Fisheries WA in Perth, Western Australia | Sport & recreation

Fisheries WA

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 6551 4444

Address: Gordon Stephenson House, 140 William Street 6000 Perth, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au

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25.01.2022 Great news for stocks of WA fish and aquatic resources! Latest figures from the annual State of the Fisheries report show that 98% of our fish stocks were assessed as not being at risk or vulnerable through fishing exploitation. Other positive outcomes include the recovery of several resources to sustainable-adequate and sustainable-recovering levels, after strong management actions were needed following the impact of adverse environmental conditions such as marine heat wave...s. The report, based on research assessments carried out in the 2018/19 financial year, shows a continuation of the outstanding results achieved by fisheries management which will ensure the continued sustainability of the States aquatic resources. This would not be possible without the ongoing involvement of our commercial and recreational stakeholders who provide valuable input into research projects and monitoring programs. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//status_reports_of_the_fisheries See more

24.01.2022 Did you know that there are remote cameras at boat ramps across WA, to help monitor recreational fishing effort levels? When combined with boat ramp surveys, the stats are used to estimate recreational catches. We use these cameras to collect information about boat launches and retrievals year-round, and a lot of behind the scenes work goes into developing and maintaining them. Thanks to Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah’s recent PhD research, our remote camera monitoring of WA boat ra...mps is now more cost-effective. Ebenezer, originally from Ghana, recently submitted his PhD thesis focussed on making camera monitoring more cost-effective without compromising on data accuracy. This has helped us ensure that recreational fishing surveys are strong, innovative, and use best-practice techniques. https://www.sciencedirect.com//arti/pii/S0165783620302745

24.01.2022 If you’re going fishing in the Ngari Capes Marine Park this summer, please make sure you know your zones and are familiar with the fishing rules before heading out. Ngari Capes Marine Park includes most of the southern half of Geographe Bay and extends around Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin to Flinders Bay near Augusta. As well as abiding by WA recreational fishing rules, if you want to fish in the park you need to be aware of several sanctuary and special purpose zones whe...re particular fishing rules apply. For more information, or for GPS responsive maps, download the Recfishwest app or the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction’s ‘Marine Parks WA’ app. https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au//discover-newly-updated-marin Pictured is signage at Gannet Rock and the Yallingup Lagoon.

24.01.2022 $6 million package to boost the recreational fishing industry as part of the WA Recovery Plan

24.01.2022 A research and development project in the Pilbara aims to develop a new food production industry to grow tropical rock oysters.

23.01.2022 A reminder that the fishing closure for blue swimmer crabs remains in place until November 30. All waters, coastal, rivers and estuaries, from the Swan River to Minninup Beach (15km south of Bunbury) are closed to blue swimmer crab fishing to protect breeding stock. The exception is Geographe Bay. It remains open to blue swimmer crab fishing all year however, there is a limit of five female crabs as part of the total bag limit of 10 crabs per fisher during the closure period.... If you’re on a boat in Geographe Bay, you are allowed to possess 20 crabs per boat when there are two or more people on board, including a maximum of 10 female crabs. This is a timely reminder following a seizure last month of 14 Blue Manna crabs by fisheries and marine officers that were caught during the closed period in Bunbury. Make sure you check out the rules for blue swimmer crab fishing in Perth and the South West before heading out on your next fishing trip. To find out more, visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//blue_swimmer_crab_changes_2019.

22.01.2022 During this weeks @nationalscienceweek, it has been fantastic to see our future ocean users, be it fishers, boaters, divers or even possible marine scientists, learn about fisheries science. Our Community Education team have had a number of school groups come to our Fisheries & Marine Research Laboratories at Hillarys, as well as our regional team visiting schools in their area, to learn about the unique marine environment in WA. School students have conducted fish dissections and learnt how we work out the age of a fish; identified and classified different organisms found on our beaches; and played an interactive fishing game to learn about the recreational fishing rules that help keep our fish stocks sustainable. #ScienceWeek

21.01.2022 The wolf cichlid (Parachromis dovii) is renowned in the aquarium trade for being highly aggressive, territorial and predatory. They are not native to WA and they get big, up to about 75 cm in length. Our Aquatic Pests Biosecurity team were told recently of a possible sighting of wolf cichlids in a waterway in the Perth metropolitan area. As this species has the potential to devastate our local fish and other fauna, the team was quick to respond. Thankfully no wolf cichlids w...ere found this time, but as many pearl cichlids were captured it’s a timely reminder to not to dump your fish into our waterways as the effects could be devastating to our native aquatic species and their habitat. If you see ornamental fish in our waterways, you can help us protect WA’s aquatic environment by emailing [email protected], or calling FishWatch on 1800 815 507. Let us know about any unusual fish or pest species you see, or catch, and if you do catch a pest or ornamental species, please do not return it to the water.

21.01.2022 Shark depredation is an issue generating a lot of discussion amongst WA fishers. We understand your concerns and are working on shark depredation and the effect it has on both commercial and recreational fishing. This year, our scientists have embarked on a RFIF funded project to research how depredation could be mitigated in WA. The first step was to survey charter and boat recreational fishers about their experiences. Results indicated that one in two fishers who fished no...rth of Lancelin had experienced shark depredation and two in three had tried to reduce or avoid shark bite-offs in various ways. One in 10 fishers tried using electronic or magnetic shark deterrents, while the main method was to avoid bite-offs by changing fishing location. The survey highlighted common concerns - the loss of a large number of fish, and the perceived impact on the sustainability of fishing in regions where depredation was highest. Phase two of the project commenced in July, with field testing of three shark deterrent devices at various popular fishing locations from the Abrolhos to the Montebellos.

21.01.2022 Principal Research Scientist Gary Jackson and colleague Peter Coulson recently returned from a shake-down trip to the Abrolhos, where they ironed out the technical challenges of deploying underwater video cameras to record sharks taking fish off the line before they can be reeled in. Shark depredation, or bite-off, has been an issue of increasing concern to commercial, charter and recreational fishers in WA for some years. Depredation is a global phenomenon that has gained at...tention in high value fisheries and can result in economic loss and recreational amenity. For the past 4-5 years, our fisheries researchers have worked to better understand the issue, quantify levels of depredation using phone and on-line surveys, and identify the shark species involved using trace DNA. With funding from the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, our researchers are testing a range of shark deterrent products that are either on the market, or soon-to-be, to establish their effectiveness while line-fishing for reef fish at various locations off the WA coast. The next phase of testing will be carried out on snapper spawning aggregations off Shark Bay before the project moves to Exmouth-Ningaloo and the Montebellos later this month. See more

20.01.2022 We recently wrapped up our Shore-Based Metropolitan Survey for the seventh year, which provides data on fishing effort, harvest rate and total catch for key nearshore species. From February to June, our researchers interviewed shore fishers along 60km of the Perth metro coast to measure their catch and ask questions about their fishing activity. Since the survey began weve interviewed 22,075 recreational fishers. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//946-20%20Shore-Based%20Recreati... This year, social distancing measures meant that catch data was restricted in April, however we were still able to collect effort data for the duration of the survey period by counting fishers. This provided valuable information into the shore-based recreational fishing effort during COVID-19. For more information, contact us by emailing [email protected] or calling Hillarys Reception on (08) 9203 0111. Image: Shannon Conway

19.01.2022 Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley warns of serious penalties facing those who breach fishing laws.

