be better managed, while supporters point out the enormous social and economic benefits that result from recreational fishing are inadequately recognised.



Some of the myths, fantasies and fables associated with recreational fishing will be examined by someone with 20 years recreational fisheries management experience.



http://www.cwr.uwa.edu.au/news/seminarsandtalks.php?sid=164



TerryF

=====

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

(Courtesy of the ABC)

A Sydney fish market that stored live crabs in a toilet cubicle has become the latest business added to the New South Wales Government's name and shame list.

The Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald says it is one of the most outrageous cases of food storage he has heard about.

The business on Liverpool road at Ashfield in the city's inner west received two fines worth $660.

Another 24 businesses were added to the Food Authority's website today.

Aside from the fish market, a Chinese restaurant in Randwick that had a dead rat in its storage area is listed. It was fined nearly $2,000.

While an eatery in Starkey street, Forestville got three fines worth $1,980 for having containers of raw foods encrusted with food waste and cockroaches.

The Food Authority says it has issued 1,000 fines the past 12 months against 594 businesses.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett today announced the establishment of the Coral Sea Conservation Zone under national environmental law, protecting the unique characteristics of the Coral Sea while an assessment process is undertaken.

“The establishment of this conservation zone demonstrates the Australian Government’s continuing commitment to protect and conserve Australia’s marine environment,” Minister Garrett said.

“The Coral Sea Conservation Zone will protect this environmentally significant area from increasing pressures while the marine bioregional planning process is undertaken, with a final plan scheduled for completion in 2010.”

The Coral Sea Conservation Zone covers 972,000 km2 of Australian waters and seabed east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, out to the edge of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

“The pressures on our oceans are increasing and we need to take clear steps to protect our fragile marine environments. Just last week, I was privileged to witness six leaders of our neighbouring countries agree to work cooperatively and decisively to preserve their coral reefs through the Coral Triangle Initiative” Mr Garrett said.

Minister Garrett announced the Conservation Zone while releasing the East Marine Bioregional Profile at the Sydney Aquarium. The profile is the first stage of the marine bioregional planning process for the region.

“The bioregional planning process is part of Australia’s push to better understand our marine resources from a scientific and socio-economic perspective and the best means of protecting them. This Bioregional Profile identifies key habitats, species, natural processes, heritage values and human activities in the area,” Mr Garrett said.

The East Marine Region covers 2.4 million square kilometres from the Torres Strait to southern New South Wales, and as far east as Norfolk Island. The region encompasses the Coral Sea, but does not include the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park or the Torres Strait Protected Zone.

“The East Profile shows that the environmental significance of the Coral Sea lies in its unique array of coral reefs, atolls, deep sea plains and canyons, and the extent to which the region’s natural and heritage values have remained relatively undisturbed by direct human impact,” Mr Garrett said.

“It is for these reasons I have taken the step of declaring the region a conservation zone, protecting it from increasing pressures while a detailed assessment of the area is undertaken through the national marine bioregional planning process.”

Mr Garrett said the establishment of the Conservation Zone would allow for detailed and extensive consultation with local communities and stakeholders before any permanent protection measures are proposed.

“Acknowledging the concerns of the affected stakeholders, the Conservation Zone I am announcing today will not impact on existing commercial, recreational or traditional Indigenous fishing, or cruise and merchant shipping in the area,” said Mr Garrett.

“There will also be no new regulatory impacts on commercial activities such as charter boat and tourism operations other than the requirement for a permit, for which there is no cost. Further consultation will be a critical part of the marine bioregional planning process.”

“The next phase of the marine bioregional planning process will inform the development of the draft East Marine Bioregional Plan. Any permanent protection measures being considered for the East Marine Region, including in the Coral Sea, will be subject to extensive consultation during this time,” he said.

To download a copy of the East Bioregional Profile, visit: www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/east/index.html For more information about the Coral Sea Conservation Zone, go to: www.environment.gov.au/coasts/coral-sea.html

The State Government is to build a new $8.5million regional office block for the departments of Fisheries and Environment and Conservation (DEC) at Denham.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said today that the current demountable accommodation in Denham’s Knight Terrace was no longer adequate to serve the Shark Bay region.

