MARINE sanctuaries will lead to the ruin of the fishing industry, according to a local commercial fisherman.
A local fisherman of 28 years, Jeff White believes the industry had already suffered too many cuts.
“It is just another nail in the fishing industry’s coffin,” he said.
“Another thing where we are told we can not go somewhere or do something and we are just expected to go along with it.
“Our fishing rights to the ocean are being taken away.”
Mr White said he was just doing what he knew and loved.
“They should remove all the lines so boats can fish wherever like they used to be able to,” he said.”
“I don’t expect anything I just want a fair go.”
A marine sanctuary is a fully protected area from fishing and mining, while a marine park is a recognised protected area that surrounds marine sanctuaries.
The sanctuaries will be located between 5.5 and about 370 kilometres off shore.
Environmentalists have been pushing for marine sanctuaries for many years but it was not until February this year that the Government began preparations to decide where to implement the sanctuaries.
Conservation Council of WA marine program coordinator Tim Nichol said the closures were put into place because there were not as many fish as there used to be.
“Fish stocks are so depleted and we need restrictions,” he said.
“There has been such a large decline because of overfishing in the past with too many people fishing and not enough fish.
“Marine sanctuaries will be the missing piece of the puzzle and will complement other restrictions to increase fish stocks.”
Maps will be released next month by the Federal Government outlining areas off the WA coast which will be considered for marine sanctuaries.
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