Australian Anglers Association, (WA Division) Inc.

Marine Parks and restricted fishing areas in Western Australia - a reference list.

This page is a reference list of internet links about Marine Parks and areas where fishing is restricted in Western Australia, as a service from the Australian Anglers Association to help recreational fishermen and others to locate the latest information.

This page is mainly about Western Australian Marine Park matters and recreational fishing. Other Australian States have different laws which result in some different arrangements and different names.

It was originally intended to display maps and images on this page by linking to images on the "official" websites as listed which should have the correct, up to date information. However most maps of the Reserves and the different zones within those reserves are very detailed and are only available in PDF files as listed.

All links to external pages will open in a new tab or window in your browser. Printed versions of this page will show the full link URLs at the end of the printout cross referenced to the shorthand description used on the webpage.

Contents and topics covered in this page. (links are within this page)

Disclaimer and important notice.

Marine parks and other restrictions are very complex topics. The Australian Anglers Association does not guarantee that all restrictions and all areas will be listed in this page. This page will use links to or a summary of information from "official" websites which should have all the correct and up to date details. Some websites are poorly organised for finding such information, and the webpages linked to may have omissions. External links shown on this page may be changed or rearranged by the website owners without notice, and the contents may not be updated with the latest rule changes. Such external website changes, errors and omissions are outside the control of the Association. The Association will check regularly to ensure that the links and information on this page are as up to date as possible consistent with the sources shown and other authoritative sources.

Readers should not rely on any information in this page as their only source of information about the areas or the rules and their legal responsibilities to comply with restrictions. If in any doubt, contact local Department of Fisheries and Department of Environment and Conservation offices for confirmation.

Terms and names used.

Terms and names such as Marine Park, Marine Protected Area (MPA), Marine Reserve, Marine Conservation Reserve, Marine Management Area, Sanctuary zone, No-take zone, No fishing area, Fish Habitat Protection Area (FHPA) are often used interchangeably or incorrectly and can cause confusion.

Marine conservation reserve is a general description. There are three different types of reserves in Western Australia.

1. Marine nature reserves are for conservation and scientific research. They are 'look but don't take' areas often referred to as 'no take' areas or 'marine sanctuaries'.

2. Marine Parks are created to protect natural features and aesthetic values while allowing recreational and commercial uses that do not compromise conservation values. Marine parks have four management zone options, which can be used in any combination and percentage of the area.

Sanctuary zones are 'look but don't take' areas, which prohibit all fishing, so sometimes are also called 'no-take areas' or 'no-take zones'.

Recreation zones are reserved for recreational activities. Management plans give the details.

Special purpose zones are managed for a particular priority use or purpose. Other uses compatible with the priority use or purpose are allowed in these zones. Special purpose zones may allow or may prohibit recreational fishing and other activities. Management plans give the details.

General use zones are all other areas in marine parks which are not classified as sanctuary, recreation or special purpose zones. Conservation of natural resources is a priority purpose and activities are allowed provided they do not compromise the conservation values. Management plans give the details.

Wilderness Conservation areas (previously called "Wilderness Fishing areas") are specified areas which aim to protect wilderness values while allowing low impact recreational fishing. Such classifications are not yet covered in Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) documents, however an area is included in the proposed Camden Sound Marine Park More details are in Recfishwest Wilderness Conservation Areas Policy

3. Marine management areas provide a formal integrated management framework over areas that have high conservation value and intensive multiple-use.

Sources:- DEC:- Types of marine conservation reserves and DEC:- Know your zones

Fish Habitat Protection Areas (FHPA) are established by the Department of Fisheries using the guidelines in Guidelines for the Establishment of a Fish Habitat Protection Area

WA Acts, Regulations and notifications.

Marine reserves extend to the WA State Waters boundary, generally 3 nautical miles offshore, but further where offshore islands exist. These marine reserves are covered by WA legislation.

Generally, the marine reserves are established under the WA Conservation and Land Management Act (CALM). Any restrictions to fishing within the marine reserve are specified under the WA Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA).

Other marine reserves may be in Commonwealth Waters which commence at the limit of State Waters and extend out to 200 nautical miles. These marine reserves are covered by Commonwealth legislation, generally the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC). Fishing restrictions are specified within the Management Plan for each marine reserve.

WA Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM)

WA Fish Resources Management Act (FRMA)

WA Fish Resources Management Act Regulations

The initial proclamations and details of WA Marine reserves and subsequent updates to the initial proclamation will be published in the WA Government Gazettes (use Gazette search ) Check the official Department of Environment and Conservation website pages for the latest details.

Commonwealth Act and Regulations.

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC)

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000

Ministers, Government Departments and Authorities.

