Number: A64/2019
Relevant: Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Date: 9 September 2019
Following ongoing community interest, further information sessions on the proposed new recreational fishing legislation will take place on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) next week.
The changes address environmental concerns and propose placing restrictions on recreational fishing by creating bag limits, identifying protected species, controlling the use of certain fishing gear, and restricting the export of fish from the islands.
The ordinance was drafted following more than 10 years of research and community consultation by WA Fisheries, and in conjunction with proposed exemptions, balances the need to protect the aquatic environment with community expectations. A consultation period on the draft laws closed on 1 September.
The Australian Government, through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, funds WA Fisheries (part of the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development) to provide services in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT).
WA Fisheries will hold further information sessions on CKI as follows:
Home Island
Date: Wednesday 18th September, 2019
Time: 5 – 8 pm (with a break for prayers)
Location: Cyclone Shelter
West Island
Date: Thursday 19th September 2019
Time: 4 – 6pm
Location: Community Resource Centre
The Department’s Mr Andrew Murphy, Director of Indian Ocean Territories Government Arrangements, will attend with WA Fisheries.
For more information please contact Paula Kalinowski on paula.kalinowski@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 6551 4443.
Mrs Natasha Griggs
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands