Newsroom

07 January 2010 2010 marron season The 2010 marron season opens Friday 8 January at noon and will run for 28 days in all - three days longer than last year - closing at noon on Friday 5 February.  Read more

09 December 2009 Study of juvenile dhufish to help recovery of the iconic species Research, being funded through the WA Government’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) strategy, will help build vital knowledge about critical habitats for juvenile dhufish.   Read more

25 September 2009 Annual snapper fishing ban in the Sounds still applies from October 1 Anglers are reminded that the annual closure to pink snapper fishing, in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds, will begin as normal on 1 October 2009 (next Thursday).  Read more

24 August 2009 WAngler YouTube channel The new Western Angler YouTube channel is now up and running.  Read more

13 July 2009 Delay on Shimano Slade 4000 Unfortunately, demand for the one-year subscription deal, with the Shimano Slade 4000, has exceeded all expectations and our current supply of the reels through Shimano Australia.  Read more

03 July 2009 Strong reaction expected to Recreational fishing changes Recfishwest has predicted a public outcry over the latest measures announced by Fisheries Minister Norman Moore.  Read more

02 July 2009 New recreational fishing licences, greater restrictions to protect stocks, boost research The State Government has announced significant new rules to protect Western Australia’s most popular recreational fisheries, including new licences and further restrictions.  Read more

25 June 2009 Recfishwest Parent/Child Fishing Clinic, Albany Recfishwest will be holding a parent/child fishing clinic attended by the Hon Norman Moore, Minister for Fisheries at the Albany Town Jetty, Sunday 28 June.  Read more

25 June 2009 Common sense rules in Ningaloo Marine Park Quick action by Recfishwest has been able to resolve the anomaly of two vastly different sets of recreational fishing rules in commonwealth and state waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park.  Read more

22 June 2009 2009 - A critical year to stop toads getting into WA The cane toad is knocking on Western Australia’s door and heading towards our precious Kimberley region.  Read more

17 June 2009 Record funding for boating facilities. The State Government has approved record funding to improve recreational boating facilities throughout Western Australia.  Read more

12 June 2009 Fishers pay the price for illegal crab fishing Eight fishers, apprehended for catching crabs illegally in Cockburn Sound, have been fined in the Rockingham Magistrates Court.  Read more

09 June 2009 Big penalties to deter out of season marron fishers A decision to go marron fishing the night before the limited season for the wild fishery opened in January this year has cost three Collie men a total of more than $13,000 in fines, penalties and court costs.  Read more

29 May 2009 Mandurah crab catches up, but sector shares remain similar The first 12 months of a three-year research program on Mandurah’s crabs have found increased catches by both recreational and commercial fishers and a significant change in the methods that recreational crabbers use to catch them.  Read more

20 May 2009 Denham hooks $8.5 million prize The State Government is to build a new $8.5 million regional office block for the departments of Fisheries and Environment and Conservation (DEC) at Denham.  Read more

10 May 2009 14 crab crooks cop fines in Mandurah court Crab fishing offenders, who abused the sustainability rules protecting Mandurah’s iconic fishery, have been punished with heavy fines.  Read more

23 April 2009 Mid West Fisheries officers seize fish after house search A search of a Kalbarri house last Wednesday (15 April 2009) has led to the seizure of more than 180 kilograms of filleted fish – believed to be from Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel.  Read more

23 January 2009 Allegedly hidden lobsters could lead to loss of boat Two Mid West recreational fishers are due to face the Geraldton Magistrates Court in February charged with two offences, after allegedly hiding rock lobsters on their boat.  Read more

15 January 2009 Snapper tag lottery on again for Freycinet Estuary A review of the pink snapper stocks for the Shark Bay inner gulf area has found full recovery has not yet occurred and the annual tag lottery to fish for the species in Freycinet Estuary will continue for another three years.  Read more

15 January 2009 2009 Marron Season starts Friday 16 January Recreational marron fishers are expected to be out in force again this year, with the 2009 Marron Season due to commence at noon this Friday.  Read more