WA Fisheries Minister

Hon. Norman Moore BA DipEd JP MLC
Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Fisheries; Electoral Affairs
Address: 4th Floor, London House, 216 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Telephone: 9422 3000 Fax: 9422 3001
e-Mail: Minister.Moore@dpc.wa.gov.au
http://www.premier.wa.gov.au/MINISTERS/NORMAN-MOORE/Pages/Default.aspx

WA Department of Fisheries

3rd Floor, SGIO Atrium, 168-170 St George's Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Postal Address:- Locked Bag 39, Cloisters Square WA 6850.
Phone: 08 9482 7333 Fax: 08 9482 7389 Fish Watch: 1800 815 507
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/

WA Environment Minister

Hon. William (Bill) Richard Marmion MLA BE, MBA
Minister for Environment; Water
29th Floor, Allendale Square, 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Telephone: 9220 5000 Fax: 9220 5001
e-Mail: Minister.Marmion@dpc.wa.gov.au
http://www.premier.wa.gov.au/MINISTERS/BILL-MARMION/Pages/Default.aspx

WA Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)

Marine Policy and Planning Branch, Department of Environment and Conservation,
Suite 3, Level 3, Queensgate Building, 10 William Street, Fremantle WA 6160
Tel: (08) 9336 0100 Fax: (08) 9430 5408
http://www.dec.wa.gov.au

WA Marine Parks and Reserves Authority (MPRA)

Marine Parks and Reserves Authority is the vesting authority for Western Australian marine protected areas (MPAs) reserved under the WA Conservation and Land Management Act. Contact:- as for DEC Marine Policy and Planning Branch.

Commonwealth Environment Minister

Hon Tony Burke MP,
Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=DYW

Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)

Planning for marine reserves in Commonwealth Waters, which commence at the limit of State Waters and extend out to 200 nautical miles. http://www.environment.gov.au/

The planning process for Marine Reserves

The planning process used to develop Marine Reserves in WA has changed over time. The process used in the early to mid 2000's was:-

The Minister for the Environment appointed a community-based advisory committee for the proposed Marine Park. This Committee was charged with developing recommendations to Government about the establishment and management of the proposed marine park. The MPRA provided a framework paper to give guidance to the Advisory Committee in developing its recommendations.

The Committee met several times to develop recommendations about the proposed marine conservation reserve's category, boundaries, zoning and management arrangements.

There were strong objections to several aspects of this process as used for that Marine Park. In 2005 the WA Government held meetings with major stakeholders to consider alternative processes. The proposed South Coast regional marine planning process was to have been a trial of these processes, however this has not been completed.

Planning for the latest area, the Camden Sound Marine Park has been done inside Government with limited consultation until an indicative (proposed) management plan was released for public comment in October 2010.

Management Plans for marine reserves

Indicative Management Plans are prepared during the planning of a Marine Conservation Reserve. These are published for public comment, following which the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority (MPRA) is required to submit a report to the Environment Minister on the proposal and on the public submissions that are received. The Indicative Management Plan may be amended either by the MPRA or by the State Government. The Minister must have the concurrence of the Ministers for Fisheries and Mines before submitting the proposal to the Governor to become the approved Management Plan.

Management plans for each WA Marine Conservation Reserve cover the first 10 year period from the establishment of the reserve. Management Plans contain detailed information about the area, the objectives, the zones, management rules and much more. Each management plan should be reviewed and updated every 10 years. Periodic audits should be carried out of the Management Plans and their implementation. Reviews, updates and/or audits are overdue for most WA marine reserves.

Approved WA Management Plans are listed on http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/1416/1622/

Indicative WA Management Plans are listed on http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/93/1622/

Existing WA Marine conservation reserves and Marine Parks

Proposed WA State and Commonwealth Marine conservation reserves and Marine Parks

Proposed Commonwealth Marine Parks affecting Western Australia

Rottnest Island sanctuary and special purpose zones.

Links to other Australian States' marine parks websites

Queensland Marine Parks

New South Wales Marine Parks

Victorian Marine Parks Detailed information previously on that website appears to have been removed in an update of that website (Note added 15 September 2011, and updated 18 October 2011)

South Australian Marine Parks

Tasmanian Marine Parks

Northern Territory Marine Parks

Commonwealth National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas including North, East and South East regions.

Fish Habitat Protection Areas (FHPA)

Fish Habitat Protection Areas are established by the Department of Fisheries using the using the guidelines in Guidelines for the Establishment of a Fish Habitat Protection Area

Restrictions on fishing for specific species or in specific places

Fisheries and some other laws and regulations prohibit or restrict fishing for some species or in some places or at some times of the year.

Details are in the Recreational Fishing Guides for the regions, or in the brochures and rules for the specific fisheries such as licenced freshwater fishing, licenced recreational rock lobster fishing, recreational net fishing, etc.

See Disclaimer and important notice and check the Department of Fisheries website and publications for the latest updates.

West Coast Region Recreational Fishing Guide

South Coast Region Recreational Fishing Guide

Gascoyne Region Recreational Fishing Guide

Pilbara/Kimberley Region Recreational Fishing Guide

Some important closures. See Recreational fishing guides for others.

