Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:54:43 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Greenies 'irresponsible and ignorant' in claims about lobster fishery - Minister http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132772 Content:

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today described green groups calling for the closure of Western Australia’s rock lobster industry as irresponsible and ignorant.

 

Mr Moore was responding to a joint press release issued by the Conservation Council and the WA Wilderness Society which claimed the lobster fishery, valued at up to $400million a year, had collapsed and should be immediately closed.

 

The conservation groups’ criticisms followed the release of the latest figures from the Department of Fisheries which showed a slight improvement in puerulus (juvenile lobsters) numbers.

 

“Here are two significant environmental groups - the Conservation Council and the Wilderness Society - saying we should close the State’s commercial rock lobster fishery tomorrow,” the Minister said.

 

“This demand simply highlights a serious disregard for the livelihoods of workers in a very important industry; ignorance about how the puerulus figures relate to the fishery’s current state; and a simplistic approach to management, at odds with scientific rigour.

 

“We have two scientists representing these two organisations who want an industry worth $400million to this State to close immediately.

 

“Imagine the consequences of that for an industry that is going through a significant period of readjustment and changes to fishing practices because of low puerulus counts.

 

“It is regrettable these groups think it acceptable to peddle claims that the fishery is being mismanaged and to focus on one aspect of it, rather than the fishery in its entirety.”

 

Mr Moore said his advice from the Department of Fisheries was that there was evidence to suggest the puerulus count was beginning to slowly increase after several years of record low counts.

 

“It is my hope this increase will continue into the future and we will have an industry that has a long-term future,” he said.

 

“The State Government has taken a very precautionary approach to this industry and has reduced the catch to 5,500 tonnes for 2009 and the two following years, even though the sustainable catch for this year is estimated to be 6,500 tonnes.

 

“We have taken the precautionary principle of leaving an extra 1,000 tonnes in the ocean this year, in order to ensure that next year and the year after there are catches of about 5,500 tonnes.

 

“This will provide an economic return to the industry and demonstrates proper management of this fishery.

 

“For the Conservation Council and the WA Wilderness Society to claim otherwise demonstrates their ignorance of the way in which this industry and fishery works.”

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000
 
Date: 12/11/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: All
]]> Stratford, Pamela Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:53:34 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132772 Media response - Compo for fishing charter boat operators http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132731 Content:
Questions asked by: The West Australian
 
Subject: Compo for fishing charter boat operators
 
Questions:

Can you please confirm how many charter boat licenses were issued for this season?

The charter operators feel they were not listened to when it came to imposing a ban. They suggested being able to fish two days per week, but was rejected by the minister. Is this true?

Would the minister consider an assistance package for these fishermen who have been put out of work for these two months? They are suggesting $2 million between them.

What other fish are the operators allowed to catch without restrictions?

 

Minister's response:

“Some of these questions, such as how many charter boat licences have been issued for this season and what fish charter boat operators are allowed to catch are of a technical and/or operational nature and better directed to the Department of Fisheries.

 

“The charter boat industry had extensive opportunity to respond to the proposed management changes to the recreational fishing laws and to present its preferred options.

 

“Changes had been flagged for some time and indeed the previous Labor Minister for Fisheries, Jon Ford, had a package proposing a four-month closure to fishing for high-risk demersal species.

 

“I was presented with a range of options to manage the recreational fishing sector in a responsible manner that would ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of the fishery.

 

“The bottom line is that all the research and expert advice I have received indicates that unless there is a 50 per cent reduction in the catch, the fishery is at risk of collapse.

 

“I have taken action to balance as many of the competing interests as I can while keeping my eye on the overall goal of achieving the 50 per cent catch reduction that is urgently required.

 

“During the consultation period, charter boat operators suggested many options, including fishing for two days a week.

 

“Fishing tour operators face some specific challenges and these are addressed in the boat limit for dhufish on charter vessels and the charter fishing licence. I do not intend to go down the path of compensation. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure the sustainability of our fish resources.

 

“These measures are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of demersal scalefish while minimising the impact of the closed season on key holiday periods.

