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https://theconversation.com/plummeting-fish-numbers-triggered-controversial-fishing-bans-in-wa-but-no-take-zones-could-benefit-fishers-275797>
"The Western Australian government recently announced the controversial closure
of commercial and recreation fishing to prevent a collapse in the populations
of under-threat species, such as popular dhufish and pink snapper.
Fishing for these demersal (bottom dwelling) species has been closed along a
900-kilometre stretch of coastline in south-west WA. There are plans to reopen
the area in spring 2027, but for recreational fishing only.
One additional measure stands out: once the fishery opens, large “no-take”
demersal recovery zones are proposed where all bottom fishing will be banned.
While no-take zones are a key part of Australia’s conservation strategy, they
are more often used to create marine parks, rather than to improve fisheries.
Proposed no-take zones have been historically unpopular with fishers. But
perhaps we can have our cake and eat it too. Does closing areas of ocean to
fishing result in a boost to fish numbers inside the protected areas and in
surrounding fishing grounds?
Our recent research suggests the answer is yes. Setting aside no-take areas of
the ocean, combined with standard fisheries management in the areas still open
to fishing, can increase overall numbers of spawning fish. This means greater
catch rates for fishers in surrounding areas."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
