❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses rock lobster fishing exclusion zones between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, inquiring about the number, rationale, commencement date, differential application to professional and recreational fishers, and the number of affected professional fishers. The Minister responds by outlining the closures, their rationale based on community conflict, and the involvement of a working group.
AnsweredQoN 400Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
ROCK LOBSTER FISHING EXCLUSION ZONES - CAPE NATURALISTE TO CAPE LEEUWIN
(1) How many exclusion zones affecting the lobster industry exist in the cape-to-cape region? (2) What is the rationale for imposing the exclusion zones and what are the specific locations? (3) What was the effective commencement date for the exclusion zones and how long will they apply? (4) Do the exclusion zones apply to both professional and recreational fishers; and, if not, what is the rationale for distinguishing between the two groups? (5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD
(1) How many exclusion zones affecting the lobster industry exist in the cape-to-cape region? (2) What is the rationale for imposing the exclusion zones and what are the specific locations? (3) What was the effective commencement date for the exclusion zones and how long will they apply? (4) Do the exclusion zones apply to both professional and recreational fishers; and, if not, what is the rationale for distinguishing between the two groups? (5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(2) What is the rationale for imposing the exclusion zones and what are the specific locations? (3) What was the effective commencement date for the exclusion zones and how long will they apply? (4) Do the exclusion zones apply to both professional and recreational fishers; and, if not, what is the rationale for distinguishing between the two groups? (5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(3) What was the effective commencement date for the exclusion zones and how long will they apply? (4) Do the exclusion zones apply to both professional and recreational fishers; and, if not, what is the rationale for distinguishing between the two groups? (5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(4) Do the exclusion zones apply to both professional and recreational fishers; and, if not, what is the rationale for distinguishing between the two groups? (5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(2) What is the rationale for imposing the exclusion zones and what are the specific locations? (3) What was the effective commencement date for the exclusion zones and how long will they apply? (4) Do the exclusion zones apply to both professional and recreational fishers; and, if not, what is the rationale for distinguishing between the two groups? (5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(3) What was the effective commencement date for the exclusion zones and how long will they apply? (4) Do the exclusion zones apply to both professional and recreational fishers; and, if not, what is the rationale for distinguishing between the two groups? (5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(4) Do the exclusion zones apply to both professional and recreational fishers; and, if not, what is the rationale for distinguishing between the two groups? (5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(5) How many professional fishers are affected by the imposition of the exclusion zones? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
Hon Kim Chance interjected. Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
Hon JON FORD : The minister who was responsible for this issue in an earlier life is commenting in my left ear! (1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
(1)-(5) A total of 12 areas are closed to commercial rock lobster pot fishing between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. All but three of the areas apply equally to recreational fishers. The areas in which recreational fishers are permitted to fish with rock lobster pots are located at Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay. The need for the closures was identified by a working group established specifically to address conflict between rock lobster fishers and the south west community. The working group comprised representatives of all the key stakeholders, including commercial fishers, recreational fishers, surfing representatives, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council and the South West Development Commission. The working group advised me that the closures would address many of the conflict issues. The Department of Fisheries has produced a brochure that details the exact locations of the 12 areas. Signs are being erected at boat ramps in the areas. Three areas - Cowaramup Bay, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay - were first closed by my predecessor on 21 May 2004. The closures, as they currently stand, came into effect on 29 November 2005. I am happy to review the closures periodically but, at this point in time, I have no proposal before me to review or amend the closures. The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
The number of professional fishers affected by the closures can vary. The closures fall within the area of the fishery known as zone C, which is a large area that spans from Cape Leeuwin to a point near Green Head on the mid-west coast. Licensees are free to fish throughout the zone and over the past 10 years the fleet has become increasingly mobile. To illustrate the point, in 2003 when this issue was at its most controversial, there were up to 60 commercial lobster boats fishing in the capes region. This season there have been approximately 20 boats fishing in the area. The fleet moves up and down the coast in response to changes in the abundance of lobster. I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
I suppose that this is a good example of the increasing pressures that the commercial fishery is under due to the obsession of Australians with the coastline. That conflict continues to develop and our job is to manage those interests.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.