“The new facilities, announced as part of the 2009 State Budget, will address concerns about the current Fisheries’ office and the accommodation situation for DEC staff in Denham,” Mr Moore said.

“Co-location of the two departments is consistent with the Government’s desire to reduce costs and duplication of services. These new and improved facilities will help attract and retain officers for both agencies and improve services for the community.

“They will support the continued delivery of conservation and visitor services on lands and waters managed by the DEC in Shark Bay.

“The new facilities will also be useful in helping to deliver consultation, education and interpretation services to users of the aquatic resources managed within the region by the Department of Fisheries.”

The Minister said building work was scheduled for completion within the next two years.

“This initiative shows how the State Government is working to provide better services to regional Western Australia in general and its investment in the Shark Bay area in particular,” he said.

“Not only will it provide local job opportunities during the construction phase, this project will encourage further growth in the region.

“Last year, the response capabilities of Fisheries and Marine officers in the Shark Bay region were improved with the provision of a new boat - the PV Edwards.

“Fisheries officers at Denham carry out significant compliance work with both commercial and recreational fishers in the Shark Bay Marine Park area.

“The new offices will further improve the Department of Fisheries’ regional services.”

Oh not that again

I cant beleive its spun as daylight saving to the masses whent he ultimate goal is to align the west business hours with the east.

Just get the staff who need syncrony to the east to go to work 30 minutes earlier?

Daylight saving. Definately not the last month of it. Definately not in the North.

How many times have they had this poll again? 3 times? How many times will it take till a yes then will they have the poll ever again?

How much has this cost the tax payers of this state? Too bloody much is my guess.

In a nod to the tough economic climate, the State Government has reduced the Department of Fisheries’ aggregate spending to $59.9million in 2009-10 without reducing frontline services.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said the reduction from $61million in 2008-09 delivered on the Liberal-National Government’s three per cent efficiency dividend.

He said the aggregate spending for 2009-10 also reflected some increased revenue inflows.

“The department met its efficiency dividend target after cutbacks that reduced office support services, restructured compliance arrangements, cut the use of consultants and reviewed aquaculture research,” Mr Moore said.

“We will continue to make tough decisions to ensure the sustainability of Western Australia’s fish stocks and support effective management of our marine resources.

“Not only does our fishing industry support families and communities throughout WA, our marine environment offers a lifestyle that is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of recreational fishers.”

The Minister said that under the Liberal-National Government, extra Fisheries and Marine Officers were planned to boost the numbers of existing compliance staff across WA.

The additional positions would come as part of new funding of $3million over four years to deliver additional compliance services to help ensure the sustainability, economic and social objectives for WA’s marine resources were met.

“In terms of asset investment, a new $8.5million complex will be purpose-built in Denham to house the regional offices of both the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC),” he said.

“The current demountable accommodation is not adequate for the regional office to serve Shark Bay and the new facilities will help attract and retain officers for DEC and the Department of Fisheries as well as providing the community with better service.

“Co-location of the two departments is consistent with the Government’s aim to reduce costs and duplication of services.”

To raise $330,000 in additional funding, the biennial increase in fees for recreational licensing and commercial applications will go ahead as expected this year.

Licence fees for marron fishing, freshwater angling and net fishing will rise by $2; abalone licences will go up $3; rock lobster licences will increase by $4; and the cost of umbrella (all species) licences rises by $6.

“These are not new fees,” Mr Moore said.

“They are simply increases in line with the rise in the CPI over the past two years.”

Increases to boat registration fees will help provide better facilities for Western Australian boat owners.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said increased registration fees were necessary to meet the growing demand for new facilities.

“The number of registered recreational vessels in WA increased by 24.6 per cent to more than 90,000 in the past five years,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Pressure for new facilities will continue to rise with current projections showing there will be a near doubling of boat registrations by 2025.

“Boat owners will be required to make a bigger contribution to the maintenance and construction of facilities through a staged increase in registration fees for all recreational vessels."