03 January 2009 Recreational fishers reminded of new fishing rules With many people enjoying holidays, during January, recreational fishers are reminded that new sustainability rules now apply, to protect highly vulnerable finfish species on the West Coast.  Read more

28 November 2008 Recreational lobster fishers bag limit is six from Monday Fisheries Minister Norman Moore announced today that new rules applying to recreational rock lobster fishers will come into effect on Monday (December 1).  Read more

30 October 2008 Minister limits recreational lobster take to six Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today outlined details of plans to limit the recreational fishing take of western rock lobsters.  Read more

24 October 2008 Fishers catch fines for concealing over the limit crab haul The decision by two recreational fishers from Yallingup to hide a haul of blue swimmer (manna) crabs on their vessel has led to fines, court costs and penalties of almost $1140 for each offender.  Read more

20 October 2008 Recreational Fishing Industry Development Strategy A 2007 election commitment of the Australian Government is to prepare a Recreational Fishing Industry Development Strategy (RFIDS) that will include a review the 1994 National Recreational Fishing Policy.  Read more

28 August 2008 Covert operations uncover alleged dealing in black market fish Covert operations targeting business premises and homes in Perth and regional towns have uncovered alleged dealings in black market abalone and rock lobster.  Read more

11 July 2008 Recreational fishing honours their own Nominations for the 2008 Recreational Fishing Awards are now open.  Read more

11 July 2008 New advisory committee appointed to manage the Abrolhos Islands Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has increased community representation on the advisory committee that manages the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.  Read more

10 July 2008 Fascinating Footage Highlights Benefits of Release Weight Recfishwest today launched the Release Weight DVD and information brochure to promote best practice for releasing demersal scalefish.  Read more

01 July 2008 Two fishers nabbed after rock lobster season ends A visit to Dongara could prove very costly for two Perth men, who were snared in a joint operation by Mid West Fisheries and Marine Officers and regional Police overnight.   Read more

24 June 2008 Package of changes to recreational fishing to save vulnerable species Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has today announced a package of changes to recreational fishing to save some of the State’s most popular and iconic oceanic fish species.  Read more

22 June 2008 New call for Fisheries and Marine Officers The Department of Fisheries is commencing recruitment for a pool of Fisheries and Marine Officers (FMOs) and has today begun an advertising campaign to attract new applicants.  Read more

10 May 2008 65 new large boat pen licences to be allocated by public ballot Licences for 65 new recreational boat pens at Fremantle Fishing Boat harbour will be allocated by public ballot in June.  Read more

14 March 2008 Abalone thieves given heavy fines Three people received fines between $1,150 and $1,540 in Joondalup Court this week, after pleading guilty to illegal fishing during the 2007 West Coast Zone abalone season.  Read more

29 February 2008 New commercial scalefish fishery for west coast back on track Fisheries Minister Jon Ford announced today that compensation for commercial fishermen affected by new laws was back on track following the withdrawal of a disallowance motion in Parliament this week  Read more

22 January 2008 Young Future Leaders on their way Recfishwest is excited to announce the 15 participants for the inaugural Western Australian Young Future Leaders in Recreational Fishing Program to be held at the Abrolhos Islands, 1 – 6 March 2008.  Read more

01 January 2008 New West Coast demersal scalefish fishery starts January 1 Western Australia’s new West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery (WCDSF) officially comes into operation on 1 January 2008.  Read more

20 December 2007 Kalbarri Blue Holes becomes a Fish Habitat Protection Area Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has resolved a long-running community issue in Kalbarri by creating a Fish Habitat Protection Area at the well-known Blue Holes near the town.  Read more

29 November 2007 Summer Safety – Reducing Gear Entanglement Hazards The Western Rock Lobster industry is becoming increasingly concerned about the potential for serious and fatal injuries to crew working on lobster vessels due to recreational fishing gear becoming entangled in lobster pot lines.  Read more

23 November 2007 Later start for the 2008 marron season Fishers are reminded that the 2008 Marron season will commence almost two weeks later than last season and that a licence is required to go marron fishing.  Read more