 

“I emphasise, the two-month closure only (ONLY) relates to fishing for specific demersal species. It does not prohibit fishing for other species or other activities carried out by charter boat operators.

 

Minister's office: 9422 3000

Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:38:05 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132731 New rules help recreational rock lobster fishers play a part in preserving stocks http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132692 Content:

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore has announced rule changes for recreational rock lobster fishers for the coming season.

 

The recreational rock lobster season runs from November 15 to June 30. The new rules for the 2009-10 season are:

 

  • a consistent minimum legal size of 77mm for western rock lobsters all season
  • a reduction in the maximum legal size limit for female western rock lobsters from 105mm to 95mm, when taken between Green Head and North-West Cape
  • a reduction in the maximum legal size limit for female western rock lobsters from 115mm to 105mm, when taken between Green Head and Cape Leeuwin.

Mr Moore said the measures would also apply to commercial fishers, as part of a package of measures to contain that sector’s overall catch. 

 

“Recreational fishers must play their part in contributing to the sustainable management of this fishery by adopting the new sustainability rules,” he said.

 

“I have also decided the escape gap size for recreational rock lobster pots will remain at 54mm for 2009-10, before increasing to 55mm for the 2010-11 season.”

 

The Minister said the new rules took into account the record low settlement of puerulus (juvenile lobsters) in recent seasons, which indicated that in the next two to three years the fishery would experience its lowest catches in 40 years.

 

“This season, for the first time, the sectors will be managed to allocated shares of the sustainable harvest level,” Mr Moore said.

 

“The commercial sector is allocated a 95 per cent share, the recreational sector’s share is five per cent and the customary sector’s share is one tonne.

 

“This season, the commercial catch’s managed target is 5,500 tonnes, with a likely range of 4,950 to 6,050 tonnes. The target catch for the recreational sector will be 290 tonnes, with a range of 260 to 318 tonnes.”

 

A recreational licence is required to fish for rock lobster. Fishers can buy licences online and a new brochure on rock lobster fishing for the 2009-10 season is available at the Department of Fisheries website at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au or on 9482 7333.

 

Minister's office  - 9422 3000
Date: 27/10/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:27:46 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132692 Media response - Commercial rock lobster fisherman http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132697 Content:
Questions asked by:  The West Australian
 
Subject:  Commercial rock lobster fishermen calling for expressions of interest in mounting class action against Minister over recent changes to rock lobster industry management changes.
 
Minister's response:

"Any individual or group is entitled to legal recourse if they have a legitimate grievance and there is provision under the law to take such action.


"I am yet to see details of this particular response (a proposed class action) by rock lobster fishers.


"However, I repeat, the recent changes to the management of the commercial rock lobster industry was based on the best available scientific research and expert advice from Government and industry bodies such as the Rock Lobster Council, the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee and the Department of Fisheries.

 

"I am obliged, as Minister for Fisheries, to consider the advice of these groups."

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000

Date: 26/10/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:36:00 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132697 Cockburn Sound crabbers get to fish for a feed after Minister lifts three-year ban http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132637 Content:

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today announced the reopening of Cockburn Sound to commercial and recreational crab fishers from December 15 following a three-year closure.

 

Mr Moore said crabbing in Cockburn Sound was banned in 2006 to allow overfished stocks to rebuild and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.

 

“That precautionary action has proved successful and we can now reopen the fishery. It will be open to crab fishers from December 15 this year to March 31, 2010,” he said.

 

“The length of the season will help the ongoing recovery of the blue swimmer crab population in Cockburn Sound.  Fishers need to understand that it was excessive fishing as well as several years of poor recruitment in the fishery that led to the closure.”

 

Researchers say the adult stock of crabs has risen since the closure but the fishery needs close monitoring to ensure a balance between access to and sustainability of the fishery

 

The Minister said commercial crab fishers licensed to operate in Cockburn Sound would have to comply with increased size limits and reduced pot numbers.

