❓ Question regarding the impact of a new exclusion zone on commercial fishermen, their catch, and potential compensation, while also questioning the lack of restrictions on recreational fishing in the same area.
AnsweredQoN 845Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN - EXCLUSION ZONE
I refer to the minister’s recent announcement of an exclusion zone from Lancelin to Mandurah and out to the continental shelf that will take effect on 1 November and affect commercial fishermen. (1) How many commercial fishermen will be affected? (2) What is their annual recorded catch in this area? (3) Is it correct that anecdotal evidence suggests that the recreational boat fishermen’s catch represents 50 per cent of fish taken from this area? (4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD
I refer to the minister’s recent announcement of an exclusion zone from Lancelin to Mandurah and out to the continental shelf that will take effect on 1 November and affect commercial fishermen. (1) How many commercial fishermen will be affected? (2) What is their annual recorded catch in this area? (3) Is it correct that anecdotal evidence suggests that the recreational boat fishermen’s catch represents 50 per cent of fish taken from this area? (4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(1) How many commercial fishermen will be affected? (2) What is their annual recorded catch in this area? (3) Is it correct that anecdotal evidence suggests that the recreational boat fishermen’s catch represents 50 per cent of fish taken from this area? (4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(2) What is their annual recorded catch in this area? (3) Is it correct that anecdotal evidence suggests that the recreational boat fishermen’s catch represents 50 per cent of fish taken from this area? (4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(3) Is it correct that anecdotal evidence suggests that the recreational boat fishermen’s catch represents 50 per cent of fish taken from this area? (4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
· that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
· the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(1) How many commercial fishermen will be affected? (2) What is their annual recorded catch in this area? (3) Is it correct that anecdotal evidence suggests that the recreational boat fishermen’s catch represents 50 per cent of fish taken from this area? (4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(2) What is their annual recorded catch in this area? (3) Is it correct that anecdotal evidence suggests that the recreational boat fishermen’s catch represents 50 per cent of fish taken from this area? (4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(3) Is it correct that anecdotal evidence suggests that the recreational boat fishermen’s catch represents 50 per cent of fish taken from this area? (4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(4) Will the minister inform the house how he can justify his decision to exclude any reduction by the recreational boat sector at the same time to help preserve existing fish stocks? (5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(5) What is the compensation package for commercial fishermen, and what is the total amount that will be made available for compensation? (6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(6) Who will oversee the distribution of any compensation? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for some notice of the question. The question is very lengthy. I seek leave to have it incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. (1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(1) My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
My decisions will see the open-access “Wetline fishery” on the West Coast move to managed fishery status upon implementation of a management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish (Interim) Managed Fishery. This is consistent with the approach historically adopted in WA to implement more explicit arrangements to ensure the sustainable management of fish resources. While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
While my Wetline Review decisions will produce appropriate outcomes for the commercial sector and wider community in terms of addressing the shortcomings of the previous open-access arrangements for the “wetline fishery”, I have recently been handed a report which indicates that significant overfishing of the key indicator species dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper is occurring on the West Coast. Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Given this new stock assessment advice I do not consider that the new management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery can satisfactorily resolve the issues regarding fishing in the Metropolitan zone. I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I have therefore decided to implement additional arrangements to further restrict the commercial take of demersal scalefish in the Metropolitan zone by closing the zone to the operation of the two commercial line and net fisheries that impact most significantly on the demersal scalefish resource. I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I understand the closure will impact directly on about six commercial shark boats and (potentially) 28 West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery permit holders (although many of these operators may have only received limited entitlement to operate in the Metropolitan zone). It is also worth noting that the majority of these operators are also likely to receive access to one or more other zones of the Fishery, and as such are not entirely dependent upon access to the Metropolitan zone. (2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(2) The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The closure of the metropolitan zone will potentially reduce the volume of fish that will feed into the commercial market by approximately 270 tonnes. This comprises 148 tonnes of demersal scalefish (based on the 116 tonne target catch proposed by the wetline review and 32 tonnes taken by shark fishers) and 122 tonnes of shark. This represents an extremely small portion of the total combined commercial demersal scalefish and shark catch from WA. However, in light of the current research advice, it is likely the commercial finfish catch would have been further reduced, had the recent announcement been made or not. (3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(3) The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The Metropolitan zone attracts about two-thirds of all recreational fishing effort on the West Coast Bioregion. A 12-month recreational creel survey undertaken in 2005/06 showed that the recreational catch (including charter boat catches) of pink snapper was about 33% of the overall catch, while the recreational catch of dhufish was about 60% of the overall catch in the Metropolitan zone. (4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(4) The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The waters of the Metropolitan zone, being immediately adjacent to Perth, are the most significant area for recreational fishing on the West Coast. About 65% of the recreational fishing effort for the West Coast bioregion [Augusta to Steep Point] occurs in the Metropolitan zone, and at least 50% of the 80,000-plus vessels registered in Western Australia are based in the Metropolitan zone. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50% reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50% reduction in both sectors (given that overall the take of key species by each of the sectors in the Metropolitan zone is approximately equal) or the removal of a sector. Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Having considered the relative merits of these options, and bearing in mind; · that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
· that had the Metropolitan zone been left open to commercial fishers operating under the new West Coast Demersal Scalefish management plan, it is likely, the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point that it would make the commercial fishery economically unviable for most, if not all of the operators in that fishery, and · the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
· the greater capacity for mobility of the commercial sector (within the management constraints of the future West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery) and the scope to use adjustment funding to address the circumstances of any operators who are unable to adapt to the closure, I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
I have decided that a commercial closure of the Metropolitan zone is the most appropriate option. Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Closing the Metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50% and immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The challenge I am now focussed on is to develop management arrangements that can manage the recreational sector to target catch levels in not only the Metropolitan zone, but also the other three zones of the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(5) While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
While there is no requirement for Government to compensate fishers for the loss of access to the Metropolitan zone or the commercial “wetline” fishery the Carpenter Government has committed $7.6 million to assist those commercial fishers affected by the introduction of the Metropolitan zone closure and implementation of the broader outcomes of the Wetline Review. The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
The funding will support two Fisheries Adjustment Schemes that I intend to implement in mid-November to coincide with the commercial closure in the Metropolitan zone and the implementation of the management plan for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. (6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
(6) Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
Independent Committees will be established to oversee the adjustment process.
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