An independent advisory body, the Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee, is looking for submissions on its most recent report regarding how fish resources should be shared among WA's fishing sectors.

In the past this Committee has provided reports on Perth's abalone stocks and WA's western rock lobster fishery.

The Department of Fisheries' IFM Resource report has identified a sustainable annual harvest of around 715 tonnes for demersal species, and it is the committee's role to decide how the allowable catch should be allocated to the various sectors in a fair way.

The proposed split is for two thirds to the commercial sector and one third to recreational fishers, an allocation for the customary sector has not been decided.

Public meetings, held by Recfishwest and the WA Fishing Industry Council in metro and regional locations, will be available for people to comment on these proposals or written submissions can be sent in before the end of August.

For all the information, including the IFM Resource Report, visit the Department of Fisheries website.



Posted 12 July 2010