My spies tell me, that there's a meeting to be held in Harvey somewhere on Sat 22 July, with regard to any future fishing access for Logue Brook Dam once it goes back to a drinking water dam.

Apparently it's by "invitation only" and the number of invites is being 'controlled' in some way to try and influence the outcome toward no access at all!

I believe someone called Felicity on 1300 369 809 is in charge of issuing the invites!

Despite having rung and expressing interest and being advised an invite would issue for my young fella and myself to attend, - nothings yet been forthcomming with 9 days left to go!

Perhaps Terry F or someone else knows whats happeneing in this regard and would care to chip in?

Seems like just another Govt "done deal" behind closed doors, secret arrangements again at this point in time!!

Don't know what else anglers can do - when the odds are so heavily stacked against them at the outset!

I guess maybe Anglers could just turn up en mass uninvited if they are deliberately being excluded from the process - maybe blockade the entire town with boats and trailers or something and get the media chpoppers down there to expose the backroom deals being done for all too see!

Wouldn't mind hearing from anyone who knows more than I do already about this supposed "secret" meeting!

Cheers!

River Science Forum Thurs 18 May

Email From: Swan River Trust
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 10:56 AM
Subject: River Science Community Forum - 18 May 2006, 7.00-9.30pm

The Swan River Trust invites you to attend an open Community Forum on Thursday May 18, where attendees will have a unique opportunity to speak with and hear from international, national and local 'river science' experts.

This evening session is part of a two day River Science Workshop being held on 17-18 May 2006.

The workshop aims to gain further understanding about the science of the Swan and Canning rivers and provide a basis for the sound future management of the Swan Canning system.

Date: Thursday May 18, 2006
Time: 7.00 - 9.30pm
Where: University Club, University of Western Australia

The Community Forum discussion will be led by an expert peer review team attending the River Science Workshop.

The workshop and forum are organsised by the Department of Environment with support from the Swan River Trust and the Swan Catchment Council.

Space is limited, please contact Amy Warner at or 9278 0914 to confirm your attendance.

Kelly Richmond

A/Swan-Canning Cleanup Program Communications Officer
Swan River Trust
Ph: 08 9278 0900
www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au

Agenda Thursday 18 May - Community Forum in Main University Club Auditorium (seats 258)

A forum in which the public is presented with a summary of the state of the science in relation to global trends, and has opportunity to ask questions of a panel. Panel: Peer Review Team plus SRT and ASB representative.

SRT (Rod Hughes) to conduct master of ceremonies. Presentations to be 10 minute duration with 5 minute questions.

7:00- Opening by SRT Chairman Charlie Welker

7:10 Bill Dennison: Global Algal Management Approaches - Chesapeake Bay and Moreton Bay

7:25 Gustaaf Hallegraeff: Global Algal Bloom trends/issues

7:40 David Hamilton: Swan and Back - perspectives of someone who used to work on the system; comparing to international experience

7:55 John Parslow: How the Swan compares both in knowledge of the science and management

8:10 Malcolm Robb: Summary of what we know about the Swan and Canning Rivers and identify gaps and opportunities.

8:25 The Panel is directed questions by the audience

9:00 Close - followed by refreshments and food.
==============

TerryF
=====

Beavering away in the background......

Minister's Media Statement 10/05/2006

Minister urges community to have its say on fish laws.

Fisheries Minister Jon Ford today urged the community to have its say on a major review of legislation which governs the State's fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The Department of Fisheries has prepared a discussion paper to support the work of a Ministerial review committee, chaired by Hon Matt Benson MLC, which is inquiring into and reporting on the effectiveness of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA).

The committee is reviewing how well the legislation meets its goals of conserving, developing and sharing the State's fish resources; in protecting fish habitats and aquatic biodiversity; and reporting on any other related matters.

The document contains important proposals that reflect new management directions for the State's fisheries such as integrated fisheries management and customary fishing.

It contains a series of proposed amendments to address issues which have developed over time, including the need to strengthen powers and penalties to address increasing organised crime within the fishing sector.

"Fish crime costs the State and is a significant threat to the sustainability of fish stocks - we need to have robust, up-to-date legislation to deal with this problem," Mr Ford said.

The Minister said the review was relevant to most Western Australians because of the social and economic significance of commercial, recreational fishing and aquaculture.

"This government is committed to sustainable and viable fisheries and aquaculture," he said.

