WA Fisheries Management 2024 PDF

DPIRD – Fisheries Nathan Harrison - Executive Director  Responsibilities DPIRD has responsible for the sustainable management of WA’s fish and aquatic resources, and their habitats. all bony fish and shark; all aquatic invertebrates; all marine algae; and all seagrass....

DPIRD – Fisheries Nathan Harrison - Executive Director  Responsibilities DPIRD has responsible for the sustainable management of WA’s fish and aquatic resources, and their habitats. all bony fish and shark; all aquatic invertebrates; all marine algae; and all seagrass.  Bioregions 12,800 km of coastline presents many challenges: Large coastline and inland water environment Tropical and temperate waters Varying oceanic conditions Extends 200nm out to sea  Sustainable management Resource based 3 main sectors: 1. Commercial 2. Aquaculture 3. Recreational  Commercial fishing In WA: 50 commercial fisheries Generating $300 million to economy Employing 4,000 people directly and a further 5,000 indirectly. Key fishery/species: Western rock lobster Australian sardines Prawn Scaly mackerel Scallop Goldband and pink snapper Abalone Spanish mackerel Australian salmon  Recreational fishing In WA: Around 1/4 of the population fish (600,000 people) High community/social value Economic benefits Over $2 Billion in expenditure Key target recreational species: Blue swimmer crabs Pink snapper and dhufish Western rock lobster Squid School whiting Black bream Herring Silver Trevally  Aquaculture Aquaculture provides: Food Non-edible (e.g. pearls) Restocking Aquariums Key aquaculture species: Barramundi Mussels/oysters Abalone Marron Trout How do we manage fisheries Commercial fisheries under formal management plans Recreational fishing via regulations 10 Fisheries have MSC accreditation Use of Harvest Strategies Stock assessments Fisheries dependent and independent data  Harvest Strategy – Ecological Objective Spawning biomass level Spawning biomass falls below the Limit Target - 40% HCR – Reduce fishing Threshold/ BMSY - 30% mortality by an agreed level (50%-100%) that results in the spawning biomass Limit - 20% rebuilding to above the Threshold within one generation. Time Multi species fisheries Indicator species approach Weight of evidence Catch Age structure Environmental factors Technology How do we change management Often the solutions are easy to identify Role of the peak sector bodies Consultation – what are we trying to achieve Public support leads to political support Education and changing behaviour.  Key Issues moving forward Population growth and coastal development Technology shifts (GPS, large boats, long range weather) Climate change/variability Certification WTO and MSC Loss of access via Marine Parks Social license Any questions?