- Implementation of Aquatic Resources Management Act 2016 (ARMA) will not proceed
- Cook Government to build on existing fisheries legislation
to provide effective
and sustainable fisheries management for the future
The
Cook Government has announced it will not proceed with the implementation of
the Aquatic Resources
Management Act 2016
(ARMA), instead building on existing legislation to ensure the future sustainable
management of Western Australia's fisheries.
The ARMA legislation passed through
Parliament under the previous Liberal-National Government in 2016 and the
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been working
through implementation issues for the past eight years.
Despite introducing
legislation in 2021 to rectify deficiencies in the Liberal-National
legislation, the Cook Government received further legal advice that more
legislative amendments would be required to ensure the Act could operate as
intended.
After consulting
with key fishing and aquaculture sector bodies, the Cook Government has determined
the ARMA legislation would not provide the flexible management approach needed
to meet the changing needs of the sector. This flexible approach was vital
during COVID and after tariffs were imposed by China on the import of western
rock lobster.
The Government will instead build on the
existing Fish Resources Management Act 1994 and the Pearling
Act 1990 legislation
to ensure a best management approach is in place for Western Australia's
fisheries for decades to come.
The decision to remain operating under the
existing legislationwill provide stability and certainty for fisheries management going
forward.
Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"Today I attended a meeting of the Fishing Industry Council, where I had
the opportunity to discuss the decision not to proceed with the implementation
of ARMA with the key sector bodies.
"Despite the previous Liberal-National Government's assurances, ARMA's
legislative regime has been impossible to practically implement and would have
resulted in uncertainty and disruption to the fisheries sector.
"This decision has been arrived at through careful and meaningful consultation
with industry and prioritises the needs of all of our fisheries as a whole.
"Over the past eight years aquatic resource management needs have changed.
Meeting challenges such
as climate change, marine planning and changing economic and social
environments requires a more flexible management approach to achieve the best
outcomes for the Western Australian community.
"The Fish Resources Management Act 1994 continues to be effective legislation and we will work with the
peak sector bodies to look at potential improvements to help ensure continued effective
sustainable fisheries management for the future."
