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Government of Western Australia - Department of Fisheries

Environmental impact assessment and advice

Potential environmental impacts resulting from a development proposal need to be identified early in the planning process so that they can be avoided and/or managed carefully.

We work closely with other Local, State and Commonwealth government agencies, such as the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and directly with proponents regarding the potential environmental impacts of proposals on WA's freshwater or marine aquatic environments.

To assist in the assessment for the oil and gas industry, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has put together a set of Frequently asked Questions which follow below. 

The Department has an extensive list of publications which provide a range of information. Proponents are asked to incorporate and consider published information when undertaking environmental assessments.

For further information or to obtain environmental advice please contact the Aquatic Resource Management Directorate via environment@dpird.wa.gov.au

Emergency response

The Department of Transport is the hazard management agency for marine oil pollution in West Australian waters.

The Oil Spill Response Coordination unit, within the Department of Transport, works closely with Commonwealth, State (including DPIRD), local and private sector bodies to protect WA's marine environment from oil pollution.

This is achieved through:

  • prevention;
  • preparation;
  • response; and
  • recovery.

To report marine oil pollution contact the Department of Transport’s Maritime Environmental Emergency Response (MEER) unit immediately.

T: 08 9480 9924 (24 hour service) or visit Department of Transport

Frequently Asked Questions – Oil and Gas Consultation

Who are our Stakeholders?

  • Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC);
  • Pearl Producers Association of WA;
  • Recfishwest;
  • Relevant Traditional Owner groups;
  • Individual Commercial Fishers; and
  • Charter Operators.

How do I obtain contact details for individual commercial fishers and charter operators?

The Department's public register is available by application, where you can request for a copy of an entry in, or extract from the register.

How do I obtain Spatial Fisheries Boundary information?

To determine the relevant fisheries in an area, the Department’s spatial boundaries are available at data.wa.gov.au which is the central portal for WA government data.  All legislated fisheries boundaries are available at this site. 

How do I request catch and effort data on fishing activities?

To obtain catch and effort data, a data request form must be completed and sent to the Aquatic Science and Assessment group at DataRequest@dpird.wa.gov.au

What do I need to include in my data request form?

When requesting fishing data you will need to provide some parameters, these may include:

  • Time period – Financial or calendar years, number of years of data
  • Catch – species type, estimated total weight
  • Effort – number of active boats
  • Fishery – e.g. Pilbara Line, Trap, Trawl, Mackerel
  • Block locations – 60 x 60nm or 10nm x 10nm

No confidential fishing information will be released.  Catch information is also in the Department’s State of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Reports

Relevant References

The Department has extensive literature available through this website. When preparing an Environment Plan (EP) we request that a literature review is undertaken before consulting the Department. To find out more, visit the Department’s publication page. External scientific paper publications for key scientists can be found on the scientist staff profiles page.

Other key documents include:

What information should I provide DPIRD and WAFIC when undertaking consultation?

  • Summary of the impact assessment specific to fish and fisheries;
  • Spatial map of the affected fisheries overlapped with the proposed area of activity;
  • Specific timing of the proposed activity including months and year;
  • Draft control measures to demonstrate ALARP, noting these may be modified following consultation;
  • Demonstrate the cumulative impacts from other activities undertake in the area.
 

Last modified: 5/05/2021 10:40 AM

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Disclaimer

The information and advice provided by the Department of Fisheries website is made in good faith and is from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of release onto the website. Changes in circumstances after a document is placed on the website may affect the accuracy of the information. Full disclaimer details are available at www.fish.wa.gov.au.