Long-term monitoring of boat-based recreational fishing in Shark Bay, Western Australia: providing scientific advice for sustainable management in a World Heritage Area

A 12-year study of boat-based recreational fishing in Shark Bay, Western Australia, revealed that targeted management measures led to a significant 46% reduction in annual fishing effort between 1998 and 2010. This decline corresponded with decreased catches of pink snapper (Pagrus auratus), the key species, while the proportion of snapper released increased annually. The study also found that catches of other species declined but varied in composition. Conducted through 11 annual surveys at three boat ramps, this research demonstrated how long-term monitoring can provide critical data to assess and refine management strategies in a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Wise, B. S., Telfer, C. F., Lai, E. K. M., Hall, N. G., & Jackson, G. (2012). Long-term monitoring of boat-based recreational fishing in Shark Bay, Western Australia: providing scientific advice for sustainable management in a World Heritage Area. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63(11), 1129–1141. https://doi.org/10.1071/mf12054