31/07/02: Fisheries Minister Kim Chance has announced a review of management arrangements for the recreational marron fishing season in 2003.

Individual catch rates and the total catch in the fishery have shown a downward trend for the past 30 years and low rainfall in the South-West in recent years is leading to concerns over the vulnerability of breeding populations.

Mr Chance said there had been several changes to management in the past, including revised bag limits, a reduced fishing season, gear changes and a closure over a two-year period.

"These have not been successful in reversing the trends in declining total annual marron catches and catch rates," he said.

"When these trends are examined in the context of the low rainfall in the last few years, we have serious concerns for the state of the fishery.

"For that reason, we are reviewing the arrangements for the next marron season and another closure is a real possibility."

Mr Chance said marron fishing was an important part of the lifestyle of many Western Australians, with 22,000 licences issued for this year's season.

He pointed out that marron were a unique species endemic to the South-West and a significant regional tourism asset.

The average catch rate for marron during the 2002 season was 4.2 marron per fisher per day and the total catch was about 17 tonnes, well below the estimated average yearly catch of 100 tonnes taken during the 1970s.

Mr Chance said it was likely that a combination of factors were responsible for the decline, which was also an indicator of the declining health of some WA waterways.

"It is likely that environmental factors including rainfall and run-off, and land use practices, have a significant impact on marron stocks," he said.

"Poor rainfall in the past few years has had a cumulative effect on their environment and fishing pressure, both legal and illegal, is undoubtedly also a factor."

A Working Group, being established to guide the review, will include key stakeholders such as the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee, the Department of Fisheries, Recfishwest and the Trout and Freshwater Angling Association.

A discussion paper outlining draft management arrangements will be released in August and widely distributed, while community meetings will be held in the South-West to seek community input.

Public submissions will be reviewed by the Working Group and advice forwarded to the Minister.

Mr Chance stressed that the driving force behind the review was the long-term health of the fishery.

"We want to not only ensure sustainability, but also improve the quality of the experience for marroners in the future," he said.

"The long-term challenge of maintaining the marron fishery should not be underestimated and it is critical that the Government and the community work together on long-term use of our freshwater resources."

Minster's office: 9213 6700