19.01.2022 This mid-afternoon count of 47 crabs by a DPIRD compliance officer took place two days after Christmas last year and had its sequel in Mandurah Magistrates Court this month. A 40 year old woman and 36 year old man from Middle Swan pleaded guilty to their offences and were each ordered to pay $3,048. They were apprehended after scooping crabs in the Peel Inlet at Coodanup and putting them in a bucket without measuring. Only one of the 47 crabs was of the legal size limit of 1...27millimetres. Fortunately the undersize crabs were able to be returned to the water after being measured. Crab fishers should be aware of the legal size limit and the daily bag limit of 10 crabs per person per day in the Peel Harvey. Crabbing for the popular blue swimmer returns on Tuesday 1 December in the Peel-Harvey Estuary as well as the Swan and Canning rivers and along coastal waters from Perth to Minninup Beach, south of Bunbury. The separate year round closure in Cockburn Sound still applies. Find out more about WA’s fishing rules in the Recreational fishing guide. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au///recreational_fishing_guide.pdf

19.01.2022 It's National Science week and with this years theme Deep Blue, celebrates the science and technology that help us understand and sustainably manage our oceans. Here at DPIRD, our Community Education team engages with the public to help bring about a deeper understanding of fisheries science and respect for our aquatic resources. We know that science is not only extremely important, its also fun and challenging. And its not just for scientists! Our fisheries education website, Marine Waters, is full of resources like lessons, fact sheets, activities, posters and videos that help everyone learn more about WAs amazing aquatic environment. If you want to dive deeper, visit http://marinewaters.fish.wa.gov.au

19.01.2022 More than a million juvenile Australian flat oysters grown at our Albany Shellfish Hatchery, and 2,000 mature oysters from Harvest Road aquaculture have been deployed onto new oyster reefs near Albany, helping to kick start a marine life cycle. The Oyster Harbour project is part of The Nature conservancys National Reef Building Project and is supported by WA Government funding and the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.

19.01.2022 And the winner is. Lisa Woolfenden! Congratulations Lisa, this years deserving winner of the fantastic Montebello Island Safaris charter trip to the Montebello Islands. Lisas name was drawn from the pool of recreational fishers who have been generously donating their fish frames to the Send us Your Skeletons program for the past 12 months. Lisa and her husband John love being out on the ocean and donate most of their frames, mainly dhufish, baldies and the occasional pinky..., and have done so for a number of years. Mostly fishing from their boat from Hillarys, Lisa was keen to help our research to give a better idea of whats happening under the surface and the health of our oceans and fish stocks. I think how WA has managed its fisheries is really great, she said. We have to give up a little every now and then to keep it that way (closed periods), but there probably arent too many capital cities where you can venture just off shore and regularly catch quality fish. Keep sending those fish frames in - the next prize draw for SUYS will be a quarterly prize of a Daiwa Jigging Game rod, reel and braid combo, or crewsaver lifejacket, donated by WAs peak recfishing body, Recfishwest To find out how to donate your frames, visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/frames See more

19.01.2022 Have you been having trouble paying your recreational fishing licences online? There are currently intermittent issues with the DoTDirect payment screen. This is being investigated and normal service should resume soon.

19.01.2022 Do you know a master, skipper or deckie? Providing more than 870 direct jobs and 1,550 indirect jobs, the western rock lobster industry is the lifeblood of many WA coastal towns. When COVID-19 hit, @WesternRockLobster proposed a package of relief measures to support the industry. After rigorous review by our scientists, weve rolled out changes to the current commercial rock lobster season, and a new mechanism to allow commercial fishers to sell 100 lobsters per day direct to... the public, local restaurants and fresh fish retailers directly from back of boat. These changes will allow the industry to keep boats on the water and locals employed, while maintaining the sustainability of the worlds first @MSC certified fishery. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Pages/Lobster-Commercial-Fishin

19.01.2022 Enjoy recfishing for a feed of lobster? Dont get confused with the new changes for commercial back of boat sales or it could be costly. If you want to fish recreationally for rock lobster in WA, you must have a licence, and you must not sell or use recreationally caught rock lobster for any gain or reward (including barter or exchange for other goods or services). Breaking these rules can attract heavy penalties. Remember the Statewide bag limit is eight lobster per licen...ced fisher per day, and no more than four of these may be tropical rock lobsters. For more information about fishing for lobster, download our fishing guide, and if you see any suspicious or illegal fishing activity or sales, call FishWatch on 1800 815 507. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Lobster-Recreational-Fishing.as Photo by Henrique Kwong

19.01.2022 Get your pots ready, the whites are about to walk! Using predictive modelling techniques based on the average water temperatures between August and October, our rock lobster scientists have predicted that the whites migration will begin around Wednesday 18 November. Each year the timing of the migration is strongly correlated with water temperature, with warmer waters associated with an earlier migration. This year, our water temperatures have been average, not too hot ...and not too cold, indicating that the migration will most likely begin towards the middle of the month, around the 18th. What is a white lobster? Around this time each year, Western Rock Lobsters approaching sexual maturity moult from their regular red colour, into a lighter pink colour known as a white. At this time, they leave the coastal reefs and begin a mass migration, travelling north west, into waters as deep as 200m, until they reach their breeding grounds where they become sedentary again on the deeper reefs. As always, you must have a licence to fish for any species of rock lobster and abide by all fishing rules, including bag and boat limits.

18.01.2022 Its National Science week and with this years theme Deep Blue, celebrates the science and technology that help us understand and sustainably manage our oceans. Here at DPIRD, our Community Education team engages with the public to help bring about a deeper understanding of fisheries science and respect for our aquatic resources. We know that science is not only extremely important, its also fun and challenging. And its not just for scientists! Our fisheries education website, Marine Waters, is full of resources like lessons, fact sheets, activities, posters and videos that help everyone learn more about WAs amazing aquatic environment. If you want to dive deeper, visit http://marinewaters.fish.wa.gov.au

18.01.2022 Our researchers have recently returned from the Gascoyne region where they conducted their biannual, industry-funded, independent stock survey of the crystal crab, Chaceon albus. This species, which is found in waters between 600 and 800m deep off the WA coast, is the key target species of the West Coast Deep Sea Crustacean Fishery. Independent surveys control for factors which may affect catch rates such as bait, location and fishing gear. They are worlds best practice in assessing fisheries stocks and are crucial in the ongoing maintenance of this fisherys #MSC certification, which was first attained in 2015. Marine Stewardship Council in Australia & NZ

18.01.2022 The installation of potentially lifesaving Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs will now be extended to include 12 local government authorities, stretching along the coast from the north of Geraldton to Kununurra. Similar to a bus stop, BEN signs have a unique code that helps to pinpoint exact locations improving crucial emergency response times in a range of serious incidents such as surfing injuries or shark bites. To date over 1,200 BEN signs have been installed across 27... metropolitan and south-western local government areas. With recent additions in Fremantle, Ravensthorpe, Gingin and Rottnest Island. During these summer holidays as you enter the path down to your local beach, favourite fishing spot or coastal area, take note of your nearest BEN sign. You can view all BEN signs throughout the state by downloading the SharkSmart WA app. Your nearest BEN sign is also provided on the apps report page where you will find a ‘click to call’ button for emergency services. The SharkSmart WA app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.

