Recreational fishers are encouraged to take part in the latest Statewide recreational fishing survey to capture fishing data and support the State’s sustainable fisheries.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development undertakes the survey every three years in collaboration with Edith Cowan University and Recfishwest to collect information from boat-based recreational fishers about where they fish, what species they have caught and the size of the fish.
The information is captured over a 12-month period through phone-diary surveys conducted by the ECU Survey Research Centre on behalf of DPIRD.
Data are also collected by DPIRD staff talking to fishers at boat ramps and remote camera video monitoring at popular boat ramps to understand fishing catch and effort across the State.
The recreational fishing data, along with commercial and charter catch data, assists DPIRD fisheries scientists to undertake periodic stock assessments to ensure sustainability.
DPIRD principal research scientist Karina Ryan said fishing was one of the most popular recreational activities in WA, with one in four West Australians fishing at least once per year.
“This is the seventh survey to be undertaken since 2011. More than 8000 fishers participated in the 2023-24 survey to help measure the health of our fish stocks,” Dr Ryan said.
“The results of the 2023-24 survey showed the species caught the most by rec fishers was Western rock lobster with 375,000 caught, followed by blue swimmer crabs with 337,000 caught.
“The most popular finfish species caught were school whiting with 252,000 caught, followed by 130,000 Australian herring and 120,000 pink snapper.
“The most frequently caught pelagic fish were samson fish followed by Spanish mackerel and Southern bluefin tuna.”
Dr Ryan said the 2026-27 phone survey started last month.
“So far we have had a great response from recreational fishers wanting to be involved in the survey,” she said.
“Fishers participating in the survey over the next 12 months will provide current data on what they are catching and where they are fishing to support the science and management.”
More information on the Statewide recreational fishing survey is available on the DPIRD website.
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