Published on Wednesday, 7 July 2021 at 2:57:10 PM
Changes to Western Australian recreational fishing rules come into effect from 1 July to help preserve the State’s valuable demersal fish stocks for future generations.
The introduction of trip limits; changes to the rules for filleting at sea; and the definition of whole fish are some of the key changes to Western Australian recreational fishing rules which will apply from 1 July 2021.
The new rules are a proactive management response to issues raised by the WA fishing community, in consultation with WA’s peak recfishing body, Recfishwest, to help manage the potential impact of increased fishing activity on catches of demersal finfish.
The most important change is the introduction of trip limits. The possession limit on a fishing trip is 10kg of finfish fillets, no skin required, plus an additional 10kg of fillets from large pelagic species with skin on. Together, 20kg is the equivalent of 100 x 200gm meals.
The trip limit will be reviewed after 12 months to allow DPIRD to gather data on current catch levels in key regional centres.
Fishers will also welcome updates to filleting at sea and the definition of whole fish, which include the removal of the 30cm minimum fillet length; and that whole large pelagics can be cut in two pieces and still be considered as one fish. For both rules, skin will need to be attached while still at sea.
To help support catch care principles across the State, release weights will now be required for the master of all fishing boats fishing by line for demersal finfish, both recreational and commercial, anywhere in WA, not just in the West Coast Region.
These rules have been introduced to help protect our ocean resources and ensure sustainable, quality fishing experiences now and into the future. For more details, read our media release,
FAQ, or Recreational fishing guide.
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