18.01.2022 Did you know Western Australia has a Sea Cucumber fishery? Our researchers recently returned from the Dampier Archipelago, in Murujuga Country on the Burrup Penisula, where they completed the first phase of the 2020 stock assessment survey of this fishery. Sea cucumbers are marine animals with a leathery skin and an elongated body containing a single, branched gonad, and shaped not unlike a cucumber. The WA Sea Cucumber fishery is a commercial only fishery and was recentl...y #MSC certified by Marine Stewardship Council in Australia & NZ. It is primarily diving based, and extends from Exmouth to the Kimberley. It targets two main species: sandfish (Holothuria scabra) and redfish (Actinopyga echinites). Surveys involve diving transect lines, counting species and categorising habitat. Divers use a hookah hose for air supply, and a catch bag to collect samples for length frequency data. Diving in these waters requires extra personal protective gear, including facial stinger guards and gloves to avoid poisonous stonefish and cone shells. The second phase of the survey is set to kick off on board the RV Naturaliste mid-September, bound for Barrow Island. See more

18.01.2022 At DPIRD, we are supported by world leaders in marine science. Four of our research staff have recently had their work accepted into the international ICES Journal of Marine Science. Karina Ryan, Steve Taylor, Alissa Tate and Claire Smallwood were authors of four research papers from 19 published worldwide in the themed set ‘Marine Recreational Fishers Current State and Future Opportunities’. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and excellent science taking ...place in our labs at Hillarys. Recreational fishing is one of WA’s most popular pastimes, and it’s important that our fisheries’ sustainability is backed by strong science. The articles ranged from the benefits of using a registry of recreational fishers for surveys (such as our licence holders who are surveyed for the Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey), to improving the measurement of harvest rate for fish caught by shore-based recreational fishers. If you are interested in reading the articles, visit https://academic.oup.com/icesjms and search for the scientists names.

17.01.2022 The theme for Science Week 2020 is Deep Blue: innovations for the future of our oceans, and this is just what our research scientists do every working day. #ScienceWeek Senior Research Scientist Dr Matias Braccini grew up in Buenos Aires. A love for surfing led him to take on studies that took him closer to the ocean. He now combines his passion for math and biology with marine science and provides scientific advice on sharks and rays in WA. What Matias enjoys most is the gr...eat mix of field and office work. One week I could be tagging sharks, the next week I may be analysing data, he said. Our research outcomes directly inform the management and conservation of sharks and rays in WA, by combining biology, ecology and exploitation histories to understand how populations respond. Principal Research Scientist Simon de Lestang was also drawn to his career by an affinity for the ocean. I enjoy the diversity of my job, Simon said. I study a number of different fish and crustaceans and my work ranges from handling animals on board boats to developing computer models to simulate fish stocks. I also interact with industry stakeholders and present to large groups of people. I work to ensure sustainability and maximize the economic return from a number of commercial and recreational fisheries in WA, including the largest, the western rock lobster fishery, which has an annual gross value of production of over $400 million.

17.01.2022 Swimming with whale sharks, snorkelling, diving and turtle watching are not the only water-based activities available in the Ningaloo Marine Park World Heritage Area. You can also fish for spangled emperor, coral trout, Spanish mackerel and trevally in the zones marked for recreational fishing. If you fish, please remember although recreational fishing is allowed in 66% of the park, there are a range of State and Commonwealth look, but dont take areas. Know your zones so ...that we can continue to protect the biodiversity of this striking and significant part of WA. For more information visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Recreational-fishing-in-Ningalo There is always something to do in the ocean at Ningaloo. Add some of these ideas to your bucket-list for your next #wanderoutyonder. Take a tour to see whale sharks (AprilJuly), humpbacks (AugustOctober) or manta rays (MaySeptember). Watch the turtles from NovemberMarch or the coral spawning in March and April.

17.01.2022 Fishers Phil Michael and Thomas Cremasco have two things in common they love fishing and they had their names drawn out as winners in the latest Send us Your Skeletons (SUYS) quarterly prize draw. Courtesy of Recfishwest WA’s peak recfishing body, they each take home a Daiwa fishing rod, reel and braid combo. As the winner of the demersal prize Thomas was also lucky enough to win a crewsaver lifejacket to keep him safe while boat fishing. Phil and Thomas are proof that ever...y fisher who donates their fish frames to the program is in with a chance to win a great prize. Phil lives near the beach in Albany and likes to fish for herring and King George whiting. He is delighted with his prize and has been donating to the Albany office for many years, where he gets feedback from Tim about research findings and the health of our fish stocks. Phil is a great support of the program, and has always had a strong interest in supporting fisheries science. Thomas is metro based and new to the program. After being approached by one of our researchers at the Two Rocks boat ramp, Thomas was happy to have biological data collected from his fish. He believes monitoring the recovery of important demersal species like dhufish is important and had not previously known he could donate or that he was eligible to win a prize by taking part in SUYS. Thomas was stoked to receive his prize and said since meeting Elaine at the boat ramp, his fishing mates have started dropping off their fish frames. For your chance to win one of these great quarterly prizes, or the annual prize of a trip to the Montebello Islands, courtesy of Montebello Island Safaris, put your fresh or frozen frames (or demersal heads), in a bag with your name, phone number, date and location of capture and check this list for where to drop them off at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/frames

17.01.2022 In March this year, we conducted our annual Community Survey to gauge Western Australians’ perceptions of DPIRD and the ways they engage with WA fisheries. Survey data from phone interviews with 720 people were weighted to reflect the estimated residential population. About 1 in 4 people fished recreationally in the past 12 months, equating to 630,000 people. On average, respondents fished for 10.2 days, with number of days fished ranging from 1 to 250. The highest fishing ef...fort occurred in the Perth Metro region (46%), followed by the West Coast region (excluding Perth Metro, 25%), and the South Coast region (20%). Across four key fisheries management areas (Commercial, Recreational, Aquaculture and Pearling, and Fish Habitat Protection) the Department received an 83% satisfaction rate an increase of 3% from last year’s survey. The results of this important survey are used to monitor, evaluate and improve the effectiveness of DPIRD’s programs, activities and functions. https://fish.wa.gov.au//N/Pages/Community-Survey-2020.aspx Read more here: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au//DPIRD%20Annual%20Report%20202

