new fishing rules

The State Government has announced significant new rules to protect Western Australia’s most popular recreational fisheries, including new licenses and further restrictions.

“Management changes to take effect from mid-October this year see the introduction of two new recreational licences.

“From mid-October, people fishing from a boat anywhere in the State (including those fishing from charter boats) will need a $30 licence and people targeting demersal scale fish will need an additional, specific, demersal licence.

“This new West Coast demersal licence will cost $20 for one day, $60 for a fortnight or $150 annually to fish for any of the listed species. (See the frequently asked question sheet on the Department of Fisheries website). www.fish.wa.gov.au

“The current 50 per cent discount on all licences for pensioners and children under 16 will continue to apply.” “However, to make it clear, the licences only apply to individuals fishing from boats. People fishing from beaches or jetties and shore-based crab fishers will not need a licence except where existing licences already apply.”

 The recreational boat fishing licence will apply State-wide for any form of fishing where a boat is used, including:

• line fishing (handline, rod, squid jigging)
• catching crabs
• spear fishing
• octopus trapping
• dip netting for prawns
• any wading, diving or angling to catch fish, crabs or shellfish where a boat is used to access the fishing location.

“The State Government will continue to apply a fee to each of the following existing licences: rock lobster, abalone, marron, freshwater angling and recreational netting - but the fee will rise to a standard $45 for each type of fishing.

Taken from the Department of Fisheries.

For more information:

See www.fish.wa.gov.au

PLEASE NOTE: The above is a guide only and should not be solely relied upon.

All information should be independently verified.

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