❓ Hon Barbara Scott asks about the cause of crab stock decline in Cockburn Sound and the possibility of lifting the recreational fishing ban. Hon Jon Ford responds, citing a cold water event impacting breeding and confirms the ban will remain for at least 12 months to allow stock recovery.
AnsweredQoN 1156Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
COCKBURN SOUND - CRAB STOCKS
(1) What was the cause and extent of the drop in water temperatures two years ago that the minister claims wiped out crab breeding stocks in Cockburn Sound? (2) Why were moderate fishing control measures not introduced last year? (3) Will the minister consider lifting the ban on recreational crab fishing in Cockburn Sound for the upcoming summer school holidays in 2006-07? Hon JON FORD
(1) What was the cause and extent of the drop in water temperatures two years ago that the minister claims wiped out crab breeding stocks in Cockburn Sound? (2) Why were moderate fishing control measures not introduced last year? (3) Will the minister consider lifting the ban on recreational crab fishing in Cockburn Sound for the upcoming summer school holidays in 2006-07? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
(2) Why were moderate fishing control measures not introduced last year? (3) Will the minister consider lifting the ban on recreational crab fishing in Cockburn Sound for the upcoming summer school holidays in 2006-07? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
(3) Will the minister consider lifting the ban on recreational crab fishing in Cockburn Sound for the upcoming summer school holidays in 2006-07? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
(1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
(2) Why were moderate fishing control measures not introduced last year? (3) Will the minister consider lifting the ban on recreational crab fishing in Cockburn Sound for the upcoming summer school holidays in 2006-07? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
(3) Will the minister consider lifting the ban on recreational crab fishing in Cockburn Sound for the upcoming summer school holidays in 2006-07? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
I thank Hon Barbara Scott for the question. (1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
(1)-(3) The cold water event referred to that affected the ability of these crabs to breed is directly tied up with the strength and temperature of the Leeuwin current. After some comment and recording of consistently gradual drops in catches, the Department of Fisheries carried out more research to determine the cause of the event. Officers from the department came to me a bit over two months ago and asked for an immediate closure of the fishery. I said that they had given me no notice of the closure and that it was an extraordinary request. I asked them for the reasons for closure, as it would affect people’s livelihoods and people’s lifestyles from a recreational perspective. We then proceeded to discuss a variety of different measures. They told me they could demonstrate to me that indeed there was an issue with the fishery and why it needed to be closed. I was also concerned that the event had triggered a drop in the breeding ability of the fish stock in Cockburn Sound, although it did not affect other crab fisheries, particularly those south of Cockburn. I will table a detailed briefing of the advice given to me, as it is quite complex. It is similar to the initial briefing I received, which was pretty good and had some tables that indicated the drop. There has therefore been a certain level of effort, which in my view was probably a little high. As I said before, the department was conducting research that would have resulted anyway in a reduction in effort. We will not be opening the fishery for the holiday season; in fact not for at least 12 months. I considered not closing the fishery for three months over the holiday season, but I was advised that the department does not know if and when the fishery may totally collapse; there is a risk of that. At any rate, closing the fishery will also extend the length of time for recovery. I have therefore been advised that if we take this action now, there is a very good chance that in 12 months the fishery will fully recover and we will be able to implement a revised management plan.
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