23 November 2007 FADS Launched The FADs were launched on Sunday 4th November from TAFE’s Maritime Image. Provisional positions are shown below.  Read more

22 November 2007 Cockburn crabs stock still needs more recovery time Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has extended the closure on recreational and commercial crab fishing in Cockburn Sound for a further 12 months to allow stocks to rebuild after several years of poor recruitment.  Read more

21 November 2007 50 new navigation aids lift Abrolhos Islands safety A major upgrade of navigation aids around the Houtman Abrolhos will help a growing number of commercial and recreational skippers in the area.  Read more

15 November 2007 Metropolitan fishing closure will help sustainability of iconic fish Today marks the closure of commercial line and gillnet fishing in the Metropolitan Fishing Zone, between Lancelin and south of Mandurah, as part of a fishing reform package to ensure sustainability of fish for the future.  Read more

12 November 2007 Rock lobster fishers get ready for new season The blessings of the fleets have been held, licences are being renewed and fishers, both recreational and commercial, are preparing for another season of catching and enjoying one of our State’s most popular seafoods.  Read more

11 November 2007 Geographe Bay fishing future settled Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has delivered a comprehensive solution to the sharing of fish resources near Busselton and the removal of commercial fishing activity from Geographe Bay over a fair and equitable timetable.  Read more

11 November 2007 Recfishwest launches Young Future Leaders program in Western Australia Recfishwest today announced the launch of a Young Future Leaders in Recreational Fishing Program to be run at the Abrolhos Islands in March 2008  Read more

03 November 2007 New campaign highlights April deadline for skipper’s ticket In the lead up to summer, skippers throughout Western Australia are being urged to ‘Beat the Fleet’ and obtain their Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) soon.  Read more

26 September 2007 Anglers called on to help with barramundi research Pilbara anglers are being asked to join the volunteers who are helping to find out more about the abundance and vulnerability of barramundi in the region, through a new research project.  Read more

26 September 2007 New extension to Cockburn/Warnbro Sounds snapper closure The annual closure to pink snapper fishing in both Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds begins on Monday and will now last for a full four months.  Read more

17 September 2007 WA Government launches fishing package to save iconic fish for the future Western Australia’s coastline between Lancelin and south of Mandurah will become an exclusive zone for recreational line fishing under a State Government move to avoid the overfishing of iconic fish such as dhufish and pink snapper.  Read more

11 September 2007 Recfishwest calls for new members Recfishwest today called on recreational fishers in Western Australia to get behind their peak body and join up now. Recfishwest is now celebrating its 10th birthday in September, and is the peak body representing recreational fishers in Western Australia.  Read more

25 August 2007 Freshwater fishers await trout season opening Freshwater anglers are expected to be out in force in the State’s South West from next Saturday, when the annual trout season opens. The 2007/08 trout season begins on 1 September and will continue until 30 April 2008.  Read more

23 August 2007 Setting the record straight John Harrison CEO of Recfish Australia today wanted to clear some confusion in media reports on a process whereby the recreational fishing sector is seeking to identify an independent revenue stream to support recreational fishing needs around Australia.  Read more

23 August 2007 No more Mangles Bay moorings A temporary moratorium on new moorings in Mangles Bay near Rockingham is the first step in developing a marine safety management plan for the area.  Read more

03 July 2007 Recreational fishers take the right steps to ensure sustainability Recfishwest today praised a range of announcements by Minister for Fisheries, Jon Ford, and the Department of Fisheries designed to ensure the sustainability of the fish resources of Western Australia.  Read more

03 July 2007 Recreational fishing changes for Swan River anglers New rules will soon prohibit recreational and commercial fishers taking cobbler from the Swan and Canning Rivers and exclude them from fishing for black bream in the Heirisson Island lakes. Department of Fisheries Management Officer for the South West Bioregion Clinton Syers said both changes, that would take effect from Friday 6 July 2007, were designed to protect the species concerned.  Read more

03 July 2007 Rottnest Marine Management Strategy Takes Effect On 1 July 2007 the Rottnest Island Authority will be launching its Marine Management Strategy. The MMS for Rottnest Island has been developed with the main focus of ensuring the unique marine environment of Rottnest Island is preserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy. It has been developed with extensive consultation through a Working Group and community feedback.  Read more

