- Swanfish, Perth's biggest family fishing event, will take place on February 24 and 25
- New format focuses on catch and release fishing
- In a WA first, new 'catch, click and release' technology to be used for the event
For the first time in its 30-year history, Swanfish 2018 will not only be a predominately catch and release event but will also incorporate 'catch, click and release' technology to collect data on local fish species.
Swanfish, which is Perth's biggest and longest running family fishing event, will take place on the banks of Perth's Swan River at Garvey Park, Ascot this weekend (February 24-25).
Recfishwest, who organises the popular event, has taken a new direction with the event so that it aligns with the conservation values of the fishing community.
Fishers will have the opportunity to become citizen scientists for the day with the use of the Swanfish smartphone app.
Participants who catch a fish will be able to take a photo of it and quickly release the fish back into the wild. They can then log their catch into the app to provide data that will help shape our understanding of local fish species.
By logging their catch, fishers go into the draw to win some great prizes which have been provided by local businesses.
Recfishwest and Fishability will also be running community fishing clinics during Swanfish. For more information, visit http://www.swanfish.com.au
Comments attributed to Fisheries and Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:
"Swanfish is a great community event where mums and dads can take their family down to the river and enjoy the health and wellbeing aspects of fishing.
"This year's new format shows the commitment local fishers have to conserving and understanding our marine environments.
"I'm particularly pleased, not only as Fisheries Minister but also Innovation and ICT Minister, that this year will also incorporate technology for the first time to enable fishers to become citizen scientists for the day.
"If you're looking for a fun activity to do with your family this weekend, I encourage you to cast a line at Swanfish 2018."
Minister's office - 6552 6100
