Recfishwest

Recfishwest has received an excellent response to our west coast demersal survey so far as part of the first phase of a five-month consultation process to give recreational fishers the chance to have their say in the future of

Max Foley with a thumping Geographe Bay pinkie.

the fishery.

The survey wrapped up on 29 April, and Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland thanked everyone who had their say.

“The survey will help us understand your preferences for potential management approaches — as well as hearing any other ideas you may have about how the sustainability targets might be achieved,” said Dr Rowland. “This will help us develop our advice to DPIRD to inform their consultation process planned for June/July.”

The consultation process follows DPIRD’s west coast demersal stock assessment which has shown that while there are some signs of recovery, west coast demersal stocks are not recovering fast enough to meet the 2030 sustainability target set in the recovery plan launched for these species in 2010.

As part of the consultation process, Recfishwest has also set up a West Coast Demersal Expert Working Group, comprising of leading members of the fishing community with significant interests and experience in this fishery. The expert working group is assessing ideas and feedback from the survey, and will provide advice about preferred management options.

BOOST FOR

TROUT FISHERY

The WA State Government has committed to undertaking an economic analysis of freshwater fishing in the South West, and to develop a business plan to upgrade DPIRD’s Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre.

The plan, the Government says, is to boost trout stocking programs and related tourism across the South West, which injects more than $20 million annually into WA’s regional economies.

Recfishwest is pleased to see a dedicated focus on upgrading the State’s hatchery capacity to support our inland fisheries, said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.

“We believe there is massive potential for expanding the trout stocking program and fishery, and commend DPIRD’s Aquatic Freshwater Research and Development team for championing this cause from within the Department,” he said.

“Changing up the stocking regime, putting in place a more robust research program associated with it, exploring new potential freshwater/trout fishing locations and potential stocking of Aussie natives could evolve and secure the fishery well into the future, and could take pressure off some of our other fisheries. It’s

good to see the Government recognise this potential and take steps to better understand the true value of the fishery, and give the Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre a long overdue upgrade.”

Evolving freshwater stocking programs for the future

The business case will look into developing plans for expanding the centre, which includes upgrades to existing facilities such as ponds, the hatchery, management systems and offices, as well as the construction of a new trout yearling nursery to increase production and supply of fish stocks.

The upgrades would support research that demonstrates how releasing larger fish improves survival rates and in turn, enhances recreational fishing experiences.

It will also examine the feasibility of a new interactive educational tourism attraction and aquarium connecting the science and history of trout and marron fishing, along with the unique aquatic flora and fauna, of SouthWest forests.

Fisheries Minister Don Punch said the investment will play a vital role in boosting freshwater fishing stocks, such as trout, and supporting important restocking programs.

“Every year, more 450,000 trout are released across 75 South-West freshwater dams and rivers, with recreational fishers injecting more than $20 million annually into WA’s regional economies while on trout fishing getaways,” he said. “By investing in this business case, the McGowan Government is investing in the future of the South-West and the world-class fishing experiences it has to offer.” KUNUNURRA

BARRA STOCKING

The Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group (LKBSG) has launched its new website – lakekununurrabarramundi. com.au – which is designed to help locals and travelling anglers catch more barra from Lake Kununurra.

The website, developed in partnership with Recfishwest, includes information about fishing the lake, including informative ‘how-to’ videos. It essentially has all the information needed to experience a barra fishing adventure of a lifetime in a safe, stunning East Kimberly setting.

The ongoing Lake Kununurra stocking program has seen 1.3 million barramundi fingerlings released into the lake since

2013, with 1m-plus barra now caught on a regular basis.

The website was made possible by the State Government’s COVID recovery fishing package, which also included a three-year commitment to supporting the ongoing stocking of the lake.

“It’s great to see the Government’s commitment to fish stocking programs like these which provide fantastic regional fishing experiences and an economic boost to local communities,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said. “In the case of Kununurra, anglers chasing barra inject an estimated $7.6 million annually into the local economy.”

Ben-Douglas with a dhufish from Rottnest Island. Image courtesy of Shaun Wieffering.

The Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre is in need of an upgrade to underpin the future evolution of WA’s freshwater fishery.

Recfishwest has always highlighted and celebrated the value of freshwater fishing in the South West, including through events like Troutfest. Tom Howe with a lovely rainbow trout from

near Pemberton. Image courtesy of Angus Line.