Recreational fishers from boats will need to pay for a licence under new rules to protect the state's most popular fishing spots, with the additional funds to be placed in a trust.
Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today unveiled a new licencing system, where funds would only be spent on matters relating to recreational fishing.
The new system follows a review of the state's fish stocks which Mr Moore said were at risk if no action was taken.
"The Government will not reduce its current level of funding for recreational fishing to offset the rise in funding from the new fishing licenses," Mr Moore said.
"We want greater protection for our fish stocks. This new management regime is crucial to ensure WA maintains a high quality and sustainable recreational fishery."
From mid-October, people fishing from a boat will need a $30 licence while fishers targeting demersal (bottom dwelling) scalefish will need an additional, specific licence.
Popular demersal scalefish species include dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper.
"This new West Coast demersal licence will cost $20 for one day, $60 for a fortnight or $150 annually to fish for any of the listed species," Mr Moore said.
"The current 50 per cent discount on all licences for pensioners and children under 16 will continue to apply.
The West Coast demersal licence will apply in the West Coast bioregion which extends from Black Point, east of Augusta, to the Zuytdorp Cliffs north of Kalbarri.
There will also be a two-month ban on recreational fishing for species on the West Coast bioregion demersal scalefish list from October 15 to December 15 each year.
Mr Moore said new precautionary measures were also needed to address the way changes to demersal scalefish arrangements would be likely to shift the recreational fishing focus onto nearshore fish species like herring and tailor.
"The new mixed bag limit for lower risk category three fish in the West Coast bioregion will drop from 40 per angler to 30 and for medium risk category two fish from 16 to 12," he said.
Currently, a licence is needed for recreational fishing of rock lobster, abalone, marron, freshwater angling and netting.
Today Mr Moore said the fee for that licence will rise to $45.
