Western Australia’s Mackerel Managed Fishery has been transferred to full management after seven years under interim management.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said 48 licences had been granted, providing more secure access rights.

“The State’s Mackerel Fishery is part of WA’s success story of sustainable fisheries and world-leading eco-system based management,” Mr Moore said.

“I am working to ensure there is a constant and dependable supply of fresh fish for consumers and it is important to know that our State’s fisheries can do that in a sustainable way.

“The quota-managed Mackerel Fishery is fully sustainable, which is important for the operators who target the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel and grey mackerel species that are also popular among recreational fishers.”

WA’s Mackerel Fishery has been an interim managed fishery since 2004 and the move towards full management came after almost two years of consultation involving the Department of Fisheries, permit holders and the WA Fishing Industry Council 

The Minister said a fully-managed fishery not only strengthened access rights for its commercial fishers, but afforded licence holders a greater level of flexibility to manage their fishing businesses.

“The arrangements for the fully-managed fishery have come after extensive consultation with the permit holders from the interim managed mackerel fishery, as well as the peak bodies for the commercial and recreational fishing sectors,” he said.

The Mackerel Managed Fishery mainly operates in Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne waters and is monitored through the Department of Fisheries’ Vessel Monitoring System. The management plan details conditions for the licensed operators.