 

“The commercial sector cannot take crabs smaller than 140mm across the widest part of the shell (up from 130mm),” he said.

 

“Professional fishers will also be subject to a 20 per cent reduction in the number of pots they can use.

 

“Recreational fishers must comply with the crab fishing rules that apply in all crab fishing areas in the West Coast Bioregion - which include a minimum size limit of 127mm, a bag limit of 10 crabs per fisher per day, and a boat limit of 20 crabs.” 

 

Mr Moore said he had also made a decision not to extend the two-month seasonal closure in the Peel Harvey Estuary this year although research had indicated lower than usual numbers of juvenile crabs in the Peel Harvey Estuary.

 

“Catches will be closely monitored over summer to determine if management action will be required to address any sustainability concerns,” he said.

 

Recfishwest and the WA Fishing Industry Council will develop a resource sharing agreement for the fishery and are expected to provide the Minister with a report before the start of the next summer fishing season.

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000 

Date: 18/10/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Peel
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:43:54 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132637 Media response - Lobster fishers http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132611 Content:

Questions asked by:  Cockburn Gazette

 

Subject:  Lobster fishers

 

A lobster fisherman from Fremantle has contacted me about a letter he sent the Minister about the tighter restrictions he recently placed on the rock lobster industry. The resident's name is Paulo Fernandes. This is an abstract from his letter:

 

"I would love to have you meet us at our home and see the grassroots of this industry and just chat and listen to a family in which have voted Liberal since they could vote, believing that you stood for small business and family business."

 

Could you tell me:

- Has the Minister recieved the letter?

- Would he consider meeting with the resident?

- What feedback have you had from other fishermen about the new restrictions?

- Are there any other comments you would like to make?

 

Minister's Response:

“I am sympathetic to Mr Fernandes’ position and the fact that he may not be able to enjoy the same level of commercial catch in the near future that he has in recent years.

 

“However, the decisions I have taken regarding commercial rock lobster fishing came about because of scientific evidence and advice which indicates the fishery is under severe threat.

 

“Unless urgent action is taken, the commercial fishery is liable to collapse and fishers like Mr Fernandes may soon find they have no means of livelihood whatsoever, rather than a restricted income during the, hopefully, short term while the fishery recovers.

 

“I have no plans at this stage to personally meet with Mr Fernandes in his home, but I wish him all the best.

 

“Like all difficult decisions such as the one I have made to restrict commercial rock lobster fishing, there is a vocal group opposed to the plan. However, it must also be noted I made my decision after extensive industry consultation. The decision was, in part, designed to assist fishermen maximise their commercial gains by reducing input costs for items such as fuel and crew wages and maximising their commercial returns through targeted marketing.

 

“Some of the feedback I have received is that fishermen appreciate the positive aspects of this package from the financial perspective of maximising their economic returns.

 

“As such, I believe the plan is making the best of difficult circumstances to protect the long-term environmental sustainability and financial security of both the rock lobster fishery and commercial rock lobster fishers.

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000

Date: 8/10/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: South Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:21:53 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132611 Minister lifts fishing ban threat hanging over anglers at Green’s Pool http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132575 Content:
Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today ruled out prohibiting fishing at Green’s Pool near Denmark on Western Australia’s southern coast.
 
In April this year, the Department of Fisheries called for public submissions on whether fishing should be banned along 600m of beach and headland at the popular tourist and swimming destination located about 15km from Denmark.
 
Mr Moore said that Green’s Pool, a major tourist attraction in the William Bay National Park, was popular almost year round for swimming or fishing because it was protected from prevailing weather and current conditions by a surrounding headland.
 
But he said conflict between different users of the marine area around Green’s Pool had prompted him to ask for advice on whether fishing should be banned.
 
It was previously suggested that the presence of fishers, as well as fishing hooks and other tackle left behind or lost in the water, was dangerous to swimmers, snorkelers and beach visitors.
 
“The Department of Fisheries carried out a thorough assessment of the submissions,” the Minister said. “Part of the department’s advice was that the Denmark Shire Council did not have the relevant legal powers to regulate fishing within the William Bay National Park.
 
