Call for respect amid fishing frenzy
The Department of Fisheries has called for calm following reports of friction between fishermen during a salmon fishing frenzy at Meelup.
High salmon numbers have attracted more fishers than usual to popular fishing spots between Cape Naturaliste and Dunsborough.
Tempers frayed at Meelup as boats entered an area closed to motorised vessels and tangled lines with shore-based and rock fishers.
The Department’s Busselton-based community education co-ordinator Mike Burgess said fishers should be respectful of one another.
“The message is for everyone to keep calm — there are plenty of fish to go around, ” he said.
“We have had some conflict between fishers.
“People in boats need to be a bit more aware of where they’re encroaching on areas where shore and rock fishers are casting lines.”
Mr Burgess said the area would be busy over Easter and asked fishers to be respectful of all ocean users.
He urged rock fishers to be mindful of their safety if searching for less crowded fishing spots elsewhere on the Capes.
