The McGowan Government will provide $560,000 through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund to help keep recfishers safe across Western Australia.
The funding will support Recfishwest to continue delivering its successful Fishing Safety Strategy. The strategy will build on successful initiatives aimed at making rock fishing, salmon, abalone, rock lobster and spearfishing safer.
The annual salmon run safety campaign has already increased awareness of the dangers of rock fishing and helped reduce the number of incidents, particularly related to drowning.
Additionally, 75 angel rings, more than 100 rock anchor points and 1,000 safety signs have been installed at high risk rock fishing locations across the State.
The loan lifejacket program was also expanded, offering 176 free loan lifejackets across 23 locations between Quobba and Esperance.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley:
“More than 600,000 Western Australians enjoy recreational fishing activities each year and nothing is more important than making sure all fishers return home safe to their families after a day of fishing.
“Recfishwest has played an important role in developing safety initiatives and driving home the safety message for the recfishing community across WA.
“The McGowan Government understands how vital this work is and will fund the Fishing Safety Strategy in partnership with Recfishwest to deliver a comprehensive safety program over the next four years.”
