Release of proposed amendments to marron farming regulations

22/4/95

Fisheries Minister Monty House today released proposed amendments to improve marron farming regulations.

The suggestions involve partially deregulating the marron production industry, simpifying the licence requirements and improving industry assistance for research, information extension and the development officer network.

"The 16 recommendations strive to provide a framework for industry development that is balanced with the need to protect wild stocks and recreational marron fishing," Mr House said.

"The demand on local and overseas markets for marron is increasing and the industry needs to ensure that any further development can maintain Western Australia's international reputation for high quality produce."

Currently, marron are commercially produced under a variety of licensing arrangements, ranging from farm development licences with no sales allowed to an unrestricted licence and unlimited sales.

In 1993-94 more than 11,800 kilogram of legal size marron (greater than 76mm) were sold to local, interstate and export markets.

Mr House urged people involved in commercial marron production and recreational fishermen to comment on the discussion paper.

Written submissions to the Fisheries Department, Level three, SGIO Atrium, 168-170 St George's Terrace, Perth 6000 until June 16.

Media contact:  Will Henwood 222 9595 / 481 2044