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Illustrations showing differnt species of garfish
​Southern garfish (top) are subject to new fishing closure. Robust garfish (below) can still be taken. Illustration © R. Swainston/anima.net.au
Tuesday 20 June 2017

Metropolitan waters closed to fishing for southern garfish

​The area between Lancelin and Myalup is closed to both recreational and commercial fishing for southern garfish until further notice, to help stocks to recover.

Fishers are still permitted to take robust garfish in the closed area.

 
A stock assessment of southern garfish showed the fishery needs to stay closed to protect the breeding stock. A combination of fishing and environmental pressures are believed to be behind the issues. We will continue to monitor the stock to check the recovery progress.
 
We have consulted closely with Recfishwest, the WA Fishing Industry Council and commercial fishers, to work through the science and develop a recovery management strategy.
 
Fishers are reminded to release any southern garfish caught in the closed area to help ensure there will plenty of the species for the future.
 
Robust garfish (also known as ‘storm garfish’) can be identified by a dark blotch below the dorsal fin and a longer lower tail fin lobe than that of southern garfish.
 


 

Last modified: 21/07/2017 9:05 AM

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