Minister Don Punch won’t support Shire of Augusta-Margaret River spearfishing ban

WA Fisheries Minister Don Punch has nixed a contentious proposal to ban spearfishing from four key bays within the Augusta-Margaret River shire. The minister broke his silence this week after Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillors moved in February to float the ban amid concerns about damage to marine fauna and the natural environment as well as the risky behaviour of some fishers on local beaches. The concept was started by Cr David Binks after the confronting death of a well-known native blue groper at Cowaramup Bay. However, Mr Punch said there was no specific threat to overfishing of that species and a blanket ban on those bays wasn’t needed. “Spearfishing is considered part of the sustainable management framework for demersal species and we have no evidence that fishing rules were broken,” the Bunbury MLA said. “The blue groper is classified as a demersal fish, so demersal fishing restrictions apply to this species. “There is no need for additional sustainability measures beyond those currently in place. “I encourage all ocean users to be respectful of others when sharing our magnificent coast.” A Shire spokesperson said the local government never sought a spearfishing “ban” but called for community consultation on the matter instead. Now it would install educational signs at key locations. The Times previously reported Cowaramup Bay, Hamelin Bay and Flinders Bay in Augusta were considered for the restrictions amid concerns spearfishers easily accessed those protected waterways. Shire president Paula Cristoffanini said the region’s coast was enjoyed by a variety of users “and we want to ensure all people are safe in the water”. “We’re asking the community — fishers, divers, boaters, surfers, swimmers and sunbathers alike — to respect other users and the marine ecosystems when using our local beaches,” Cr Cristoffanini said. “With growing fishing and environmental pressures, we hope educational signage will help build the knowledge, values and attitudes to reinforce responsible and sustainable community behaviour in relation to the aquatic environment.” People fishing in local waters were also urged to apprise themselves of WA’s recreational fishing rules detailed at fish.wa.gov.au.