❓ WA Minister for Fisheries expresses concerns regarding the Federal Government's marine protection plan, citing potential negative impacts on fisheries, oil & gas exploration, and advocates for alternative management approaches.
AnsweredQoN 590Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
FISHERIES CLOSURES — FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ACTION
I ask this question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford, who is away on important parliamentary business. I refer the minister to a Kalgoorlie Miner article of Saturday, 23 May 2009, headed “Opposition to federal ‘sea grab’”. (1) Why does the minister oppose the plan? (2) How does the plan threaten commercial and recreational fisheries? (3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE
I ask this question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford, who is away on important parliamentary business. I refer the minister to a Kalgoorlie Miner article of Saturday, 23 May 2009, headed “Opposition to federal ‘sea grab’”. (1) Why does the minister oppose the plan? (2) How does the plan threaten commercial and recreational fisheries? (3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
I refer the minister to a Kalgoorlie Miner article of Saturday, 23 May 2009, headed “Opposition to federal ‘sea grab’”. (1) Why does the minister oppose the plan? (2) How does the plan threaten commercial and recreational fisheries? (3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(1) Why does the minister oppose the plan? (2) How does the plan threaten commercial and recreational fisheries? (3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(2) How does the plan threaten commercial and recreational fisheries? (3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
I refer the minister to a Kalgoorlie Miner article of Saturday, 23 May 2009, headed “Opposition to federal ‘sea grab’”. (1) Why does the minister oppose the plan? (2) How does the plan threaten commercial and recreational fisheries? (3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(1) Why does the minister oppose the plan? (2) How does the plan threaten commercial and recreational fisheries? (3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(2) How does the plan threaten commercial and recreational fisheries? (3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(3) How does the plan threaten oil and gas exploration? (4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(4) What is the minister doing to protect vulnerable marine species? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
I thank the member for some notice of the question on behalf of Hon Jon Ford. (1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(1) I am concerned about the potential impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, and on oil and gas exploration and production in this state. (2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(2) Large-scale closures of marine areas will adversely impact on the livelihood of commercial fishermen and recreational fishing amenity in areas that are already well managed within sustainability limits. In areas where sustainability of fisheries is threatened, management responses should have regard to the range of available tools rather than being limited to large-scale area closures. (3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(3) The Bremer Sub-basin of the Bight Basin and the Perth Basin are situated in the proposed commonwealth protection area and are considered to be prospective for oil and gas. The Bremer Sub-basin is a frontier basin for petroleum exploration in which no exploration wells have yet been drilled. At present there are two active exploration permits in this sub-basin, and exploration, including seismic survey, is now being planned. The nearby ports of Esperance and Albany, and the major mining operations in the eastern goldfields—which could become consumers of energy from the sub-basin—make the Bremer Sub-basin an important oil and gas exploration area. Petroleum system studies indicate that mature source rocks are widespread in the Perth Basin, reservoirs are abundant and structures are well timed for hydrocarbon entrapment through the entire Perth Basin. Within this basin there are currently five exploration permits, and oil is being produced under one production licence. The offshore parts of the Perth Basin have recently been released by the commonwealth government for their potential to geosequestrate carbon dioxide. If oil and gas exploration and production were to be excluded from large areas of offshore south western Western Australia, the state government’s goal of facilitating the establishment of multiple energy sources for the state would be undermined. (4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
(4) The state government will continue to resource the Department of Fisheries to ensure sustainability of vulnerable species through appropriate management of the state’s fish resources. Management arrangements vary between the fisheries and include limited area closures, seasonal closures, bag limits, boat limits, possession limits, licensing systems and stock monitoring. The use of these management tools provides a comprehensive approach to the protection of vulnerable marine species.
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