"I am very keen to encourage people to read the document and have their say before the comment period closes on July 7."

Copies of Fisheries Management Paper No 208 'Proposed amendments to the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 Discussion paper' are available for download from the Department of Fisheries website at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/mp/mp208/index.php?0706

Minister's office: 9213 7200
=======================

TerryF
=====

Beavering away in the background......

We complain when organisations take the easy option. It is always easier to ban something than it is to manage it properly, so it is an easy cop out.

They do not worry about reality, justification, fairness, equity, or any of those other important things - just lock the gate, close the areas, ban the activity, make a law, build a fence, hit people with fines, etc.

Who loses most when that cop out easy option is taken? Yes, that is right, all the people who do the right thing lose out big time.

But the people who really cause the problems do not care less and continue to ignore the rules and do it anyway.

Other people and organisations, including politicians, do watch what is said on forums and judge the degree of feeling and opposition and the validity, relevance and strength of the points raised.

It is very easy for these people to misread what is posted and get a completely wrong impression of what the general opinions are or what some particular person means and stands for.

The outcome of all of this is that they can say "this is not an issue which we need to worry about - either politically or in terms of doing the right thing. Just let it take its course because the vocal people seem to be in favour" - regardless of the merits. "Vocal" doesn't mean "majority" but will be used as though it did. More cop outs.

Sometimes when the real issues or facts are raised, they facts (and/or the poster) are either ignored or attacked.

The "other side" of these issues must be rolling on the floor laughing their socks off at the disorganised rabble of recreational anglers who argue amongst themselves about misunderstandings, trivial points, off topics and completely lose sight of the big picture.

They must be thinking "we do not have to worry about arguing our case, the recreational fishermen will self-destruct on this and we can get whatever we want" And the way some of these discussions go, they are probably right.

The "other sides" almost certainly troll through the fishing forums, counting the apparent "fors" and "againsts" to get all the comments by anglers which can be used or misrepresented to support their (other) side of the case.

Do you see them arguing amongst themselves in public about the small details? Not often, and usually its only like "not enough, lock up lots more" anyway.

Everyone has a right to say what they think in the name of free speech and the right to express an opinion.

But they need to make sure that their comments don't stop other people from expressing an opinion or give ammo to the other side.

Who has been discouraged from posting through not wanting to expose themselves to criticisms and insults or worse.?

Everyone needs to be very aware and think very carefully about what result their posts will have. Will it be used to come up with the right answer, or will it be used in the wrong way and end up "justifying" the wrong answer?.

Yes, I am talking about the Rottnest thread. The debate on Rottnest is only just two weeks old and has more than two months to go for comments. This topic has not "run its course" - it has only just started.

There is a great deal more to be done and a great deal more misinformation and manipulation by the Rottnest Island Authority needs to be exposed. This needs more recreational anglers to get involved, not less.

Yet for a while this forum looked like it had surrendered to:-
personal and insulting comments,
stuff which is off the topic of the Rottnest proposals,
misunderstandings which have snowballed,
misrepresentations,
pushing of personal barrows, .... and the like
by just locking a thread instead of managing the topic and managing the posters properly yet leaving all those comments for everyone to see and use.

The surrender flag had gone up on that Rottnest thread, the easy cop out option had been taken and the thread had been locked. To Adam's credit, he has reopened it again.

The chance to put in any more comments on this very important topic would have been lost. Sure, anyone could have started a new thread on Rottnest, but what's very likely to happen to that one, too?

It is easy to handle misunderstandings and misrepresentations and factual errors - but only if personal comments and pushing of barrows and off topics are managed properly.

It can be hard work to moderate posts, and it's often unpopular, but it is not rocket science. Work out which threads really need to be managed, what is important about that, what is relevant and make people stick to the issues.

Any side issues can be posted somewhere else (same or different forum) if people really want to pursue them. That's management, not censorship.

Any surrender and locking without managing the posters and/or their comments would just reinforce that there would be absolutely no prospect of getting realistic discussions on important topics such as Rottnest.

Without proper management, it seems to be a complete waste of time to try to discuss serious issues on this forum, if not actually counter productive and likely to achieve completely the opposite of what should be aimed for.

Sad, and such a waste. Easily fixed, but....

And yes, Adam and I have had a long phone call on this subject and agree on many of the points. I'm sure he will have some comments.