02 July 2007 Wilson Inlet anglers advised of new pink snapper size limit New fishing rules come into force this week to bring the minimum size for Wilson Inlet pink snapper into line with the limit that applies elsewhere on the South and West Coasts.  Read more

08 June 2007 Minister explains radical fishing changes The Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has moved to justify his intention to radically change recreational fishing laws in Western Australia. Mr Ford says there is a need for bag limits to be reduced and more restrictions on the taking of species such as snapper which are under threat.  Read more

07 June 2007 Australian Marine Centre for Excellence The Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF) has developed a proposal to the Australian Government to improve recruitment within the marine industry and to ensure that the industry’s competitive advantage, which is based on quality product and service, is sustained.  Read more

23 May 2007 Study identifies Perth’s future boating facilities Compromise will be needed if the metropolitan coastline is to accommodate growing demand for recreational boating facilities, while protecting marine and coastal environments. Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today released the draft Perth Recreational Boating Facilities Study.   Read more

03 April 2007 Fish on for Easter The Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory has welcomed an agreement between the NT Government and the Northern Land Council that will allow recreational fishing to continue in waters affected by the decision of the Federal Court in the Blue Mud Bay case.  Read more

27 February 2007 Abrolhos advisers present management plan for feedback The Ministerial Committee, which has successfully guided existing management arrangements for the Abrolhos Islands and its associated Fish Habitat Protection Area, has now delivered new proposals to underpin decision-making for the next ten years.  Read more

04 February 2007 New managed fisheries to keep demersal scalefish stocks sustainable Fisheries Minister Jon Ford today invited submissions to his proposed plans regarding wetline fishing (line fishing for scalefish) in the West Coast and Gascoyne Bioregions.   Read more

01 February 2007 Annual Seaweek Expo on show for South West educators The Department of Fisheries annual Seaweek Educators’ Expo, one of the many events in a national celebration of the marine environment in March, will head for regional areas of WA for the first time.  Read more

24 January 2007 Time running out for the Freycinet Estuary pink snapper tag lottery Recreational anglers can apply online to enter the lottery for tags to catch pink snapper in Shark Bay's Freycinet Estuary, but the lottery closes at the end of next month.  Read more

09 January 2007 2007 FAD co-ordinates online The new Rottnest FAD co-ordinates can now be found here online by going to the Fishing Info menu. Perth Game Fishing club asks that all FAD vistors follow the rules and don't tie up to them.  Read more

29 August 2006 New Walpole Wilderness draft plan released A massive 363,000 hectares in and around Walpole will form the State’s first wilderness area, Environment Minister Mark McGowan has just announced. Happily this time there are no draconian fishing closures - perhaps recreational anglers are now also being recognised as conservationists.   Read more

08 July 2006 IGFA urges action in Indian Ocean high seas fisheries. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has added its world wide voice to the efforts of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission’s (IOTC) Scientific Community in recommending the reduction of harvesting tuna and other migratory species.  Read more

03 July 2006 New State Environment Department Environment Minister Mark McGowan said the formation of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) was an important development for the State and its commitment to the environment. The new department incorporates the former Department of Environment and the Department of Conservation and Land Management, as well as the Sustainability Policy Unit and the Greenhouse Unit that were formerly with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.   Read more

30 April 2006 Premier abandons recreational fishing Recfishwest has accused Premier Alan Carpenter of abandoning recreational fishers and breaking an explicit promise of Premier Gallop and the Labor party. "The election promise of the Labor party is absolutely crystal clear" Mr Prokop said. "It says the Labor party will "Reaffirm its commitment not to support bans on fishing at Rottnest Island". This follows the recent announcement that the Rottnest Isalnd Authority wants to ban fishing in some of the Isalnds most popular fishing spots.   Read more