16.01.2022 As the SLSWA Life Saver Rescue Helicopter patrols come to an end for the 2020-21 season this weekend, we encourage water users to continue to be our eyes on the water and report shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600 or through the SharkSmart WA app. When you report a shark sighting to Water Police, provide as much detail as you can, as soon as possible, including: Date and time, plus species if possible.... Location, beach name, local landmark or the closest suburb/town, along with distance from shore. Estimated length. Use visual markers for size comparison where possible. Contact details for follow-up, if needed. To report shark sightings through the app, simply download for free from the App Store or Google Play, and use the click to call button on the report page. Image courtesy SLSWA

16.01.2022 What does the average snapper eat is just one of the many questions our scientists can answer through the Send Us Your Skeletons (SUYS) program. Thanks to commercial and recreational fishers who provide the samples, this question and more can be answered by examining the skeletons, heads and innards of demersal fish species from the West Coast Bioregion. According to our scientist Dr. David Fairclough, the answer is pretty much whatever they come across. The stomachs of in...dividual snapper collected recently from Shark Bay to Busselton have contained sloughed humpback whale skin, juvenile pink snapper, leatherjackets, crabs, whiting and even weedy seadragons, David said. Snapper are extremely opportunistic in what they eat and their diverse diet indicates adaptability to meet their energy needs for growth and reproduction. While fish diets can be fascinating, SUYS is seeking the skeletons of snapper, WA dhufish and baldchin groper to continue their vital stock assessment program in support of the recovery of these iconic fish resources. This is a really important process to ensure a sustainable future for these species and for recreational fishers in generations to come to be able to catch them. As a bonus, fishers who donate their fish frames will go into the running to win a grand prize trip to the Montebello Islands donated by Montebello Island Safaris or quarterly prizes donated by Recfishwest, WAs peak recfishing body, which include several superb Daiwa Jigging Game rod, reel and braid combos or crewsaver lifejackets. Put your fresh or frozen frames (or dhufish heads), big or small, in a bag with your name, phone number, date and location of capture and check this list for where to drop them off http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/frames See more

16.01.2022 Western Australia’s seventh purpose-built artificial reef is being installed off Ocean Reef this week to create unique, safe and easily accessible recreational ...fishing experiences along the metropolitan coastline. It was fantastic to join Emily Hamilton MLA, Tim from Recfishwest and Cameron from SubCon Blue to see the modules - which were designed in Henderson and poured in Jandakot - being loaded up ready to be deployed seven kilometres offshore from Ocean Reef this week. The new artificial reef will create an enjoyable recreational fishing and diving hotspot off our northern suburbs coastline, while also supporting local WA jobs in the process.

15.01.2022 The annual pink snapper closure for Shark Bays Freycinet Estuary starts on Saturday, 15 August and will continue until 30 September. The Estuary will be closed to recreational and commercial pink snapper fishing to allow the fish to breed undisturbed and help maintain healthy and sustainable stocks. Pink snapper spawning closures in Shark Bays inner gulfs ensure these stocks remain sustainable into the future. Results from a survey of boat-based recreational fishing in 2018/19 will be published soon. For more information, visit https://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Shark-Bay-pin/Pages/index.aspx

14.01.2022 With recreational fishing for demersals in the West Coast Bioregion set to reopen tomorrow, 16 December, it’s important that all rec fishers keep playing their part to help the stock recover. The resource is now halfway through a 20-year recovery plan, and while there are some early signs of recovery, there is still a long way to go until stocks have fully rebuilt. If you’re going out to target iconic demersal scalefish species, such as dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin grop...er, and you’re lucky enough to get your bag or boat limit, please keep in mind the need to minimise any additional mortality. Our research shows that catch and release fishing for demersal scalefish is not a sustainable fishing practice they’re susceptible to barotrauma and if returned to the water, there’s a chance they won’t survive. So it’s important you either stop fishing once you’ve reached your bag limit, or target other species of fish on the surface or inshore. You should also avoid ‘high-grading’, which is fishing for the same species after you’ve reached your bag or boat limit in an attempt to catch bigger fish. This results in more fish being removed from the fishery and can impact on the recovery of these important stocks. If you have to release a fish because it’s undersized, you can increase its chances of survival by using a release weight, handling the fish appropriately and returning the fish to the water as soon as possible. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Recreatio/Pages/Catch-Care.aspx

14.01.2022 This was the scene from the cabin of the patrol vessel PV Lesueur last week (Monday 24 August), when Police officers from Leeman and Jurien Bay supported our compliance officers to seize a vessel, plus fishing gear and an esky. Earlier, around Midday, the aluminium offshore cruiser was about 40 kilometres off the coast, when our officers inspected the boat and found 20 demersal finfish aboard. They directed the boats sole occupant, a man from Perths southern suburbs, to ret...urn to Leeman jetty where he had launched the cruiser that morning. The mixed species bag limit for demersal finfish in the West Coast Bioregion is two per fisher per day. Investigations are continuing, with a view to launching a prosecution for a number of alleged fishing offences. In the meantime, our compliance officers have seized the mans 7.5 metre vessel, pending legal action related to the large number of demersals, including dhufish, baldchin groper and pink snapper, that were also seized from the cruiser. In Western Australia were into the second half of a 20-year recovery plan to help keep our States highly-valued demersal species sustainable. We have a range of management measures, including bag and possession limits and seasonal closures, to support the recovery. The majority of fishers are doing the right thing and our compliance officers are also playing their part to ensure there are fish for the future.

14.01.2022 The 2020/21 West Coast Zone (WCZ) abalone fishing sessions are scheduled between 7.00am and 8.00am on: Saturday 12 December 2020 Saturday 9 January 2021 Saturday 23 January 2021... Saturday 6 February 2021 Saturday 20 February 2021 The total allowable WCZ recreational catch has been increased to between 28 and 32 tonnes, following stock recovery after the 2010/11 marine heatwave. We would like to thank all recreational abalone fishers for contributing to this recovery. An extra fishing hour has been added in the WCZ so abalone fishers will have another chance to get out and fish on Saturday 23 January. Adding an additional hour is consistent with our Harvest Strategy. Anyone wishing to fish for abalone must have a current abalone fishing licence. If your licence expired since the last abalone fishing day you will have to purchase a new licence to legally fish for abalone. Licences are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You can check the rules in the Abalone recreational fishing guide http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//licences/rec_licence_abalone.pdf or the online fishing rules website: http://www.rules.fish.wa.gov.au

13.01.2022 Right place, wrong time check the rules. This is the haul of mullet and the gill net used to get the catch, but it cost a 61-year-old Waroona man $1,138.70 for his fine, the mandatory penalty and court costs, when he appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court recently. The Recreational net fishing guide points out that recreational set netting is permitted in the Peel-Harvey Inlet (minus exclusions) on Wednesday nights from 1 November until the following 31 July, from 4.30 pm t...o midnight. The trouble for the offender was that he turned up at the Harvey Estuary in Birchmont at 2.30pm on the last Wednesday in April this year and set his gill net, so when our compliance officers turned up to inspect the location, his illegal fishing activity was uncovered. And, as the court heard, the same man had previously been issued an infringement warning and three infringement fines for past netting offences. If you suspect illegal fishing activity, report it to FishWatch on 1800 815 507.

