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Western Australia offers a wide range of fishing opportunities, from Broome to Exmouth. The licensing requirements in Western Australia are more complex than in many other states, which is understandable given the diversity of fishing options and the vast geographical area covered. A recreational fishing licence is required for most boat fishing, but a licence is not required for land-based saltwater fishing with a rod and reel. Aboriginal persons are exempt from the requirement to hold a recreational fishing licence as long as the fish are for personal or family use and not for commercial purposes. The cost of a licence ranges from $40 to $50 at full price, with concessions for those under 16, over 60, or receiving a pension.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Licence requirement for fishing from shore or jetty | No licence needed |
| Licence requirement for fishing from boat | Recreational fishing from boat licence required |
| Licence requirement for Aboriginal persons | No licence needed if for personal, domestic, ceremonial, educational or non-commercial communal needs |
| Licence fee range | $40 - $50 |
| Concessions | Half price for under 16s, Seniors Card holders, pensioners |
| Discounts | 10% discount for purchasing two or more activities |
| Licence validity | 12 months |
| Safety equipment requirements for paddle craft | Lifejacket level 50S or higher |
| Bioregions in Western Australia | Yes |
| Bag and size limits | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Do Aboriginal people need a fishing licence in Western Australia?
- What are the fees for a fishing licence in Western Australia?
- What safety equipment is required for kayaking in Western Australia?
- What are the bag and size limits for fishing in Western Australia?
- How do you get a fishing licence in Western Australia?
Do Aboriginal people need a fishing licence in Western Australia?
In Western Australia, Aboriginal people are generally exempt from obtaining a recreational fishing licence. This exemption applies as long as the fishing is done in accordance with customary law and tradition and is for personal, domestic, ceremonial, educational, or non-commercial communal needs. The fish must be utilised for the individual's family and not for commercial purposes. This exemption is based on the recognition of Aboriginal rights and their continuing connection to the land and waters.
The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) plays a crucial role in securing the rights of Aboriginal people to access and manage their traditional fisheries. It acknowledges their specific rights and interests over their traditional lands and waters, which pre-date European colonisation. Section 211 of the Act allows native title holders to be exempt from laws restricting their ability to exercise their native title rights, including fishing, as long as it is not for commercial purposes.
In Western Australia, this recognition has led to the identification of Aboriginal customary fishing as its own sector with distinct regulations. Aboriginal fishers are required to follow general fishing regulations, such as bag limits, size restrictions, and prohibited species, but they do not need a recreational fishing licence for their customary fishing practices.
It is important to note that the specific rights associated with native title can vary among groups. While most states have recognised Aboriginal rights to fish in some form, the regulations and exemptions may differ across Australia. For example, in Victoria, Aboriginal people are broadly exempt from the requirement to obtain a recreational fishing licence, subject to compliance with other recreational fishing rules.
In Western Australia, the fees for a recreational fishing licence range from $40 to $50 for a full-price licence. Concessions are available for individuals under 16, seniors, and pensioners. The licence is valid for a 12-month period, and it is required to be carried at all times while participating in fishing activities.
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What are the fees for a fishing licence in Western Australia?
In Western Australia, you need a licence for recreational fishing from a boat, net fishing, freshwater angling, fishing for rock lobster, abalone, or marron. Licences are not required for fishing from the shore or a jetty, as long as you didn't use a boat to get to your fishing spot.
Aboriginal persons are exempt from the requirement to hold a recreational fishing licence, as long as the fish are taken for personal or family use and not for commercial purposes.
The fees for a fishing licence in Western Australia range from $40 to $50 at full price. A 50% concession is available for those under 16 years of age, and other government concessions may also apply. If you purchase a licence with more than one type of fishing activity, you are entitled to a 10% discount.
The fishing licence is valid for 12 months from the date of receipt of payment. You will receive a plastic card within 30 days of payment, which must be carried with you at all times when participating in fishing activities.
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What safety equipment is required for kayaking in Western Australia?
Kayaking and canoeing can be dangerous, and conditions can change quickly at sea. Therefore, it is crucial to have the right safety equipment to aid your survival. In Western Australia, new safety equipment laws have been introduced for recreational vessels, including kayaks, following a comprehensive review.
