Local Fish Supply Set to Reduce
The WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) is very disappointed Norman Moore has addressed resource sharing issues between the commercial and recreational fishing sectors by closing the area between Port Geographe and Black Point to commercial beach seine fishing.
Local south-west fishermen, some of whom have had a long standing association with the area, have beach seined in the area for 65 years. They do not believe there has been adequate consultation or that they have been treated fairly.
Although there are plans to compensate commercial fishers, WAFIC believes that the Minister’s decision favours the prejudices of a small group of south-west recreational fishers.
Retailers and bait suppliers are equally disappointed in the Minister’s decision. WA bait supplier, Early Bird Seafoods have long relied on south-west beach seiners for good quality local bait. Manager Greg Fairfoul said “Their local fish is what our business relies on yet this decision was never discussed with us”.
Bunbury-based retailer Aristos relies on local beach seiners for whiting, herring and whitebait.
He is unable to source whitebait – considered by many to be a seafood delicacy – from anywhere else.
“The Minister doesn’t realize consumers are shifting towards these affordable bread and butter fish yet he is reducing local supply by making these sorts of decisions,” Aristos said.
“Sadly, the people who have put the pressure on to remove these beach seiners are likely to be the same people who don’t want to see an increase in poor quality imported seafood.”
WAFIC also finds the Minister’s decision to be inconsistent with the outcomes reached during the proposed Capes Marine Park planning process. The value of these beach seine fishing activities were recognized and accommodated for in the proposed plan.
Industry contacts:
Felicity Horn – WA Fishing Industry Council – 9492 8829
Greg Fairfoul – Early Bird Seafoods – 9527 3333
Aaron Papandroulakis –Aristos Seafood Trading – 0416 053 335