13.01.2022 A draft harvest strategy for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource has been released for public consultation until the end of February, giving you the opportunity to provide input into the future management of iconic species such as WA dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper in waters from just north of Kalbarri to Black Point, east of Augusta. The West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource supports one of the state’s most popular recreational and charter fisheries and an ...important commercial fishery that supplies fresh wild caught seafood to the local domestic market. The draft harvest strategy sets out clear recovery objectives and milestones to ensure the resource continues to recover within acceptable timeframes. The draft harvest strategy also provides specific performance indicators, reference levels and transparent control rules to achieve the objectives for the resource and relevant fishery sectors. Should the harvest strategy identify a need to alter catches to meet recovery objectives, an appropriate management response will be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders. A working group [https://bit.ly/3pTPZ7M] comprising of representatives from our department, Recfishwest, WAFIC, and the charter fishing industry, as well as commercial and recreational fishers was engaged to develop the draft harvest strategy. The resource is currently halfway through a 20-year recovery plan [https://bit.ly/2MDJKa0], and while there are some early signs of recovery, there is still a long way to go until stocks have fully rebuilt. Harvest strategies are recognised globally as best practice in fishing management, and formal harvest strategies have already been developed for many of WA’s other fish resources, in accordance with WA’s overarching harvest strategy policy. [https://bit.ly/2MzecC1] You can contribute to the future management of this important resource by making a submission via the process outlined on the Department’s public comment page. https://bit.ly/3hQYON0 See more

13.01.2022 If you have ornamental fish you no longer want to keep, please do not release them into our waterways. Ornamental fish that came from an aquarium or are deliberately moved from one water body to another can have a devastating impact on our native species and aquatic environment. If they get established they can be difficult if not impossible to eradicate and their impact may be irreversible. If you no longer want your fish, give them to an aquarium, contact an organisation su...ch as the Koi Society of WA or find someone willing to take them. If you see ornamental fish in our waterways, you can help us protect WAs aquatic environment by emailing [email protected], or calling FishWatch (1800 815 507). Let us know about any unusual fish or pest species you see, or catch, and if you do catch a pest or ornamental species, please do not return it to the water. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Identifying-/Pages/default.aspx

12.01.2022 Fishability's new van is launched!

12.01.2022 Our Aquatic Pests Biosecurity team have been working with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions since 2017 to eradicate guppies (Poecilia reticulata) from the world heritage listed Cape Ranges cave system near Exmouth, and the indications are it has been successful. This karst system is thousands of kilometres long and contains rare and endangered cave fish species only found in the Cape Range, including the blind gudgeon (Milyeringa veritas) and the b...lind cave eel (Ophisternon candidum). Although this story had a positive outcome, that was never a certainty, so the message is clear, please don’t dump your unwanted fish into waterways as many of our freshwater systems are fragile and may not be as lucky. If you see ornamental fish in our waterways, you can help us protect WA’s aquatic environment by emailing [email protected], or calling FishWatch on 1800 815 507. Let us know about any unusual fish or pest species you see, or catch, and if you do catch a pest or ornamental species, please do not return it to the water.

12.01.2022 These seven barcheek coral trout (pictured) were the focus of a court case in Karratha this week (Tuesday 4 August) when a 47-year-old local man was ordered to pay $3,245.90 covering his fine, mandatory penalty and court costs for taking seven trout in excess of the daily bag limit of coral trout, when the daily bag limit is ONE in Western Australia. It was back in January this year that our fisheries compliance officer checked the mans catch at the Dampier Public Boat Ramp ...and found eight barcheek coral trout. He was allowed to keep one of them and the seven others were seized and the prosecution process began. All varieties of coral trout have a bag limit of one to help keep stocks sustainable and the barcheek is the most widespread and commonly caught in WA. Theyre popular with both recreational and commercial fishers due to the barcheek flesh being regarded as excellent eating. Despite the barcheek coral trout being the dominant coral trout species in our waters, they seldom move from one reef system to another so they are relatively more vulnerable to overfishing and localised depletion than the other coral trout species. The species also occurs predominantly in inshore waters, and as such, is relatively easily reached by line and spear fishers. For more on the rules see the Recreational fishing guide 2020 or use the online recreational fishing rules site and search by species or location or the view map tab. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au///recreational_fishing_guide.pdf http://rules.fish.wa.gov.au/ See more

11.01.2022 And the winner is. Lisa Woolfenden! Congratulations Lisa, this year's deserving winner of the fantastic Montebello Island Safaris charter trip to the Montebello Islands. Lisas name was drawn from the pool of recreational fishers who have been generously donating their fish frames to the Send us Your Skeletons program for the past 12 months. Lisa and her husband John love being out on the ocean and donate most of their frames, mainly dhufish, baldies and the occasional pinky..., and have done so for a number of years. Mostly fishing from their boat from Hillarys, Lisa was keen to help our research to give a better idea of whats happening under the surface and the health of our oceans and fish stocks. I think how WA has managed its fisheries is really great, she said. We have to give up a little every now and then to keep it that way (closed periods), but there probably arent too many capital cities where you can venture just off shore and regularly catch quality fish. Keep sending those fish frames in - the next prize draw for SUYS will be a quarterly prize of a Daiwa Jigging Game rod, reel and braid combo, or crewsaver lifejacket, donated by WAs peak recfishing body, Recfishwest To find out how to donate your frames, visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/frames See more

11.01.2022 The annual wild-stock marron season for 2021 will run from noon on 8 January until noon, 5 February. Before you head down to our South West dams and rivers to get a feed, you are reminded that you must have a licence to fish for marron, and gear must not be set before the start of the season. The limited four-week season and comprehensive fishing rules make this fishery one of the most carefully managed recreational fisheries in Australia. Bag and size limits apply and fishers need to be aware of legal fishing gear and areas closed to marron fishing. For more information, go to http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//recreational_fishing/licences/r

11.01.2022 Want to know more about 80 Mile Beach Marine Park and what you can do there? Will you be in the area? Youre in luck. One of our community education officers will be heading out to various locations to set up information displays about the marine park and recreational fishing rules this week. Tahryn and one of our fisheries officers will be joined by DBCA staff and local Indigenous rangers and so if you are close by, pop in to say hi on these days: Wednesday 12 August - 80 M...ile Beach Caravan Park 2.00 pm 4.00 pm Thursday 13 August - Cape Keraudren Boat Ramp 9.00 am 12.00 pm Thursday 13 August - Pardoo Station Stay 2.00 pm 4.00 pm Saturday 15 August - Port Smith Caravan Park 9.00 am 12.00 pm Satruday 15 August - Barnhill Station 2.00 pm 4.30 pm 80 Mile Beach Marine Park offers a #wanderoutyonder remote camping and fishing experience like no other, with opportunities for turtle and bird watching, and fishing for threadfin salmon and northern mulloway. Please be aware there are fishing restrictions in the marine park which came into effect in 2018, which include three no take sanctuary zones, where no fishing is permitted, and seven special purpose and one recreation zone where some fishing is permitted. Know your zones and find out more at https://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Recreational-fishing-in-Eighty See more

11.01.2022 Our researchers recently completed an annual biomass survey of abalone being grown by Ocean Grown Abalone Ltd (OGA) at Augusta, Western Australia. A world-first commercial abalone ranch, OGA grows juvenile Greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata) on artificial reefs in the pristine waters of Flinders Bay. The process focusses on growing out the abalone on hollow hexagonal concrete blocks called ‘abitats’ arranged in varied ‘reefs’. These abitats have been engineered to allow a ...grow-out surface for abalone of 10 m2. The abalone are released onto the abitats using specifically designed baskets with an initial seeding of 400 juveniles, followed by an annual replenishment of 120 juveniles. The survey is in its sixth year and is required to ensure @oceangrownabalone complies with conditions set out on their Aquaculture Licence. To conduct the survey, divers adopted a stratified random sampling procedure to estimate the mean biomass of Greenlip abalone. Sampling is carried out over the entire lease and the strata consists of abitats from both the original and expanded areas of the farm.

