Resource Access

Resource access or more particularly security of access to fisheries resources is fundamental for delivering profitable and responsible use of fish stocks. This approach is sometimes known as tradable rights based fisheries management systems.

There are some 40 managed fisheries and a number of endorsement fisheries in Western Australia that fall into rights based fisheries management systems. Most of these rights are tradable, based either on individual tradable quota units (eg. Shark Bay snapper kilograms, abalone kilograms and pilchard kilograms) or, on individual tradable effort units (eg rock lobster pots, trawl gear units and Kimberley demersal fish fishing days). For pearling and aquaculture the government has allocated licenses and leases to enable these activities and has put in place processes by which new licenses and leases may be allocated (including for new fisheries).

For many of these management systems government has encouraged market based systems for reallocation of quota units, gear units and lease areas. Individuals are free to enter, to expand or to diminish their holdings or to exit the management system. Market based secure fishing right systems are consistent with strong recommendations made under National Competition Policy principles.

The public benefits from tradable rights based management systems have been demonstrated. These benefits include

Sustainable and profitable fisheries

Stewardship of the resource by rights holders based on substantial investments in licenses, leases and infrastructure and a desire to maintain and enhance those investments, that is rights holders give up immediate gains for long term benefits

Incentives for co-operative behavior between rights holders

Freedom for all individuals to determine their level of participation in economic activities on marine resources adjacent to Western Australia

Higher revenues for government (income tax,capital gains tax, payroll tax, stamp duty, company tax, debit tax and a 0.65% tax on gross value of fisheries production

For the major Western Australian fisheries full cost recovery of all management, research and compliance costs

Ongoing assessment of fisheries impact on marine systems and a commitment and the wealth to assess impacts and apply remedies if appropriate

Much of WAFIC’s work is devoted to ensuring that the public benefits of rights based fisheries management systems are further enhanced and improved.

^ top