FISHERIES — ABALONE — FINE SILTS

1381. Hon Alison Xamon to the minister representing the Minister for Fisheries:

I refer to the Roe Abalone fisheries found on inshore reefs and near islands in the Perth metropolitan area, and I ask:

(a)  has the Department of Fisheries conducted research into the effect of fine silts on abalone respiration, reproduction and recruitment;

(b)  if no to (a), why not; and

(c)  given the concerns raised by the commercial abalone fishers association on unexpected impacts of marina construction on Roe Abalone stocks, will the department prioritise research into Roe Abalone and the effects of fine silts?

Hon Alannah MacTiernan replied:

(a)  No.

(b)  The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (Department) primary research focus for these fisheries is to monitor and assess changes to the status of Roes abalone stocks across the metropolitan region that may be generated from all potential sources.

(c)  The potential environmental impacts of the Ocean Reef Marina development, including on abalone, are outlined in the Public Environmental Review (PER).The PER includes two studies on potential abalone habitat loss and Roe’s Abalone Environment Sensitivity from the development.

In addition, the Department established four survey sites specifically designed to monitor the potential impacts of the Ocean Reef Marina development on abalone stocks.

 

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