Habitat protection area to be extended

The FHPA at Point Quobba will be extended next month

Anglers are being made aware that Point Quobba's Fish Habitat Protection Area (FHPA) will be expanded to cover a new restriction zone early next month.

The new restriction zone will cover approximately one kilometre by 900m by 340m in area - increasing the current zone that covers a 400-metre radius of Point Quobba.

Essentially, the protected area will apply to the entire coral reef and lagoon area near the blowholes about 75km north of Carnarvon.

The new rules for the restricted area include the prohibition of recreational, commercial and spear fishing.

Fishing will, however, be permitted in the section of the restricted zone that is outside the expanded restriction zone.

The collecting of any marine organisms - including live and dead coral, live rock, crustaceans or shells - in the restricted area will also be prohibited, with the exception of rock oysters (taken by hand) and squid (taken using a squid jig without bait).

Jet skis will be banned within the restricted area to improve snorkeller safety and avoid disturbing fish.

The increase of the restricted zone followed a community-driven initiative to better protect fish and the coral reef and lagoon system, which is a popular snorkelling site.

Signs at a number of locations will outline the rules for the new restricted area and include a map of the entire FHPA.

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