Fishing licence fees increase to benefit WA anglers
It will cost more to fish from your boat in WA, but the licence increases shouldn’t break the bankRecreational fishing licence fees will increase for the first time in seven years in Western Australia, generating an additional $1 million in annual revenue for fisheries management and initiatives.
As part of the State Government's review of fees and charges, recreational fishing licence fees will go up by $5 from July 8, 2017.
WA Fisheries says all licence fees in the State are re-invested into the recreational fishing sector.
The review noted that recreational fishing licence fees have not increased since 2010 and, importantly, they contribute to the total cost of managing recreational fishing in WA.
In WA, licences are required for recreational fishing for rock lobster, abalone and marron, when fishing with a net or from a boat, and also for fresh water angling in the South-West.
The new fee for each of those licences will be $45. Fishing from a boat licence will cost $35.
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly said every cent from licence fees goes towards improving recreational fishing opportunities by providing increased funding to Recfishwest, the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, and to fisheries management, which all work to ensure our recreational fishing industry remains sustainable and safe for fishers.
"Fifty per cent discounts will still apply to fishing licences for students 16 and over, pensioners and seniors. Line fishing from beaches and jetties will still be free so families can still enjoy a great weekend and holiday experience along the WA coast," he said.
Of the revenue raised, 15 per cent will be provided to Recfishwest, 25
per cent will be placed in the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund,
and the rest will go to fisheries management.
This will provide
about an extra $150,000 to Recfishwest and about $250,000 to the
Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, lifting the annual contribution
it receives through licence fees to more than $2.1 million.
But Recfishwest is upset that they weren't consulted on the licence fee increase. It's also taken issue with this site in the past for re-publishing content that might assist local WA anglers, despite licence fees funding the organisation.
A $5 increase in fishing fees shouldn’t break the bank and $1m extra in the kitty for fisheries management isn’t something to complain about.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
