A NEW recreational fishing policy mooted by the State Government, if re-elected, could be a win-win situation for recreational and professional fishermen and the community.
At Dawesville on Monday, Dawesville Liberal candidate Zak Kirkup said the policy would help safeguard crabbing in the Peel-Harvey Estuary for future generations.
It outlines plans to restock a range of key recreational fish species throughout WA, including blue swimmer crabs.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMr Kirkup said a Liberal Government would also offer voluntary buybacks of the some of the commercial crab fishing licences for the estuary, an issue that has been around for more than 10 years.
Ten full licenses and one half license are held by professional fishermen and at least two buy backs would likely be taken up if conditions were right.
The buy backs would be funded from the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.
Mr Kirkup said the policy would make a make a big difference in the campaign to ensure the future sustainability of recreational fishing of blue swimmer crabs in Peel Harvey Estuary and surrounding waterways.
“Crabbing in Dawesville and Mandurah is not just a nostalgic memory; it can be a sustainable fishery that families will continue to enjoy for generations,’’ he said.
Dawesville MLA Kim Hames commented that there had always been a bit of anti-professional fishermen feeling but the community also expected to be able to buy local fish from the shops.