The staged implementation of increased registration fees for recreational vessels will see the cost of registering a vessel under five metres increase by $12.70 in 2009-10.

In addition, the recording fee, which applies for all new registrations, transfers of registration and late payments will increase by $10.40 in 2009-10.

The Minister said the majority (nearly 60 per cent) of registered recreational boat owners in WA had a vessel under five metres.

Mr O’Brien said registration fees for bigger vessels had increased at a greater rate, reflecting the high costs associated with providing facilities for large craft.

“There have been minimal increases in fees and charges for boat owners in the past decade meaning the recreational activity has been subsidised by the broader community,” he said.

“The move towards a user-pays system will ensure increased revenue to directly fund much needed infrastructure projects such as the provision of new and improved boat launching ramps, installation of navigation aids and continued promotion of boating safety in WA.”

The Minister said there had also been a review of pen fees at State-managed metropolitan boat harbours to reflect current market rates.

For more information about the increases in fees and charges go to http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine or contact the department on 9216 8966.

The State Government has restructured admission fees for Rottnest Island to reflect a new and fairer approach.

As part of this approach, Tourism Minister Liz Constable also announced that for the first time there would be a discounted fee for families.

Dr Constable said the new fees structure would ensure that the costs of maintaining Rottnest Island were fairly distributed across all visitors.

The Minister said it would also ensure that the Rottnest Island Authority was properly self-funded and did not need regular hand-outs from the State Government.

“The State Government is strongly of the view that all visitors to the island should pay their fair share,” she said.

“It is entirely appropriate that day-trippers to the island pay a lower admission fee than those visitors on an extended stay.

“The new structure will help offset the costs of infrastructure, facilities and services and protecting the environmental and cultural heritage of the island.”

Dr Constable said the new fees would apply from July 1, 2009, with annual CPI increases for the next five years. She said the changes brought Rottnest Island into line with admission fees charged by many other tourism destinations, such as the Perth Zoo.

Accommodation costs in the recently refurbished Kingstown precinct will rise from July 1 this year. The new fees range from $35 per night (up from $26) for an adult at the youth hostel, to $525 per night (up from $430) for an 18-bed cottage in Governor’s Circle and $480 per night (up from $404) for an 18-bed dormitory in Kingstown Barracks.

The increases are consistent with the approach adopted after the refurbishment of accommodation on other parts of the island to recover costs. The refurbishment of accommodation on the island is now complete.

Management and Monitoring of Fish Spawning Aggregations within the West Coast Bioregion.



WELL worth a read and might answers some of your questions:- Final FRDC
Report – Project Number 2004/051
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/frr/frr187/index.php?0401

From the latest "Casting Around the Internet with Recfishwest" http://www.recfishwest.org.au/CastingAround.htm



Maximising survival of released undersize west coast reef fish. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/frr/frr191/index.php?0401



The final report to Fisheries Research and Development Corporation on Project 2000/194 on maximising the survival of released undersize west coast reef fish includes the results of research conducted several years ago.



Contents:-



1. Non technical summary. Outcomes achieved to date.



2. Post-release mortality of the demersal West Australian Dhufish following catch and release: the influence of depth of capture, venting and hook type.



3. The influence of depth, venting and hook type on catch and release angling mortality of Pink Snapper: implications for management



4. Effects of onboard handling techniques and methods of release on recapture rates of temperate demersal species in Western Australia



5. The distribution of sizes of demersal fish in relation to depth: does the proportion of undersize fish vary across depths?



6. Community education of best methods to release demersal reef fishes



TerryF

=====

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

Western Australians will no longer need registration stickers and discs on their cars, trailers and motorcycles from January 1, 2010.

Premier Colin Barnett and Transport Minister Simon O’Brien today announced the groundbreaking change which would overhaul an outdated part of the State’s licensing system.

“Registration stickers have served their purpose and no longer have a place in a modern and efficient licensing system,” Mr Barnett said.

“People will still receive renewal notices in the mail when their registration is due to expire but won’t have to worry about having to put a sticker on their windscreen.”

