❓ A parliamentary question regarding fisheries management, specifically concerning the exclusion zone for commercial fishermen and the management of recreational fishing in Western Australia. The Minister defends the government's approach, citing scientific advice and the need for immediate action to prevent stock collapse.
AnsweredQoN 890Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
INTEGRATED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROCESS
(1) Has the integrated fisheries management process been completed? (2) If so, why was that data not utilised prior to the decision being made regarding the exclusion zone for commercial fishermen between Lancelin and Mandurah? (3) Has the minister now dismissed the integrated fishing management model, as laid down in the Labor Party’s 2005 election manifesto? (4) If the overexploitation of category 1 fish stock is so serious, why was the recreational boat sector not targeted at the same time as the commercial fishing sector, rather than 12 to 18 months later? (5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD
(1) Has the integrated fisheries management process been completed? (2) If so, why was that data not utilised prior to the decision being made regarding the exclusion zone for commercial fishermen between Lancelin and Mandurah? (3) Has the minister now dismissed the integrated fishing management model, as laid down in the Labor Party’s 2005 election manifesto? (4) If the overexploitation of category 1 fish stock is so serious, why was the recreational boat sector not targeted at the same time as the commercial fishing sector, rather than 12 to 18 months later? (5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(2) If so, why was that data not utilised prior to the decision being made regarding the exclusion zone for commercial fishermen between Lancelin and Mandurah? (3) Has the minister now dismissed the integrated fishing management model, as laid down in the Labor Party’s 2005 election manifesto? (4) If the overexploitation of category 1 fish stock is so serious, why was the recreational boat sector not targeted at the same time as the commercial fishing sector, rather than 12 to 18 months later? (5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(3) Has the minister now dismissed the integrated fishing management model, as laid down in the Labor Party’s 2005 election manifesto? (4) If the overexploitation of category 1 fish stock is so serious, why was the recreational boat sector not targeted at the same time as the commercial fishing sector, rather than 12 to 18 months later? (5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(4) If the overexploitation of category 1 fish stock is so serious, why was the recreational boat sector not targeted at the same time as the commercial fishing sector, rather than 12 to 18 months later? (5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(2) If so, why was that data not utilised prior to the decision being made regarding the exclusion zone for commercial fishermen between Lancelin and Mandurah? (3) Has the minister now dismissed the integrated fishing management model, as laid down in the Labor Party’s 2005 election manifesto? (4) If the overexploitation of category 1 fish stock is so serious, why was the recreational boat sector not targeted at the same time as the commercial fishing sector, rather than 12 to 18 months later? (5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(3) Has the minister now dismissed the integrated fishing management model, as laid down in the Labor Party’s 2005 election manifesto? (4) If the overexploitation of category 1 fish stock is so serious, why was the recreational boat sector not targeted at the same time as the commercial fishing sector, rather than 12 to 18 months later? (5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(4) If the overexploitation of category 1 fish stock is so serious, why was the recreational boat sector not targeted at the same time as the commercial fishing sector, rather than 12 to 18 months later? (5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(5) What scientific advice did the minister receive to allow the fishing effort of recreational fishing to continue unabated? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(1) No. Integrated fisheries management is a policy development and management process that is being rolled out on a fishery-by-fishery basis. (2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(2) Not applicable. (3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(3) No. (4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(4) Recreational controls were reviewed and a new management package was implemented for the west coast in 2003. This included halving the bag limits for many key demersal species and the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers. The new research shows that further management is required, and I have released a discussion paper to commence a process to develop more explicit management measures that can reduce recreational catches to a sustainable level. I aim to release a further paper early next year that will outline specific proposals to manage the recreational catch, and I will announce my final decision on the new measures next year. (5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
(5) The assertion that recreational fishing continues unabated is false. An interim package will be phased in from November 2007 and will extend the closure of fishing for pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds from 1 October to 31 January; extend the existing possession limit to the place of residence throughout Western Australia; totally protect baldchin groper within the Abrolhos Islands; and create a possession limit of four category 1 high-risk fish per person on aquatic charter vessels operating along the WA coast. The Department of Fisheries has provided me with briefings on the stock status of the key demersal scalefish indicator species for the west coast bioregion, as set out in the “Fisheries Research Report No. 163”. The key findings in that report include that the stocks are under severe pressure through exploitation; that excessive catches simply cannot be sustained any longer and, put simply, place demersal scalefish stocks at a real risk of collapsing if left unchecked; and that the remedial action required to address the problem is a total reduction in the catch of at least 50 per cent. Bearing this in mind, to achieve the desired 50 per cent reduction in the total take of demersal scalefish in this zone, I was faced with the prospect of implementing a 50 per cent reduction across both sectors - given that the overall 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 that the target commercial catch for the zone would have been reduced to the point at which it would make commercial fishing 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 action. Closing the metropolitan zone from mid-November this year will provide an immediate reduction in the total catch by approximately 50 per cent and will immediately commence the process of rebuilding stocks in that zone. That is the primary consideration. If I do not make a 50 per cent reduction now, we will not have a debate about regional sharing or about who has access or who does not because nobody will have any fish.
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