TerryF
=====

Beavering away in the background......

Acid fish kill disaster coming.

We should be totally ashamed of ourselves for wanting to deprive canal residents of the wonderful technicolour experiences like in this photo at Eastport canals at Port Bouvard just in the name of protecting fish and protecting biodiversity.

This is due to acid groundwater seeping through canal walls The bright orange material is probably an iron mineral called schwertmannite that is mixed up with some algal scum.

Over the last few days you will have heard about proposed Marine Reserves around Rottnest, the details on the reserve can be found here:
http://www.rottnestisland.com/en/Marine+Management+Strategy/default.htm

There is a SURVEY available to voice your opinion on the new proposed legislation:
http://www.synovate.com.au/websurveys/21983bz/enter.asp

Significant recreational fishing areas such as Parker Point and the Chicken Run will be CLOSED to recreational anglers.

I would STRONGLY suggest that if you value your fishing rights around Rottnest that you fill in the survey. It has been discussed that the survey is rather biased in the way it has been created, but I would ask you to fill it out regardless as it is imperitive to saving vital fishing areas which recreational anglers cause little damage to.

The Chicken Run is one of the best pelagic fishing area's in the Perth Metropolitan area and the species which are targetted move from the area depending upon the time of year. There are much more important grounds on the North side of the Island which are targetted and pillaged by charter operations that need to be saved.

I URGE YOU to fill in the survey and help represent recreational anglers opinions in regards to the proposed changes. Please get behind RECFISHWEST and support them with an email or survey response, your 5 minutes of time will ultimately help the voice of recreationals fishing in Western Australia.

Otherwise, please email your thoughts to:

Cheers,
Adam

An interesting article from the University of Queensland.

http://www.uq.edu.au/news/index.html?article=6938

An EMS, any thoughts?

Interesting developments for the NZ fishery! Hit the link for images.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4735474.stm

'Destructive fishing' ban for NZ
By Mic Dover
Wellington

Orange roughy are a target species for the trawlers
One-third of New Zealand's offshore waters is going to be declared off-limits to bottom-trawlers.

The announcement was made in Wellington at the end of a fisheries conference attended by delegates from 20 nations.

If the decision is followed through, it would result in the world's largest total closure to bottom-trawl fishing within an Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ.

Conservation groups say bottom-trawling is the most destructive type of fishing undertaken in the world's oceans today.

Ships trail heavy nets across the sea bed, catching fish but destroying coral and other organisms.

Marine scientists say some of the species affected are extremely slow growing and would take hundreds or even thousands of years to recover from the damage.

'Win-win'

The fisheries conference was hosted by the New Zealand, Australian and Chilean governments.

It was convened to discuss how to manage the international waters of the South Pacific, where there is currently little control over fishing methods or management of non-highly migratory fish stocks, such as orange roughy, squid and mackerel.

I'm extremely heartened by the progress this week and look forward to more when we reconvene in Australia in November
Stan Crothers, New Zealand delegation
The unprecedented deal with major fishing companies will mean that nearly 1.2 million sq km of ocean floor around New Zealand will become "Benthic Protection Areas" (BPAs) where bottom-trawling and other types of invasive fishing operations will be banned.

Making the announcement, New Zealand Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said the agreement was "an unprecedented win-win for conservationists and fishermen".

He said the areas involved lay across a range of depths, and covered a range of habitats that broadly represented New Zealand's offshore waters.

"Ningaloo World Heritage plans released for public comment

World Heritage status for the Ningaloo Reef has moved a step closer with the beginning of a consultation program to determine the boundaries to be used in the nomination.

Environment Minister Mark McGowan announced the move in Exmouth today when he released an independent committee's report on the proposal to nominate the North West Cape-Ningaloo Reef area for inscription on the World Heritage List along with a map of a proposed boundary.

The report, commissioned in June 2004, proposed a number of options for World Heritage listing and was an important source of information for stakeholders in having a say on what the nomination boundary should be.

"The State Government has identified Ningaloo Marine Park, Cape Range National Park and key areas of the North-West Cape next to the reef to be included in the nomination boundary and is seeking further input from stakeholders," Mr McGowan said.

"Ningaloo Reef is world renowned for its biological diversity, superlative beauty and outstanding geological values and it, along with Cape Range National Park, is one of the State's greatest nature-based tourism attractions.