31 March 2006 Abrolhos Islands visitor entry fee on hold Fisheries Minister Jon Ford announced today that he would defer the introduction of new fees at the Abrolhos Islands to enable further consultation following community concerns. “While the proposal to collect fees from certain visitors to the islands has been forecast for a number of years and follows considerable public and stakeholder consultation, I wish to ensure that the concerns of some sections of the community are addressed,” the Minister said.  Read more

21 March 2006 Ten-year vision for fishing in the Kimberley The Minister for Fisheries, Jon Ford, has launched his vision the Kimberley that hopefully will allow an inclusive marine planning process to progress that recognises everybody's interest in this wonderful area. It's early days, but it looks like this plan is taking marine management in the right direction.  Read more

01 February 2006 Pink snapper tag lottery If you want to end up with a tag to go fishing for pink snapper in Shark Bay’s Freycinet Estuary this year, you have to be in the lottery to win it. The Department of Fisheries will issue tags in March at a cost of $10 each. My that is starting to look like a resource rent on recreational anglers to me.  Read more

11 January 2006 New recreational fishing rules As from 1st January 2006 there are new recreational fishing rules that apply to the South Coast and the Pilbarra/Kimberley, so if you plan to fish in these areas it would pay to be aware of the changes.   Read more

04 December 2005 Fisheries Act review The Fisheries Minister has announced that the Fisheries Act is to be reviewed. This would be a good time to get some equity and parity between commercial and recreational sectors to pave the way for some meaningful resource sharing in the future. This will be a big test for our new Fisheries Minister, Jon Ford.  Read more

24 November 2005 Important rock lobster public meeting A consultation meeting will be held in Fremantle next week to seek comment from and inform recreational, commercial and customary fishers on the allocation of rock lobster resources. This will prove to be an important meeting for all recreational rock lobster fishers who wish to continue to enjoy a feed of fresh caught rock lobster.   Read more

11 November 2005 Abalone resource sharing starting Any recreational fisher who enjoys a feed of abalone should read this story and make their opinions on commercial and recreational allocations known to the State government. Please don't assume somebody else will do it for you, because they won't. Please read on.........  Read more

28 October 2005 rock lobster resource sharing comments sought The report, prepared by the Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee (IFAAC), is the first under the new system of Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM) being implemented in Western Australia. If you like fishing for rock lobsters you really ought to take time to read this.   Read more

24 October 2005 Capes rock lobster closures increased Fisheries Minister Jon Ford will expand buffer zones designed to stop board riders being entangled in rock lobster fishing gear at two of the State's most popular surfing breaks.   Read more

30 September 2005 Metro pink snapper closure starts Recreational fishers have been reminded that a ban on catching pink snapper in Cockburn and Warnbro Sound comes into effect tomorrow. The closure is part of a management package announced by Fisheries Minister Jon Ford last month to protect pink snapper breeding stocks in the metropolitan area.  Read more

12 July 2005 New management measures to protect rock lobster stocks Fisheries Minister Jon Ford today approved new management arrangements for the West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery aimed at protecting breeding stock and giving fishers greater certainty.  Read more

06 July 2005 Review of Esperance tuna farm trial Environment Minister Judy Edwards has extended an environmental assessment of a trial tuna farm to greater public scrutiny. The trial, proposed by MG Kailis Tuna Pty Ltd, involves a 150 tonne tuna farm in the Remark Island group of the Archipelago of the Recherche off Esperance.  Read more

01 July 2005 Massive boat survey starts today along the coast Fisheries Minister Jon Ford today urged recreational boat fishers to help researchers as they began a massive catch survey. The Fisheries Department survey will cover 50 public boat ramps and more than 1,000km of coast between Kalbarri and Augusta.  Read more

04 June 2005 Liberals 'loading' Japanese whalers' harpoons A State Liberal Party move to hive 60km of endangered species' habitat from Ningaloo Marine Park was tantamount to loading the harpoons of Japanese whalers, Environment and Science Minister Judy Edwards said today.  Read more

01 June 2005 Northern fisheries closure protects sharks Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has approved new measures to protect shark stocks in waters off the Pilbara and Kimberley. Mr Ford said the package would address scientific concern over the impact of commercial fishing on the sustainability of sandbar sharks.  Read more