Commonwealth Bioregional Marine Planning
WAFIC is heavily engaged in responding to the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) on the proposed implementation of a network of Commonwealth Marine Reserves in Commonwealth waters off Australia. This policy, which was first implemented in 2006, has bipartisan support and all Australian Governments have committed to this policy.
The issue has potentially significant impacts on the future of commercial fishing in WA.
The emphasis of these reserves is representative rather than iconic, which gives flexibility in their placement. The Commonwealth Minister has committed to ensuring that these reserves should minimise socio-economic impacts on industries. Nontheless, this policy poses significant risks to commercial fishing around Australia.
WAFIC is devoting considerable resources to ensuring that this initiative has minimal impact on industry in WA.
For further information, please contact WAFIC's CEO