"Its proximity to the shore means it is much more accessible than the Great Barrier Reef and its wildlife is remarkable.

"For example, the reef is within an area that is one of 18 'hotspots' of coral reef biodiversity in the world. This area ranks second in terms of the number of species found in a relatively limited area and seventh in terms of total diversity.

"The reef and the surrounding waters are internationally recognised for the opportunities they provide for human interaction with whalesharks while independent studies have shown that the reef and the park are primarily responsible for attracting around $127million a year into the Gascoyne-Exmouth regional economy.

"This will be further boosted this year through State Government funding for a whaleshark festival in Exmouth next April and May.

"Navy catches alleged illegal fishing mother ship

Fisheries minister Eric Abetz says the Navy has caught a 75 metre boat believed to be acting as a mother ship to other vessels illegally fishing in Australian waters.

Navy patrol boat HMAS Dubbo apprehended the steel hulled freighter Chen Long north-west of the Wessel Islands in the Northern Territory yesterday.

There were allegedly more than 600 tonnes of fish on board.

Senator Abetz says the freighter may have been acting as a mother ship, but no smaller vessels were caught.

"It'd be nice to be able to apprehend absolutely every boat," he said.

"The fact that we have apprehended a vessel about which we have certain suspicious, a 75 metre vessel, I think that is a major breakthrough but let's wait and see what the facts actually disclose."

Senator Abetz says the boat's 18 crew members are thought to be of Chinese origin.

"At the end of the day, the origin of the crew is not all that important other than it may potentially tell us where the operators are emanating from," he said.

"But of course the vessel is flagged, as I understand it, to Panama, with a Panamanian flag."

The boat and its crew are being brought to Darwin and are expected to arrive later this week."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200602/s1568910.htm

600 tonnes of fish being raped from our northern borders and we the recreational angler are still being targeted for marine parks and no fishing zones. Must stop commenting now before I get well and truly angry, its just so good that they got caught!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1559317.htm

Scientists hold grave fears for Great Barrier Reef

By Lisa Millar for PM

Australia's hot summer has had a devastating effect on the Great Barrier Reef.

Coral reef specialists, just back from diving around the Keppel Islands, are comparing the severity of the damage to the worst case ever recorded in 2002.

The University of Queensland scientists say they were shocked by the underwater scene that greeted them and are concerned the entire reef may be at risk of destruction from global warming.

Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg said most of the reefs the team saw are now completely bleached.

"Going down to 10 metres, every pieces of coral was a glowing white colour - all that brown colour had disappeared and that was surprising for us," he said.

He said it was especially alarming now because it looked as bad as when he dived the reef in 2002, but that was in April after several more months of summer heat.

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg whose work on coral reefs is internationally respected is praying for two months of cyclonic stormy weather to stir up colder deeper water - the only thing that will save the coral.

"But of course asking for two months of stormy weather is a big ask and if we get a couple of weeks of sunny weather we're going to have a problem," he said.

The professor chairs a group that is part of the largest international network of coral reef scientists in the world, funded by the World Bank, and the group is now on high alert.

And the fact that normally reserved scientists are issuing such alarming statements has the Australian Conservation Foundation's Don Henry worried.

"The important thing from this warning is that we're starting to see this damage to the reef from warmer waters and climate change happen more often and more extensive," he said.

"There's going to be a point when the reef just doesn't recover."

With February, the hottest month, just ahead, this is a critical time.

http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/media/index.php?0000&mr=320

Magistrate fines lobster pot night raiders $15,000

Two Perth men have pleaded guilty 31 Jan and been fined a total of $15,000 for interfering with other people's crayfish pots and being in possession of 38 undersized rock lobsters.

Brett Ronald Blizard (32-years-old) from Bicton and John Paul Mueller (25-years-old) of East Fremantle were found in possession of rock lobsters taken from 15 pots off North Mole.

Department of Fisheries Metropolitan Region Compliance Manager Todd A'Vard said information from the public, who had called the FishWatch illegal fishing reports service, led to a stakeout at North Fremantle in which the men were seen pulling and resetting the rock lobster pots.

"The men were confronted by two Fisheries and Marine Officers (FMOs) and two Police officers, in the early hours of Saturday 17 December 2005, when the offenders were in possession of 46 rock lobsters, 38 of which were under legal size," Mr A'Vard said.