The Premier said there were 2.2 million cars, utilities and light vehicles registered in WA and with the majority of people choosing to renew their registration every six months, this meant more than three million stickers were being produced each year.

“This is an innovative approach to efficiency and saving. WA is leading the nation with this step forward to a more modern and efficient government,” he said.

Mr Barnett said stickers and discs were no longer required because police had new communications technology meaning registration details could be checked using the new Police Metropolitan Radio Network.

"The new system gives police instant access to the State's vehicle registration database via computers located in all police vehicles,” he said.

“Police also have Automatic Numberplate Recognition Cameras, similar to the Multanova cameras, which can record and assess numberplates as vehicles pass by.”

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said that the Department for Planning and Infrastructure would continue to send registration renewal notices to vehicle owners six weeks prior to the expiration of a vehicle’s registration.

“This will give people ample notice and time to pay their registration fee,” Mr O’Brien said.

“People will now be able to kiss goodbye the frustrating task of scraping off old rego stickers to put a new one on.”

Mr O’Brien said the initiative would save at least $2million in printing and postage costs over four years.

The new system requires legislative changes to the Road Traffic Act which will occur over coming months with the stickers no longer to apply from the start of the New Year.

Premier’s office - 9222 9490

Office of the Minister for Transport - 9213 6400

WA Anglers Association back bans to save species



The West, 5 May 2009, page 18. http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuId=77&ContentID=139854

The Department of Environment and Conservation has issued licences for commercial tourism providers operating out of Coral Bay in Ningaloo Marine Park.

Environment Minister Donna Faragher said the number of licences had been increased by two which reflected the greater capacity of the area to handle commercial charter vessels because of additional moorings at the new Monck Head maritime facility.

“Ningaloo Reef, which runs for 290 km along North West Cape, is the biggest fringing coral reef in Australia and the only large reef in the world found so close to a continental land mass, with parts only 100 metres offshore,” Mrs Faragher said.

“It is internationally renowned for whalesharks, as well as other species such as dugongs and turtles.

“The reef is part of a marine ecosystem that ranks seventh on the world’s list of coral reef biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and is second in terms of the number of species that are found within a limited range.

“Parts of the adjoining Cape Range National Park reflect Australia’s evolution since it was part of the super-continent, Pangea, 180 million years ago. The range has particular significance to Aboriginal people.

The Minister said in July 2008, DEC called for expressions of interest from tourism operators for commercial licences to operate from Coral Bay. The 19 applications received were assessed by a panel comprising DEC staff and a representative from Tourism Western Australia.

The panel’s recommendations for successful applications were subject to an independent probity audit.

“The panel recommended licences be awarded to 10 charter vessel operators, three coral viewing and one shore-based recreation activity,” Mrs Faragher said.

“One charter vessel licence has been retained but may be allocated in future subject to a review in two years.”

Tourism Minister Liz Constable welcomed the allocation of the licences.

“Tourism is among the mainstays of the Gascoyne region,” Dr Constable said.

“Studies by tourism researchers released in 2004 showed the reef and Cape Range National Park attracted more than 200,000 visitors a year, who injected about $127million into the Gascoyne regional economy.

“DEC’s licensing system for commercial tourism operators aims to ensure tourism at Ningaloo continues to be sustainable while at the same time increased to take into account expanded facilities and growing visitor numbers.”
The successful applicants for licences are:

Charter vessels: Coral Bay Adventures, Ocean Eco Adventures, Sea Force Fishing Tours and Charters, Ningaloo Sailing Adventures, Coastal Adventure Tours, Ningaloo Experience, Ningaloo Reef Dive, Coral Bay Charter and Glass Bottom Boats, Coral Bay Ecotours, Coral Bay Ocean Game Fishing Charters.

Coral viewing: Coral Bay Adventures, Coral Bay Charter and Glass Bottom Boats, Coral Bay Ecotours.

Shore-based activities: Ningaloo Kayak Adventures.

Environment Minister’s office - 9213 7250

Tourism Minister’s office - 9222 9699