10.01.2022 The @SLSWA helicopter patrols are back for the 2020-21 season, helping to keep beach goers safe as part of the States comprehensive shark mitigation strategy. If a shark is sighted within the vicinity of water users, the heli will hover and sound the siren. Leave the water immediately and check the #SharkSmart WA app or website for information on shark activity. For other tips on how to use your #SeaSense at the beach visit http://www.sharksmart.com.au

10.01.2022 Field testing of shark deterrent devices has been carried out at various locations this year as part of an RFIF funded Shark Depredation Project to determine the effectiveness of three shark deterrent devices in mitigating bite-offs while line fishing. Trials were first conducted at the Abrolhos and Shark Bay, with researchers Dr Peter Coulson and Nick Jarvis then travelling to Exmouth and the Montebello Islands. While at the Montebellos, the team fished over three days in w...aters between 35 and 55 m deep and encountering sharks at every spot. Underwater video footage from cameras attached to the fishing lines is now being analysed to determine the species and size of sharks, and importantly, their behaviour in response to hooked fish while the different shark deterrents were deployed. The team will visit Broome and Exmouth again early next year, before collating their findings to inform the final stage of the project, a serious of roadshows to engage with recreational fishers on shark depredation at various regional centres throughout the northwest.

10.01.2022 A new freezer has been installed at Millards Marine in Bunbury to support Send Us Your Skeletons, a scientific stock assessment program which studies the skeletons, heads and innards of iconic demersal fish species such as snapper, WA dhufish and baldchin groper. Fishers in the Bunbury area can now drive by and drop their frames in to Millards Marine at 13 Halifax Drive during the week, which are then collected by one of our technical officers. We take samples and measurement...s, and record when and where the fish were caught before sending them in to our laboratories for further analysis. Parts of the fish such as ear bones, known as otoliths, are used to determine the age of the fish. If we collect a large number of fish, representative of the population, we can determine numbers of different ages in the population and how this is tracking over time. Eventually, we hope to see more fish above 20 years of age which will indicate recovery is occurring. Play your part by sending in your fish skeletons, and you will go into the draw to win a grand prize trip to the Montebello Islands donated by Montebello Island Safaris or quarterly prizes donated by WAs peak recfishing body Recfishwest, which include several superb Daiwa Jigging Game rod, reel and braid combos or crewsaver lifejackets. Put your fresh or frozen frames, big or small, in a bag with your name, phone number, date and location of capture and check this list for where to drop them off http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Send-Us-Your/Pages/default.aspx See more

10.01.2022 Are you getting ready for the opening of the blue swimmer crabbing season in the Swan and Canning Rivers on 1 December? Before you head out to catch a feed, it is timely to remind crab fishers to remove the head, guts (mustard) and gills from crabs caught in these rivers before freezing, cooking or eating. This is a general caution because toxic algal bloom events of Alexandrium have been detected in these rivers at elevated levels in recent years and could become an annual o...ccurrence. It is important to take note of new caution signage along the rivers and be aware of health warnings about Alexandrium, an alga which can produce a type of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin which bioaccumulates in crustacea and mussels. Consumption of affected crabs may be dangerous, and in extreme cases can be fatal. For a step by step guide on how to properly clean your blue swimmer crabs, visit http://fish.wa.gov.au/alerts. Watch the video, download the flyer or read the FAQs, so you can be prepared for a clean feed of blue swimmers this season. Please also know your crabbing rules, including bag and size limits.

10.01.2022 A reminder that fishing closures for blue swimmer crabs and pink snapper start today. All waters, coastal, rivers and estuaries, from the Swan River to Minninup Beach (15km south of Bunbury) are now closed to blue swimmer crab fishing from 1 September to 30 November inclusive to protect breeding stock. Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds are now closed to fishing for pink snapper, or being in possession of pink snapper while line fishing from 1 September to 31 January inclusive to al...low pink snapper to spawn. The area includes north to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and west to the inside of Five Fathom Bank. Pink snapper spawning in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds is critical for sustaining adequate breeding stocks along the lower west coast. DPIRD scientists have been providing advice on pink snapper and blue swimmer crabs to the Westport Taskforce that is looking at future port facilities in Kwinana. Check the rules by species and location when you plan your next fishing trip. To find out more, visit http://rules.fish.wa.gov.au/

09.01.2022 Bon voyage baselines team! A collaborative project to survey a range of fish, shark and ray species living in Australian Marine Parks in the north of Western Australia kicked off last week, with the crew launching from Broome on the research vessel Naturaliste. The first stop is the majestic Osborne Reefs in Kimberley Marine Park. The North-west Ecological Baselines Project, supported by Parks Australia, has representation from DPIRDs aquatic research team and the Dambimangari Traditional Owners. The project will bring together scientific and traditional knowledge across the Kimberley to help shape future management efforts for the park, with a commitment to upholding Indigenous cultures and connections to the land and sea.

08.01.2022 Did you know that fresh tar-spots are white? Check out this great shot of a fresh tar-spot captured by one of our Western Rock Lobster fishers, Tony Antenucci. When lobsters mate, the male deposits a packet of sperm on the underside of the female. The scientific name for this sperm packet is spermatophore, but owing to its dark colour, it is commonly known as a tar-spot. However, a lot of people dont realise that when the tar-spot is still fresh it is actually white and ...sticky, almost the texture of chewing gum! It then gradually becomes darker as it hardens up in the few hours post mating. Females with tar-spots are completely protected under current management regulations. So if you catch one of these, please put her back in the water so that she can spawn and contribute to the future recruitment of this iconic WA fishery.