"None of the pots the two men pulled that morning were their own and they were both charged under Section 172 (b) of the Fish Resources Management Act, for which they were fined $2,500 each."

Mr A'Vard said the men, who appeared in Fremantle Court 31 Jan, were also charged under Section 46(b) for having 37 western and one southern rock lobsters in their possession that were undersized.

"The Western Rock Lobsters ranged from just under legal size to less than half the legal size," he said.

"This has not only led to a fine of $2,300 for each of the offenders, but also mandatory penalties under Section 222 of $2,700 each for the totally protected lobsters that were seized from the men.

Media Contact ASHLEY MALONE Department of Fisheries Media Unit Office 9203 0357 Mobile 0418 901 767

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/01/24/1138066793658.html

Read this article, seems that commercial fisherman won't be taking from the harbour anymore due to dioxin levels.  Hopefully this won't be the same for our fisheries!!!

Media Release

Recreational rock lobster licences to rise to $140 per year.
Recfishwest has today warned recreational fishers of the grave consequences of the adoption of the Integrated Fisheries Management report on Western rock lobsters.

The Executive Director of Recfishwest, Mr Frank Prokop said that if the recommendations of the Integrated Fisheries Management Committee were adopted then recreational rock lobster licences would have to increase to at least $140 per year from the year 2010 onwards.

“The committee recommends that the recreational fishing sector should have to buy back a share of the resource from the year 2010. There would be no additional benefits to the recreational sector – this is merely to accommodate natural growth in the population.” Mr Prokop said.

“The committee seems to have forgotten that this is a community resource. It is totally illogical to expect the community to pay commercial fishers to access a part of the resource that is theirs by definition. Just when the rest of the world is introducing resource rents for the commercial industry, Western Australia is looking to introduce a community funded rent back to the commercial sector.”

Mr Prokop said that many recreational fishers had not realised the impact of the recommendations and so the level of concern was not as great as it should be.

“The committee has prepared the report and has extended the time for submissions until the end of February. Copies of the paper can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries.”

“I would like to stress that the recreational fishing sector already pays the government a greater pro-rata amount for its current small share of the resource. To penalise only the recreational fishing sector because more people want to live in Western Australia is unacceptable.”

Mr Prokop said that the report proposed making an allocation to the recreational sector equivalent to the anticipated catch in 2009/2010. However, after that time the recreational sector will have to buy catch from the commercial sector or take management cuts to keep their catches from growing. This will cause competition among recreational fishers and greater competition at already crowded boat ramps.”

Sounds like another 'accident' in the river.. Not sure on the exact details of how much was spilt, but i'm sure there was a lot more than what was reported.. Wonder what sort of damage this will cause to the system. :(

Wally from Western Angler took this picture on the weekend from one of the Charter boats from Hillaries.. Considering quite a few punters had already left and taken their catch, this is what was left.. Consider each of these fish are 12 years old..

Personally I think thats way too much and it makes me sick to see so many fish, more than likely go to waste.. 2-3 fish each is more than enough, even if you are feeding a family and none of them have been bled.. Bit of a disgrace really, what do you think?

 

I've been in contact with the Murdoch Uni guys a bit lately and they are chasing fish backbones or frames for research purposes..

If you have any of these species, please freeze down skeleton and guts and take a few basic details like the size and where you caught them.

The information they gather not only helps them, but will help us preserve our fish stocks in the future by understanding their age, breeding maturity, spawning habitats and all sorts of valuable data which will ultimately help us in the long run. Not sure if this information has been posted here before, but I think its pretty valuable.

Cheers,
Adam


Species

Mulloway
Argyrosomus japonicus
Bryn Farmer
Murdoch University
0400 213 362
Bfarmer@murdoch.edu.au

Blue Groper
Achoerodus gouldii
Peter Coulson
Murdoch University
0427 857 182
p.coulson@murdoch.edu.au

Queen Snapper
Nemadactylus valenciennesi
Peter Coulson
As above

Bartailed Flathead
Platycephalus
Peter Coulson
As above

Western Foxfish
Bodianus frenchii
Steve Cossington
Murdoch University
0407 694 461
Steve_nofx1@hotmail.com

Breaksea Cod
Epinephelides armatus
Steve Moore
Murdoch University
0418 959 054
handmeallyourlupins@hotmail.com

Samson Fish
Seriola hippos
Andrew Roland
Murdoch University
0418 326 747
Andrew@recfishwest.org.au

Pink Snapper
Pagrus auratus

Read in the paper yesterday that they are planning to reduce the number of netters in the Swan down to 2 and maybe to even 0 in the coming years.  Sounds pretty good to me, except for the poor young bloke who bought into it only 2 years ago.  But i'm sure that he will be more than adequately compensated when bought out, even thou he is remaining stubborn at this point in time.

