The Kimberley region has managed to get lion share of state budget for 2011-12 for Department of Fisheries managed projects – with the department receiving an allocation of $2.3million to deliver its part of the Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy. According to the Fisheries Minister Norman Moore the fund would enhance the department’s compliance capability in the Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park between Port Hedland and Broome.
He added that the fund will be use in projects that will build the Kimberley region and ensure a sustainable future for our marine and freshwater ecosystems. He told that the funding will allow two extra fisheries and marine officers in the region. The Minister said there was also funding in the coming four years to develop a number of fishing initiatives, including an education program and stock enhancements.
Major part of the funds will be use to during the next four years supporting a Kimberley marine education program for recreational fishers and charter operators. He said that tourism WA and the Department of Environment and Conservation will undertake this program in a partnership. He added that it is important to explore the opportunities that fish enhancement projects can deliver to recreational fishing, including the possibility of creating new inland fisheries.
