Under-sized fishing deleting fish stocks

By Ian Melville, 8 April, 2011

Local fish stocks are under threat due to under size fishing.

Anglers are not adhering to the laws and regulations, says the Fisheries Department, which has identified Black Bream and Tailor species have been hit hard this summer and stocks are in danger.

“People don't target under size fish,” says Fisheries Officer Ryan Parker from the Fremantle Fisheries Department.

“They just take whatever they catch.”

Fisheries officials have targeted the Fremantle rock walls, piers, and the Mandurah bridges to show force on the matter.

“The West Australian fisheries department have conducted road blocks and on site visits to these areas, although the exact number of infringements cannot be disclosed at this time,” said Mr  Parker.

“The majority of infringements issued within these areas have been handed to people with poor language and communication skills,” said Fisheries Officer Bob Kirk.

“More staff are needed.

"Interpreters are needed to create effective cross cultural communication and education,” said Mr Kirk.

“Fishing in Western Australia has its restrictions and laws.

“People are just not getting the message,” he said.

Fines of $200 can be issued for each under size fish and people are urged to help fisheries combat these issues.

Western Australia is one of the few states in Australia to make recreational fishing licenses compulsory.

Bag limits also apply to certain fish breeds within the state.

“Fish in these waters will not last unless they are given a chance to grow and reproduce,” says Mr Kirk.

“Catching fish at such an early stage in their life is only creating an uneven biodiversity,” said Bob Kirk.