❓ A parliamentary question regarding the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Management Plan and the frequency of creel surveys, questioning the Minister's statements and the impact of survey frequency on fishing restrictions. The Minister defends the survey approach and highlights research efforts.
AnsweredQoN 805Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WEST COAST DEMERSAL SCALEFISH MANAGEMENT PLAN - CREEL SURVEYS 805. Hon BRIAN ELLIS to the Minister for Fisheries: I refer to the minister’s response to my question without notice 783 asked yesterday on the sudden closure of commercial demersal fishing between Lancelin and Mandurah. (1) Given that the minister’s discussion paper states on page 37 that there was a gap of almost 10 years between the last two creel surveys, will he explain why he may have misled the house by stating yesterday that creel surveys are done on an ongoing basis? (2) Given that the discussion paper also states on page 37 that this information needs to be collected much more frequently, ideally on an annual basis, does the minister agree that the sudden decision to close commercial demersal fishing may have been avoided by gradually phasing in fishing restrictions had the surveys been conducted more frequently so that changes in the fishing practices and reductions in stock levels were detected earlier? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
WEST COAST DEMERSAL SCALEFISH MANAGEMENT PLAN - CREEL SURVEYS
I refer to the minister’s response to my question without notice 783 asked yesterday on the sudden closure of commercial demersal fishing between Lancelin and Mandurah. (1) Given that the minister’s discussion paper states on page 37 that there was a gap of almost 10 years between the last two creel surveys, will he explain why he may have misled the house by stating yesterday that creel surveys are done on an ongoing basis? (2) Given that the discussion paper also states on page 37 that this information needs to be collected much more frequently, ideally on an annual basis, does the minister agree that the sudden decision to close commercial demersal fishing may have been avoided by gradually phasing in fishing restrictions had the surveys been conducted more frequently so that changes in the fishing practices and reductions in stock levels were detected earlier? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
(1) Given that the minister’s discussion paper states on page 37 that there was a gap of almost 10 years between the last two creel surveys, will he explain why he may have misled the house by stating yesterday that creel surveys are done on an ongoing basis? (2) Given that the discussion paper also states on page 37 that this information needs to be collected much more frequently, ideally on an annual basis, does the minister agree that the sudden decision to close commercial demersal fishing may have been avoided by gradually phasing in fishing restrictions had the surveys been conducted more frequently so that changes in the fishing practices and reductions in stock levels were detected earlier? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
(2) Given that the discussion paper also states on page 37 that this information needs to be collected much more frequently, ideally on an annual basis, does the minister agree that the sudden decision to close commercial demersal fishing may have been avoided by gradually phasing in fishing restrictions had the surveys been conducted more frequently so that changes in the fishing practices and reductions in stock levels were detected earlier? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
(1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
(2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
WEST COAST DEMERSAL SCALEFISH MANAGEMENT PLAN - CREEL SURVEYS
I refer to the minister’s response to my question without notice 783 asked yesterday on the sudden closure of commercial demersal fishing between Lancelin and Mandurah. (1) Given that the minister’s discussion paper states on page 37 that there was a gap of almost 10 years between the last two creel surveys, will he explain why he may have misled the house by stating yesterday that creel surveys are done on an ongoing basis? (2) Given that the discussion paper also states on page 37 that this information needs to be collected much more frequently, ideally on an annual basis, does the minister agree that the sudden decision to close commercial demersal fishing may have been avoided by gradually phasing in fishing restrictions had the surveys been conducted more frequently so that changes in the fishing practices and reductions in stock levels were detected earlier? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
(1) Given that the minister’s discussion paper states on page 37 that there was a gap of almost 10 years between the last two creel surveys, will he explain why he may have misled the house by stating yesterday that creel surveys are done on an ongoing basis? (2) Given that the discussion paper also states on page 37 that this information needs to be collected much more frequently, ideally on an annual basis, does the minister agree that the sudden decision to close commercial demersal fishing may have been avoided by gradually phasing in fishing restrictions had the surveys been conducted more frequently so that changes in the fishing practices and reductions in stock levels were detected earlier? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
(2) Given that the discussion paper also states on page 37 that this information needs to be collected much more frequently, ideally on an annual basis, does the minister agree that the sudden decision to close commercial demersal fishing may have been avoided by gradually phasing in fishing restrictions had the surveys been conducted more frequently so that changes in the fishing practices and reductions in stock levels were detected earlier? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
The PRESIDENT : Before I call the Minister for Fisheries, I should point out that part of that question is out of order because it made reference to a member - in this case, a minister - misleading the house. That part of the question is out of order. Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
I thank the member for some notice of the question. (1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
(1) Recreational creel surveys are undertaken on a rolling basis in each of the four bioregions of Western Australia. Comprehensive recreational boat ramp creel surveys take 12 months to complete and a further six to 12 months is required to compile and analyse the data collected and finalise a report. The first comprehensive recreational creel survey was undertaken off the west coat in 1996-97. The rollout across other areas is summarised as follows: 1996-97, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; 1998, Leschenault estuary; 1998-99, Swan-Canning estuary; 1998-99, Peel-Harvey estuary; 1998-99, Gascoyne; 1999-2000, Pilbara; 2001-02, Shark Bay; 2001-02, Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay crabs; 2002-03, south coast estuaries; 2005-06, west coast - Augusta to Kalbarri; and 2006, Abrolhos Islands. (2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
(2) While more detailed data on recreational fishing collected through creel surveys is essential to understand trends in recreational fishing catch and effort, this information on its own would not have shown the status of breeding stocks. Similarly, while commercial catch and effort data from the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery were extensively analysed, due to changes in fleet dynamics and fishing efficiency, a reliable index of stock abundance could not be generated. Uncertainties over the status of stocks are further compounded in multi-species fisheries such as the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery where the recruitment of different species may fluctuate in response to natural environmental factors. The more detailed biological research that has been carried out over the past four years was necessary in order to determine the stock status of key species. As the member is aware, I have announced a $5 million research program that incorporates both creel surveys and further biological research to continue monitoring the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery over the next four years, to monitor how they respond to the new management measures.
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.