Streamlining fisheries management in south-west WA waters

Western Australia will take over full jurisdiction for management of the Southern Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Fishery under an agreement with the commonwealth aimed at streamlining arrangements for the former jointly-managed fishery.

The fishery has been managed on a day-to-day basis by WA under state legislation for many years and the new agreement will reduce the need for consultation with the federal government on management arrangements and remove the administrative processes of a joint authority.

Heather Brayford, Deputy Director General for WA Fisheries, said Western Australia has a significant reputation for sustainably managing fisheries, and having a single manager for this fishery will be more efficient.

“The MoU will oversee the harvest strategies and catch sharing arrangements for these important fisheries resources,” Ms Brayford said.

“Western Australia highly values the Southern Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Fishery, which supports jobs and the supply of sustainable fish like bronze whaler and gummy sharks to local and interstate families via fish and chip shops, restaurants and fish retailers.”

The Southern Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Fishery is one of WA’s top ten fisheries, with GVP of $4.3 million in 2015/16 of and total catch of just over 1,000 tonnes.