Firstly, you must wear a life jacket when paddling a kayak. Your kayak should also be equipped with hand toggles, bulkheads, a pump, a compass or map, a spare paddle, deck lines, and a firm-fitting spray skirt. Additionally, you will need a way to remove water from your kayak.
Secondly, you should carry essential items that will help you call for help and survive if needed. These include a phone in a waterproof pouch, a VHF marine radio, a personal locator beacon, a first aid kit, accessible water and food, warm and dry clothing in a dry bag, and a repair kit suited to the boat and trip.
It is also important to check the weather forecast and understand how it will impact the waterway you intend to paddle in. You should store your safety gear in an easily accessible place and know how to use it.
Please note that these are general safety recommendations for kayaking, and specific regulations and requirements may apply in Western Australia. Always ensure you are complying with local laws and guidelines to ensure your safety and adherence to legal obligations.
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What are the bag and size limits for fishing in Western Australia?
Bag, size, and possession limits apply when fishing recreationally in Western Australia (WA). These rules are in place to help maintain sustainable fishing practices in the region.
A 'bag limit' is the maximum number of fish you are legally allowed to take or bring onto land within a 24-hour period, typically from midnight to midnight. This limit can apply to mixed species or individual species. For example, in the West Coast bioregion, the daily bag limit for demersal scalefish is two fish per day.
A 'boat limit' is the maximum number of fish from a particular species or group of species that may be on a boat or attached to it at any one time. This limit applies regardless of how long the boat is at sea. For instance, in the West Coast bioregion, the boat limit for demersal scalefish is four, regardless of the number of licensed fishers on board.
A 'possession limit' refers to the maximum number of fish a person is allowed to have in their possession at any given time, including those stored elsewhere, such as in a fridge or freezer. For certain species, like Australian Bass, the possession limit is twice the daily bag limit. In general, the possession limit for finfish fillets in WA is 10 kg of any species without skin, plus an additional 10 kg of fillets from large pelagic species like tuna and shark with skin on.
Size limits dictate the minimum or maximum size that a fish must be to be kept legally. Finfish, for example, are measured from the snout to the tip of the tail. Free size limit stickers are available from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) offices or participating retail stores to help fishers abide by these regulations.
It's important to note that some species have specific rules, like the Eastern Blue Groper, which currently has a line fishing prohibition in place to facilitate research and monitoring. Additionally, unlicensed fishers can join licensed fishers on a boat, but the total catch must stay within the bag limit of the licensed fisher(s).
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How do you get a fishing licence in Western Australia?
In Western Australia, you need a recreational fishing licence for certain types of fishing activities. These include:
- Recreational fishing from a boat
- Rock lobster fishing
- Abalone fishing
- Marron fishing
- Freshwater angling
- Net fishing
You do not need a licence to fish from the shore or a jetty, as long as you did not use a boat to get to your fishing location. Aboriginal persons are also exempt from needing a recreational fishing licence as long as the fish are for personal or family use and not for commercial purposes. Anglers under the age of 16 do not require a southwest freshwater angling licence.
To apply for a recreational fishing licence in Western Australia, you can either download an application form and submit it by post or in person at a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development office, or you can collect a form from one of the offices and make the payment over the counter. You can also apply or process your renewal payment online through the Department of Transport's DoTDirect website. The fees for a fishing licence range from $40 up to $50 at full price. A half-price fee will be charged for persons under the age of 16, while several government concessions also entitle people to half-price licensing. If you apply for a licence with more than one type of fishing activity in a single transaction, you are entitled to a 10% discount.
Your licence will be mailed to you within 30 days of receipt of your fee payment and will be valid for a 12-month period from the date of payment. You may fish while waiting for your licence to arrive, provided you can produce the receipt for your payment.
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Frequently asked questions
You do not need a fishing license if you are fishing from the shore or a jetty and have not arrived by boat. However, if you are fishing from a kayak, this is considered a boat and you will need a recreational fishing license.
You can apply for a license online through the Department of Transport's DoTDirect website, or by downloading an application form and submitting it by post or in person at a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development office. You will receive your license in the mail within 30 days.
The cost of a fishing license in Western Australia ranges from $40 to $50 at full price. Concessions are available for those under 16, over 60, or in receipt of a pension.
Yes, there are bag and size limits for the most commonly targeted species, and the state has been divided into 'bioregions' with different rules and regulations. Check the WA Fisheries website for more information.
