The fishing ministry has decided to expand buffer zones for rock lobster fishing at the Lefthanders and Three Bears surfing breaks. The new changes will come into effect at the start of the rock lobster season on November 15. Local surfers are pleased by the decision. Not including recreational diving for rock lobster, the bans will apply to pot fishing by both professional and recreational fishers. The buffer zone at Lefthanders will double in size, while at Three Bears it will increase by a third to about 400m off the beach. According to the Fisheries Minister Jon Ford, this ban help meet the concerns of surfers and the community. Surfers are concerned about the safety issues of boats and fishing gear at the breaks. to rock lobster fishing boats over 8m long, the State Government closed 31 surf breaks in the Capes region in January. But, Hamelin Bay, Gnarabup-Margaret River and Cowaramup will remain open to recreational rock lobster pot fishing.
Via: Yourguide.com