“I have decided not to prohibit fishing at Green’s Pool and instead will write to the William Bay National Park Authority asking it to work with the Denmark Shire Council to educate the public about the conflicting needs of fishers and other users of the area.”
 
Mr Moore said the department had received 65 responses to its call for public submissions, 49 for prohibiting fishing at Green’s Pool, 13 against the prohibition and two submissions - from the WA Industry Fishing Council and the Department of Environment - neutral.
 
“It should be noted that most submissions supporting the ban were from individuals wanting Green’s Pool to be a marine sanctuary rather than to address the issues of conflict and swimmer safety,” he said.
 
“I believe that with the proper signage and by encouraging anglers to restrict their fishing activities when swimmers are around, most of these conflicts will resolve themselves.”
 
Minister's office  - 9422 3000
Date: 5/10/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:43:07 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132575 Federal Government refuses to help WA rock lobster fishers. http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132554 Content:

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore has expressed disappointment at the Federal Government’s decision not to provide any financial assistance to rock lobster fishers as the industry adjusts to a record low puerulus count.

 

Refer to ABC News article posted on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 2:18pm(AEST), http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/29/2699590.htm

 

Mr Moore said the industry was facing exceptional circumstances similar to those that farmers face in a long drought and it was the Federal Government’s responsibility to provide assistance.

 

“As a result of three years of low puerulus counts, the Liberal-National Government had to make the responsible decision to halve the Western Australian rock lobster catches over the next three years to ensure the industry remained sustainable into the future,” he said.

 

“Unfortunately there will be financial impacts on fishers in the short term and the Commonwealth should step in and provide exceptional circumstances financial support to those in need.”

 

The Minister said the Federal Government’s only response to the situation was a demand to take over running the WA rock lobster fishery rather than helping the fishers cope.

 

“I’m not sure what management role the Commonwealth is proposing when we have already announced the management plan for the next three years,” he said.

 

“Maybe they want to duplicate the existing State fisheries department complete with boats and fisheries officers, but that isn’t going to be of any benefit to fishers.”

 

Mr Moore said exceptional assistance funding in the farm sector had never been dependent on any increase in the Commonwealth’s role in managing the agricultural sector.

 

“The Commonwealth has benefited from all the taxes that have been paid by this industry so it is quite appropriate that they take financial responsibility for helping these fishers in these exceptional circumstances,” the Minister said.

 

“As the State Government is not in a financial situation to assist individual fishers we will continue to invest in research along with implementing a long term management strategy that will allow fishers to plan ahead in the knowledge that the fishery will be sustainably managed into the future.”

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000
Date: 30/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:32:12 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132554 Media response - Rock lobster fishing industry http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132536 Content:

Questions asked by:  ABC Mid-West

 

Subject:  Opposition calls for exit strategy for rock lobster fishing industry

 

Minister's response:

 

“If the Opposition is serious about helping individuals in the rock lobster fishing industry rather than political grandstanding, then I urge Mr Ford to join me in my approach to the Federal Government for exceptional circumstances assistance.

 

“I am in a continuing dialogue with my Federal counterpart and I expect to advise fishers of the outcome of those talks in due course.”

Date: 25/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: All
]]> Stratford, Pamela Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:06:13 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132536 Media response - Opposition calls for exit strategy for Rock Lobster Fishing Industry http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132569 Content:
Questions asked by:  ABC:  Mid-West
 
Subject:  Opposition calls for exit strategy for Rock Lobster Fishing Industry
 
Minister's response:

“If the Opposition is serious about helping individuals in the rock lobster fishing industry rather than political grandstanding, then I urge Mr Ford to join me in my approach to the Federal Government for exceptional circumstances assistance.

 

“I am in a continuing dialogue with my Federal counterpart and I expect to advise fishers of the outcome of those talks in due course.”

 

Minister's office - 9422 3000

 
Date: 25/09/2009
Minister: Moore
Portfolio: Fisheries
Region: Mid West
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:41:42 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132569