I don't feel there is a place for netting in the Swan, especially considering the hard times it goes through in regards to pollution and algal blooms.  Poor fish have enough to deal with and trying to prove that it is sustainable, by way of using the argument, if we take heaps this year - then there won't be as many next year - so we have to balance our takes to ensure we have money to make in the future. - Sustainability in this fashion doesn't really wash with me.

Many thanks to Terry Fuller for this link:

http://www.wa.alp.org.au/dl/electionpolicy/planforfisheries.pdf


This is the labor government's plan for the future of fisheries here in Western Australia..  Please read up and see what they have planned for out waters as it will influence our recreational fishing livelihoods in one way or another..

I am currently reading through it and will post up my thoughts once done..  I strongly suggest you read this document!!!

I have just received this mths copy. Its time to see whats real and whats not. Front cover "Western Australia's Best selling Fishing Publication" I would like to know how they came to that conclusion and to supply proof!!!

page 40- love to know how a bucket fish thinks ?
and following charter boats works as well!!

page 48- large statement guys!  "we're going to show you a new deep water rig that we've developed" re rig sorry been using them myself, lost a heap to sharks just recently and guess what fellows does not out catch the basic dropper system (the so called we developed was first used 12 years ago in New Zealand )

I'm thinking of composing a letter to Geoff Gallop regarding the situation of the East Fremantle boat ramp and the terrible congestion it always has. I'm sure it's been done before and I'm sure I won't be the last, but its getting to a ridiculous situation and I'm sure that it is only a matter of time before some serious ramp rage occurs from what is supposed to be a recreational outing facility.

Does anyone have any good ideas or points that they think should be addressed regarding this situation? I will construct a letter and post it for comments soon.

Information Bulletin: Marine Protected Areas Research Seminar

The following seminar/workshop was the idea of Frank Prokop, Recfishwest and is being run by Richard Stevens, R&D Manager, WA Fishing Industry Council.

We are looking forward to a healthy representation by Recfishwest members and recreational fishers with ideas and priorities they have regarding research in the Marine Park context.

To inform yourself on the situation, read the following link about the Coral Bay Developments. Summarised is that two years ago the State Government refused to allow a 400-bed development at nearby Maud's Landing on environmental grounds. The proposed site was 2.5 miles behind the reef; the new Hilton plan is 50 meters behind the reef.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200507/s1415661.htm

The whole situation leaves me skeptical as to our state government's role in the development. The Maud's development was denied on environmental grounds but passed a rigorous environmental assessment and was approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). I think these two following statements say enough about our premier's role; 'A spokesman for Geoff Gallop said the EPA may assess the project but the Government believed there was no comparison between the Hilton proposal and the Mauds Landing marina development.' On that basis, Geoff has decided that 'the controversial $60 million luxury resort planned for the sensitive Coral Bay area is unlikely to be scrutinised by the Environmental Protection Authority.'

The following description is from the "MPRA Framework for the Review of Ningaloo Marine Park" at
http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/national_parks/pdf_files/ningaloo_framework_paper.pdf
and shows the separation of responsibilities between CALM and MPRA.

MPRA. Major Functions are:

o To have vested in it marine reserves and relevant land;
o To have care, control and management of marine reserves and relevant land;
o To develop policies in regard to marine conservation;
o To advise the Minister for Environment and Heritage;
o To audit the implementation of marine reserve management plans by CALM

State Government Media Release

25/07/05

The State Government has begun a process to preserve and protect Dirk Hartog Island, in the World Heritage Listed Shark Bay region, by reserving it as a national park.

The Government has signed an agreement with the island's lessees that ends a 15-year negotiation to return the Island to the people of Western Australia.

Premier Geoff Gallop said the creation of the national park would restore and preserve an important natural asset and reinforce the historical aspects of the island.

"As the site of the first European landing in Australia, Dirk Hartog Island holds an important place in Australian history," Dr Gallop said.