West Coast demersal fishing. Closed season 15 October to 15 December inclusive in the entire West Coast Region. Details are in the West Coast Region Recreational Fishing Guide

Pink Snapper spawning closure in Cockburn and Warnboro Sounds. Closed season 1 October to 31 January. Details are in the West Coast Region Recreational Fishing Guide

Abrolhos Islands Baldchin groper spawning closure. Closed season 1 November to 31 January in Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area. Details are in the West Coast Region Recreational Fishing Guide

Closed seasons for Pink Snapper in Shark Bay, Tags required (Note)

Marron (Note)

Rock Lobster (Note)

Abalone (Note)

Freshwater fishing (Note)

Recreational netting (Note)

Note. The brochures for these licenced or restricted fisheries are usually updated each year at the beginning of that fishing season.

Dive Wrecks.

Fishing is prohibited around some dive wrecks. Details in Dive Wrecks of the Western Australian Coast

Fishing and boating restrictions at the Exmouth Navy Jetty at Point Murat

	Fishing and boating is prohibited or restricted in Naval Waters around the Navy Jetty at Point Murat, Exmouth. Some details are shown on signs attached to the Jetty. The Pier is surrounded by a 400 metre "Naval Waters" zone which is located within the boundaries of Ningaloo Marine Park, but is not part of the Ningaloo Marine Park and is covered by separate legislation. Unauthorised access on or under the Naval Pier is prohibited under the Crimes Act 1914. Diving is permitted only through licenced commercial dive centres. Activities such as swimming and snorkeling are not permitted within Naval Waters. Fishing from the Pier and in Naval Waters is prohibited except Beach Fishing which is permitted to within 100 metres of the Pier structure. These 100 metre boundaries for shore based fishing are sign posted above the high water mark on each side. Recreational boating activities including fishing, loitering and anchoring are prohibited within Naval Waters. Transiting between the outer detached Dolphins and Pier structure is prohibited.
	Please note. The information here was obtained from a Department of Defence sign attached to the Naval Jetty. Images are from photographs taken in May 2010. No definitive "official" internet link has been located with these details for shore based fishing near the Navy Jetty/Pier. Please see the Disclaimer and important notice and check the signs for yourself to see if the information is still current if you intend to fish from the shore near the Jetty.
	Also note. Information on Department of Environment and Conservation signs in the area and in the Management plan may be misleading because while they show where shore based fishing is allowed near the Murat Sanctuary Zone, they have no information about where shore based fishing IS allowed in the Commonwealth Area Naval Zone, which is not part of the Ningaloo Marine Park.

Disclaimer and important notice.

Marine parks and other restrictions are very complex topics. The Australian Anglers Association does not guarantee that all restrictions and all areas will be listed in this page. This page will use links to or a summary of information from "official" websites which should have all the correct and up to date details. Some websites are poorly organised for finding such information, and the webpages linked to may have omissions. External links shown on this page may be changed or rearranged by the website owners without notice, and the contents may not be updated with the latest rule changes. Such external website changes, errors and omissions are outside the control of the Association. The Association will check regularly to ensure that the links and information on this page are as up to date as possible consistent with the sources shown and other authoritative sources.

Readers should not rely on any information in this page as their only source of information about the areas or the rules and their legal responsibilities to comply with restrictions. If in any doubt, contact local Department of Fisheries and Department of Environment and Conservation offices for confirmation.

All research for and coding of all the contents of this page has been completed by Terry Fuller, AAAWA Board Member of Recfishwest, who maintains this AAAWA website. This information was originally produced for the Recfishwest website.

This AAAWA web page was first published on 30 December 2010 after a check of all links, and some updates and additions.

Updated on 23 February 2011. Adjusted layout of Commonwealth Bioregional Marine planning information affecting WA

Updated on 16 March 2011. Added links to other States' Marine Parks websites

Updated on 22 March 2011. Added Restrictions around Exmouth Navy Pier

Updated on 5 May 2011. Added Draft South-west Marine Bioregional Plan and proposed marine reserve network

Updated on 3 August 2011. Changed links to Rottnest Island sanctuary and special purpose zones Links had been changed in a recent rearrangement of the Rottnest Island website

Updated on 17 August 2011. Updated some links to Draft South-west Marine Bioregional Plan and proposed marine reserve network Links had been changed following closure of the period for public comment.

Updated on 1 September 2011. Added Draft North-west Marine Bioregional Plan and proposed marine reserve network

Updated on 15 September 2011. Added note about Victorian Marine Parks link

Updated on 30 September 2011. Added Indicative Management Plan for 80 Mile Beach Marine Park

Updated on 18 October 2011. Updated some links to DEC website in Terms and names used

Updated on 26 March 2012, 3 April 2012. Added details for Proposed Ngari Capes Marine Park, including link to 2006 Indicative (draft) Management Plan

Updated on 3 April 2012. Added link to Rottnest Island Marine Management Strategy

Last updated on 19 April 2012. Added link to announcement of Proposed Camden Sound Marine Park