The Department of Fisheries has reminded Kimberley recreational fishers of a new licence which came into effect on Tuesday.
As of this week, anyone fishing from a powered vessel in West Australian waters must hold a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence. It costs $30 and requires annual renewal.
A department spokesman said the new licence would ensure the State’s fisheries were better managed by establishing a database of boat-based recreational fishers.
This would be used to estimate the number of people fishing, where they were fishing and what they were catching, he said.
People fishing from kayaks and other vessels without a motor would not be required to hold the new licence.
Fishers without a licence would still be entitled to fish from a boat, as long as they were with someone who did have a licence and they only fished within the licence holder’s bag limit.
Licences can be purchased from Australia Post outlets and online from the department’s website.
