Fishing ban dubbed 'inconsistent'

Recreational fishers have flagged concerns about new marine sanctuary zones in Geographe Bay.

The zones, which will ban fishing from July 2014, were announced last week by Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke as part of the new national marine park network.

They aim to protect threatened bird species such as the soft-plumaged petrel and wedge-tailed shearwater, as well as safeguard migratory habitat for the humpback whale and blue whale and the western rock lobster.

Busselton fisherman Howard George said he was surprised the marine reserves were so close to shore.

“Tony Burke said they would be well offshore and would not impact recreational fishers, but this is not consistent with what he’s done in other parts of Australia,” he said.

“We still don’t have the official boundaries for the reserves – it’s confusing to say the least.”

Mr George said recreational fishers had repeatedly asked Mr Burke for the scientific evidence behind the reserves but to no avail.

He accused the Federal Government of bowing to a “green agenda” and said Australia’s five million anglers had no option other than to vote against Labor in the next election.

The national marine park network has been welcomed by conservationists, with the Conservation Council of WA describing Geographe Bay as one of the biggest winners.

The Dive Shed manager Alecia Macdonald said striking a balance between marine conservation and preserving the Aussie way of life was difficult.

“All of our tours are eco-friendly and non-extractive, so from a commercial point of view it’s positive because fish stocks will benefit,” she said.

“However, locals who spear and shoot fish, for the most part responsibly, are understandably not happy about it.”

Geographe Bay Tourism Association chief executive Simon Taylor said the marine reserves would further support the branding of the region as a natural playground and boost eco-tourism opportunities.

“The marine parks will limit to some extent where recreational fishing can occur, but future developments such as artificial reefs will provide new opportunities,” he said.

“From a tourism perspective it is important to manage your resources in such a way that you don’t degrade what attracts people to the region.

“I think this solution finds a good balance.”