Kimberley Marine Park Planning comments sought

[Ian Sewell]

Monday 24th January 2011
Media Release

Recreational Fishers Comments Sought on Kimberley Marine Park Planning
Recfishwest is calling for comments on their recently released draft submission to the Camden Sound Marine Park indicative management plan.
Despite the Kimberley being extremely remote, many recreational anglers who have fished or some day dream of fishing the region are being urged to put forward their thoughts about the plan.

Recfishwest acting executive director Mr Kane Moyle said “Recreational fishers are typically one of the first sectors excluded through marine park zoning, therefore it is important that fishers stand up and have their say.”
“The original rationale for the Camden Sound Marine Park was to provide additional protection to whales. Despite whale populations having never been healthier, additional no‐fishing sanctuary zones have been drafted with little relevance to whale conservation,” Mr Moyle said.

Recfishwest is not opposed to marine parks being implemented, but believe zonings within marine parks should be identified with clear objects and that recreational fishing interests must be adequately considered in the initial planning stages.
“We understand that putting forward a submission can seem like a daunting task for many, however, in releasing our draft submission early we hope this will be useful for recreational fishers when preparing their own submissions,” Mr Moyle said.
Recfishwest's draft submission can be found on its website at www.recfishwest.org.au/content/submissions/ , comments will be received in writing to PO Box 34 North Beach, WA 6920, or via email at recfish@recfishwest.org.au

Submissions close 1 February 2011.