No decision on Dampier fisheries management before discussion

25/11/96

Fisheries Minister Monty House said today he would not be making a decision on fisheries management matters in the Dampier Archipelago until he had the opportunity to visit the area and meet with affected parties.

Mr House said the decision was made in response to a request from the Dampier Archipelago Preservation Association.

"The association has requested I delay making a decision on the future of pearling and aquaculture leases in the area until I have had the opportunity to visit the area," he said.

"I am happy to agree with the community's request to delay my decision.

"The reality is that this will be not be until some time early in 1997."

In September 1995 Mr House commissioned the report 'The Issues Affecting the Use of the Dampier Archipelago' after residents of the region expressed concern about apparent conflicts of use and continuing access to the Archipelago.

In the interim, the Minister agreed that no further pearling or aquaculture leases would be approved in the area until the report was finalised, there had been extensive consultation and he had had the opportunity to consider all matters.

Mr House said a pending application for a pearl oyster farm lease by the Dampier Pearling Company Pty Ltd was also deferred until the report was completed.

A final decision was originally planned before December 31, 1996.

"As this decision has had to be delayed, I have extended the temporary holding site for the company for a further six-month period until June 30, 1997," he said.

"This will give sufficient time for me to visit the area and to meet with the affected parties.

"The pearling, aquaculture and recreational fishing industries are all major contributors to the State and to people's way of life.

"I will need to carefully consider all the information available to me to ensure a decision that enables a balanced and well managed use of the resources in question."

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (09) 481 2044