Point Quobba, near Carnarvon, has become Western Australia’s latest Fish Habitat Protection Area.

The Blowholes Protection Association has been behind the move, working closely with the Department of Fisheries and stakeholders to develop a plan of management for the area.

The new management arrangements prohibit all forms of fishing within the lagoon area of the FHPA with the exception of the take of oysters by hand.

Also prohibited within the lagoon area is the collection of all coral, live rock and benthic organisms (including live and dead shells but excluding oysters), the anchoring of any craft and the use of jet skis.

Point Quobba is the fifth FHPA to be established in WA after Miaboolya, the Abrolhos Islands, Lanceline Island and Cottesloe Reef.

The Departmnet of Fisheries is now seeking interest from key groups including the Shire of Carnarvon, BPA and community members to establish a working group for supervision and implementation of the Point Quobba management strategies.

Copies of the Point Quobba FHPA can be downloaded from the department’s website at www.fish.wa.gov.au