08.01.2022 Our Aquatic Science and Assessment team have recently published a report which sheds light on the influence of extreme heatwave conditions on the various life stages of scallops in WA. Ballots saucer scallop (Ylistrum balloti), a tropical species fished commercially in WA and QLD, is a favourite on WAs seafood menu. This smooth shelled, sweet tasting scallop supports valuable fisheries in Shark Bay, the Abrolhos Islands, Rottnest Island, and along the South coast of WA. Sc...allop populations are highly variable and can boom-bust due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions. Following the 2011 extreme marine heatwave, when water temperatures were up to 5 C above average, severe declines of the saucer scallop occurred and two of WAs major scallop fisheries were closed to fishing for between three and five years to allow stocks to recover. The report, funded by the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation, is an example of the excellent science conducted by our team and how timely and effective research and management can result in the recovery of most stocks. It describes how temperature and currents may effect vulnerable scallop larvae and negatively influence the reproduction of adult scallops; and in a positive note, how climate change may result in some southernmost scallop fisheries becoming more productive in the future. Read the full report http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Docum/research_reports/frr308.pdf

07.01.2022 The pink snapper fishing closure for Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds starts next Tuesday 1 September and will run through until 31 January. Fishers are reminded that the closure area was extended last year north to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and west to the inside of Five Fathom Bank to further protect these important spawning aggregations. The closure will protect spawning pinkies, giving them the best chance to breed and add new fish to the recovering stock. To find out more, visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Cockburn-and-Warnbro-Sounds-sna Aggregations of pink snapper can also attract predators, including sharks. If you spot one, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600 as soon as possible, and to stay safe, switch on your SeaSense and download the #SharkSmart WA app. https://www.sharksmart.com.au/staying-sa/sharksmart-wa-app/

07.01.2022 A recent community event in Exmouth demonstrated how our world class fisheries management is led by science, providing an overview of the history, management, science and MSC - Marine Stewardship Council certification of the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery. This is the second biggest prawn fishery in WA, which catches 800-1000 tonnes of prawns every year. Staff from our Invertebrate Trawl management and science teams were joined by MG Kailis and the MSC - Marine Stewardship Council to present the State of the Fishery community forum, with information about the Exmouth Gulf habitat, survey and monitoring programs and how the fishery interacts with other marine species. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions of panel members and seek further information from individual presenters.

07.01.2022 Well done to the Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay prawn fisheries! WA’s two biggest prawn fisheries have again received Marine Stewardship Council certification, which confirms they’re being managed effectively and operating sustainably. Collectively worth more than $30 million, these fisheries are two of ten in Western Australia that are MSC certified. Other fisheries with the eco-tick include Western rock lobster, Peel Harvey Estuary’s blue swimmer crab and sea mullet, and West Coast deep sea crab. Both prawn fisheries catch western king and brown tiger prawns, while the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Fishery also catches blue endeavour prawns. Congratulations to both fisheries on this amazing achievement, and check out the video below to get a closer look at the Shark Bay Prawn Fishery.

06.01.2022 A Sorrento man has been ordered to pay a fine, mandatory penalty and court costs of more than $31,000 for taking 292 roes abalone, more than 14 times above the daily possession limit. He also lost his licence to take abalone for five years. The offences occurred last November and were uncovered as part of the departments Operation Vesuvius patrols targeting the roes abalone fishery. Our compliance officers observed the man moving among the beach rocks near Sugarloaf Rock ...and intercepted him as he was leaving the area. In Busselton Court this week, the magistrate emphasised the seriousness of the offence and the risk that people will take advantage of the fish stock if the regulatory regime is not enforced with meaningful penalties. The rules are designed to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Fisher-loses-his-licence-to-tak For more information on recreational fishing rules, visit http://www.fish.wa.gov/rules, or call FishWatch on 1800 815 507 to report any suspected illegal fishing activity. All reports are confidential. See more

05.01.2022 This is NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise the contribution of the First Nations people who have occupied and cared for our lands and waters for more than 65,000 years. A collaborative project which draws on that traditional knowledge has been in full swing in the Kimberley since August, with our researchers working alongside Indigenous Ranger groups. Rangers from the Dambimangari, Bardi-Jawi, Jabirr-Jabirr and Karajarri Traditional Owner groups have helped tag no less than 24... species of shark and four species of rays for the North-west Ecological Baselines project, with valuable assistance from the Yawuru group. The project is a collaboration between DPIRD, Parks Australia and the Kimberley Traditional Owner groups, which aims to obtain baseline data on the fish, shark and ray species that call some of our Australian Marine Parks home. Information from the project will contribute to our long-term understanding of marine life in the Kimberley, Roebuck and Eighty Mile Beach Marine Parks. A suite of sampling methods are used throughout the fieldwork, including stereo baited underwater video systems (BRUVs), scientific long-lining and environmental DNA (eDNA), which is recovered from the water by using super-fine filters that capture skin or mucus shed by the animals. This method can also help researchers detect rare or deep water species that would otherwise go unseen. Pictured are Bardi-Jawi man Dwayne George measuring the length of a large Tiger Shark and Dambimangari ranger Phillip Ngerdu tagging a small shark before release.

05.01.2022 Fishing for pink snapper will be closed in Shark Bay’s Eastern Gulf from tomorrow, 1 May until 31 July inclusive. https://bit.ly/3tU7yXO Shark Bay is an important breeding area for pink snapper with a population that does not interbreed with stock from other nearby gulfs, or the wider oceanic population, making them particularly vulnerable. Providing protection for these aggregations is critical for sustaining adequate breeding stock of these long-lived fish.

05.01.2022 I was very pleased to approve the deployment of two Shark Monitoring Network receivers at Bunker Bay and installation of a land-based alert tower following a sh...ark attack at The Farm surf break on 31 July. The most recent incident was not fatal, but an earlier shark attack in September 2011, at another popular Bunker Bay surfing break, resulted in the tragic death of 21-year-old body boarder Kyle Burden. These two new receivers, which are scheduled for deployment in October, can detect tagged sharks up to 400m away and will provide the best coverage option for Bunker Bay. They will add to the State Governments ever-expanding Shark Monitoring Network and will help us make the water safer for everyone. Once on line, the receivers will expand Western Australias Shark Monitoring Network to 34 locations nine of which have been added by the McGowan Government, including four along the Esperance coast and three near Gracetown.

05.01.2022 A strategy to help ensure WAs recreational fishers return home safe to their families after a day out fishing has been announced, with $560,000 allocated by the State Government to the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund. The funding will support Recfishwest to continue to deliver its Fishing Safety Strategy for the next four years, which focuses on making rock fishing, salmon, abalone, rock lobster and spear fishing safer. The strategy includes 75 angel rings, more than 100 rock anchor points and 1,000 safety signs installed at high risk locations around WA, plus the expansion of a free loan lifejacket program across 23 locations between Quobba and Esperance. To find out more, visit https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au//Fishing-Strategy-de

04.01.2022 The annual ‘whites’ run is a great time to catch a feed of crays and one of the most popular metro spots is near Two Rocks Marine Park off Joondalup. While recreational fishing for rock lobster can be enjoyed in most areas off Joondalup, there are a few marine park zones were recreational fishing is not allowed, including the National Park Zone, so know your zones, species, bag and size limits before you head out. For rock lobster fishing rules, visit http://fish.wa.gov.au/rules or for access to a handy marine park mapping tool, download the @recfishwest app. Detailed maps can also be downloaded from http://parksaustralia.gov.au/tworocks

04.01.2022 Two of our technical officers were out conducting juvenile fish surveys at Mangles Bay last month, when they came across this impressive Hapalochlaena maculosa - the blue-ringed octopus. This species can be a significant risk to water users throughout WA due to their poisonous bite, which can be lethal. Blue-ringed octopus are well camouflaged and can be difficult to spot in clumps of seaweed and beach litter such as drink containers. This serves as a reminder to all beach g...oers to be cautious this summer, especially rock lobster fishers who may encounter blue-ringed octopus in cray pots with loose seaweed and in bait baskets. When you head down to the beach, take note of any BEN signs in the area and note the number. If you encounter a blue-ringed octopus, move away from the area and do not touch the animal. If you suspect or are unsure whether you have been bitten, stay calm and immobile and call 000 to receive urgent medical treatment. Providing the BEN sign number may help them locate you more quickly.

