A NEW state-of-the-art artificial reef is to be installed in WA’s Mandurah region, one of the major new projects to be supported in the latest round of the state’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund (RFIF) grants program.
Fisheries Minister Troy Buswell said the artificial reef project would draw on the benefits and knowledge from the recently installed artificial reefs now in place off the Busselton and Bunbury coasts.
“This new project will extend the State Government’s current scientific artificial reefs trial under way in the South-West,” Mr Buswell said.
“This reef will provide quality recreational fishing within easy access of existing boat ramps, and work to increase fish stocks to assist in the sustainable management of Western Australia’s fish resource.”
Recfishwest has applauded the state Government for its commitment to recreational fishers in Western Australia, after the approval of funding toward the Mandurah artificial reef.
Recfishwest Chief Executive Officer Dr Andrew Rowland said the peak body was looking forward to working closely with the government and project partners to bring projects to fruition.
“Prior to the state election we identified the priorities that are fundamental to the interests of recreational fishers in WA,” Dr Rowland said.
“Leading up to the March election we were pleased by the government’s commitment to increase the proportion of recreational fishing licence fees that are directly invested into recreational fishing projects, and it’s great to see that they have followed through on that commitment.”
In this year’s RFIF, $430,000 has been allocated to the new artificial reef project. Other projects to be funded include:
- purchasing and deploying 10 purpose-built fish attracting devices for metropolitan waters
- employing a safety officer at Recfishwest to work on promoting safety for rock fishing, abalone fishing, beach and spear fishing, and boat fishing
- research on landed and released fish during game fishing tournaments and activities
- a post-graduate scholarship program to support studies on recreational fishing projects
- mapping and publicising sites suitable for disabled people to enjoy recreational fishing
- a study to investigate the health and well-being benefits of recreational fishing
- an assessment of cost-effective means for recreational fishers to monitor artificial reefs.
“These projects show how recreational fishers benefit from the licence fees they pay,” the Minister said.
More details on RFIF grants program available at http://www.recfishwest.org.au
