Media Statements - More time for public comment on beach netting options

11/04/05

Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has extended the public comment period on proposals to manage the South West Beach Seine Fishery.

Mr Ford approved the extension until May 31, in response to requests from industry members and the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (Inc).

The commercial beach seine fishery mainly targets whitebait by beach netting and operates between Tim’s Thicket (near Mandurah) and Point D’Entrecasteaux (near Windy Harbour).

“The main objective for commercial beach seine fishing is to ensure the sustainability of the resource and to bring the fishery under an effective management regime,” Mr Ford said.

“To this end, community and industry input is vital and in doing so, all Western Australians can work towards fish for the future.”

Mr Ford said the paper proposed several options to bring this commercial fishery under a more rigorous and appropriate management framework, including the introduction of a range of gear and operating restrictions for commercial netting.

“This two-month extension gives more time for interested parties to consider options raised in the paper and provide their input,” he said.

“I encourage all commercial and recreational fishers, stakeholders and interested members of the public to read the discussion paper and make submissions.”

Copies of Fisheries Management Paper No. 184, Management of the Proposed South West Beach Seine Fishery, are available from the Department of Fisheries’ website under ‘public submissions welcome’ at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au

Minister's office: 9425 4200