04.01.2022 Going fishing this long weekend? Make the most out of your catch by filleting carefully and minimising any waste. Remember, the wings and cheeks are equally edible parts, and do not count towards your possession limit if kept. The fish frames can also be used for fish stock, or, for certain species, donated for research to the Send Us Your Skeletons program. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Send-Us-Your/Pages/default.aspx... All fishers can help ensure fish for the future. For more catch care tips visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Recreatio/Pages/Catch-Care.aspx

04.01.2022 Harvest strategies for the blue swimmer crab and finfish resources in the Peel-Harvey Estuary have recently been reviewed and updated, and are now open for public comment. The estuarys blue swimmer crab and sea mullet fisheries were certified against the globally-recognised Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable fishing in 2016 and will soon enter into re-assessment. The draft harvest strategies prepare for this process and detail performance indicators a...nd reference levels used for assessment, as well as harvest control rules that trigger management action if needed. Do you want to have your say? Copies of the updated draft harvest strategies are available from our public comment page. Interested persons are invited to make comment in writing by 5.00pm, 29 September 2020, or forward your written submission to [email protected]. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//public-comme/Pages/default.aspx

03.01.2022 There are many beautiful and remote locations in WA, where you may not think our compliance officers would be. Back in mid-November last year a 48 year old Carnarvon man was leaving an area on the Quobba coast, where hed been fishing for shells, when he was spotted and checked. In the mans utility, we located two white buckets and a single white bag with a total of 460 turban shells and 108 trochus shells, which he admitted hed taken that morning. WAs mixed daily bag limi...t for trochus and turban shells is 10, so as a court heard in Carnarvon last week, the man was 54 times in excess of the limit and that 106 of the trochus shells were under legal size. Our compliance officers seized the excess turban and trochus shells and were luckily able to return them to the water near Quobba coast location known as 2 Mile. The magistrate in the case, ordered the man pay $6885.90 for the fine, mandatory penalty and court costs for the excess shells he was found with. For more on other cases in Carnarvon Court last week, see the media release at: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Big-fines-in-Carnarvon-for-ille See more

03.01.2022 Fishing for blue swimmer crabs will be closed in all coastal waters, rivers and estuaries from the Swan River down to Minninup beach, from 1 September until 30 November 2020. These measures are put in place to protect breeding stocks while they are mated and vulnerable to capture. Read more: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//New-measures-brought-in-to-prot

03.01.2022 Join the growing community of Western Australians who are keen to receive near real-time notifications of shark activity. Switch on your Sea Sense and download the free #SharkSmart WA app now from the App Store or Google Play

03.01.2022 The fact that sawfish are still found in Western Australia is a testament to efforts made to ensure they remain part of our marine and freshwater ecosystems. Our research scientist Doctor Alastair Harry says "WA is one of the few places globally that still has healthy sawfish populations, likely due to the combination of low population density coupled with strong fisheries management and compliance measures. All species of sawfish are totally protected in this State and can...not be taken, but illegal net fishing is a potential risk for them because nets dont discriminate. In April this year, Carnarvon Police came across four men who had used a net illegally set across the Gascoyne River. Inside an esky the men had, the detectives found two green sawfish stuffed inside with 12 undersize yellowfin bream. A further 19 mullet and three big eye mullet were also in the haul. The Police held the men and called in our local fisheries compliance officers to take over the case. In Carnarvon Court last week, the four men aged between 22 and 54 were ordered to each pay $10,875.90 in fines, mandatory penalties and court costs. For more, see the media release at: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Big-fines-in-Carnarvon-for-ille See more

03.01.2022 Based on the latest public health advice, spectators will not be permitted at Optus Stadium today for the Western Derby. Nightclubs and the casino gaming floor ...will close until at least 12.01am, Saturday 8 May. This advice has been issued following cases of COVID-19 detected in Perth yesterday. We know this is difficult for many people, however, it is what is required to keep everyone safe. A list of potential COVID-19 exposure locations is available here: https://www.wa.gov.au//covid-19-coronavirus-locations-visi This list is updated regularly as more locations are identified. Anyone who has been to an exposure site should get tested for COVID-19 immediately. Masks must be worn at all times outside the home, unless an exemption applies, and people must also continue checking-in through contact registers at relevant businesses and venues. More information: https://www.wa.gov.au//new-measures-perth-and-peel-based-l

03.01.2022 If you’re heading to the Perth 4WD & Adventure Show at McCallum Park this weekend, come and say hello to our friendly team at the DPIRD stand near the Engel Bush Camp Stage. Our staff will be there to help answer any questions you may have about recreational fishing or just share in your passion for WA’s amazing aquatic environment. Ask us about changes to crabbing rules in the West Coast region, various seasonal closures and marine park zones. We will also have iPads set up so we can show you how to access information and use the Recfishwest and SharkSmart WA apps. https://www.sharksmart.com.au/ See you there! https://perth.4wdshow.com.au/

02.01.2022 Its now easier for fishers in Perths western suburbs to donate to the Send us your Skeletons program thanks to Compleat Angler in Nedlands. The store, which was recently added to our list of drop off locations, has ample freezer space, and as a bonus, is open on weekends. There was a need for a drop-off point in the western suburbs so this was fantastic news for a keen fisher, who in the past had to get his mother in law to drop his frames off in Mandurah as there were no ...convenient drop off points near where he lived. And to help keep those fish frames coming in, we would also like to welcome Millards Marine in Bunbury and Shore Catch in Wangara, both also new to our extensive list of convenient and friendly locations, both metro and regional. SUYS plays a key part in WA fisheries science and your donation will help with our long term monitoring program of fish stocks, plus you will be in the running for some great prizes. Find out more at http://fish.wa.gov.au/frames

02.01.2022 Our Send Us Your Skeletons program needs your tailor fish frames! We are analysing the DNA of tailor statewide, so we can find out whether there are distinct populations or if they are all part of a single stock. The DNA of fish can deteriorate easily if the frame is exposed to high temperatures or too much sunlight. To keep the genetic material in good condition, it should be kept on ice and frozen as soon as possible. All you have to do to participate in this program is ba...g your frozen frame, and record the date and location of the fish caught. As usual, adding your name and contact details will also enter you into a great prize-draw. To find your nearest drop-off location, visit http://www.fish.wa.gov.au//Send-Us-Your/Pages/default.aspx