Fisheries Minister Don Punch has welcomed the findings of a national survey on recreational fishing which provide significant insights into the sector and will assist in shaping future management choices.
The survey was unveiled in Melbourne during the World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC), where experts from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development exhibited some of the State’s recreational fisheries research.
According to the survey, recreational fishing has remained a popular sport for Australians of all ages and backgrounds.
Minister Punch stated that Western Australia (WA) offers some of the best fishing experiences in the world thanks to its more than 12,000 kilometres of coastline, offshore islands, and distinctive inland fishing options.
“We know recreational fishing is a very important contributor to the economies of many of our rural and regional towns. This latest report also shows how fishing positively contributes to personal well-being, social connectivity and physical activity,” Minister Punch said.
The WA Government stated that it invests about $18 million annually to manage recreational fishing.
This year, the contribution was increased by $10 million to stimulate innovation in management and research to assist in preserving the long-term viability of the State’s fish resources.
“The McGowan Government continues to support the recreational fishing sector, funding Recfishwest and using 25 per cent of the annual fishing licence fees for the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, putting licence fees to work to improve recreational fishing,” Minister Punch added.
The State Government stated that having a solid management foundation and continued investment in recreational fishing gives a platform to maximise tourism and economic potential while ensuring the greatest outcomes for the Western Australian community.
