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Citizen science to unlock the secrets of Broome’s threadfin salmon

Fisheries and Science Minister Dave Kelly today announced Broome recreational fishers and Yawuru traditional owners will begin sampling threadfin salmon in Roebuck Bay, in an exciting citizen science project aimed at better understanding populations.

The project will see the recreational fishing community work in collaboration with Yawuru traditional owners to catch, record, tag, and release 1,000 threadfin salmon over the coming months.

Threadfin salmon are identified in the Yawuru Nagulagun/Roebuck Bay Marine Park Management Plan as a key species targeted for recreational and customary fishing. This project will answer important questions about population dynamics and fish movement for the development of culturally and ecologically sustainable management arrangements for this iconic fish.

North Regional TAFE is leading the project in response to community interest in better understanding threadfin salmon populations in Roebuck Bay.

This project was funded through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund. For more information, visit http://www.recfishwest.org.au

Kelly said “Broome is well known for its world-class fishing opportunities and that is something the Government, Nagulagun joint management partners and the fishing community are committed to maintaining for future generations.

“The project will collect a range of important scientific information on this iconic species and will provide a better understanding of threadfin salmon populations in Roebuck Bay.

“As the Minister for Fisheries and Science, it is great to see locals getting involved in this citizen science project to ensure the sustainable management of such an iconic fish.

“The recreational fishing industry is an important economic driver for WA.”

Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer said “Fishing is a way of life in the Kimberley and involving the community in learning about threadfin salmon and also securing fish stocks for the future is really positive.

“Locals and Yawuru people will learn more about this popular fish and pass this on to our younger generations.”


Source: Government of Western Australia.