Kim Chance

Kim Chance

Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; the Mid West and Wheatbelt; Great Southern

    Quobba Fish Habitat Protection Area formally declared

    8/02/2005 5:01 PM
     
    8/2/05

    Fisheries Minister Kim Chance has formally declared the State’s latest Fish Habitat Protection Area (FHPA) at Point Quobba near Carnarvon.

    Fish habitat protection areas provide a means to manage human impacts on the marine environment, while working in consultation with the community to ensure continuing conservation of the area for future generations to enjoy.

    “Adjoining the well-known Blowholes attraction 75km north-west of Carnarvon, Point Quobba has long been a favourite among tourists and locals,” Mr Chance said, during a visit to the location today.

    “The sheltered rock platforms and reef systems of Point Quobba have made this site a major attraction for recreational fishers and families wanting to experience some of the most accessible and varied marine life our State has to offer.

    “But increasing human activity is also placing the area at risk and we need to manage its usage properly.”

    The Blowholes Protection Association has been a driving force behind the move, having worked closely with the Department of Fisheries and stakeholders to develop a plan of management for the area.

    The new management arrangements prohibit all forms of fishing within the lagoon area of the FHPA, with the exception of the take of oysters by hand.

    Also prohibited within the lagoon area is the collection of all coral, live rock and benthic organisms (including live and dead shells but excluding oysters), the anchoring of any craft and the use of jet skis.

    Point Quobba is the fifth FHPA to be established in Western Australia, joining Miaboolya, the Abrolhos Islands, Lancelin Island and Cottesloe Reef.

    “The Point Quobba FHPA is the latest example of the long-term commitment the Gallop Government shares with local communities and the general public to the preservation of fish and fish habitats,” the Minister said.

    “I congratulate everyone who has invested so much time in support of this project, enabling us to share this magnificent location for generations to come.”

    The Department of Fisheries is now seeking interest from key groups including the Shire of Carnarvon, BPA and community members to establish a working group for supervision and implementation of the Point Quobba management strategies.

    Copies of the Point Quobba FHPA management plan (Fisheries Management Paper No. 185) can be downloaded from the Department of Fisheries website: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au

    Minister's office: 9213 6700