This data contains summaries of WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) logbook data on effort distribution for WA commercial fisheries in state marine waters. The logbook data has been recorded and submitted to WA DPIRD by commercial fishers.
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Fishing-and-Aquaculture/Commercial-Fishing/Commercial-Fishing-Management/Pages/Major-Commercial-Fisheries.aspx
The data are aggregated to produce summaries of total effort by fishing activity or method (summarised across fishery), over 5 year periods and at a 60 mn resolution where 3 or more boats operate. Effort is indicated as presence-only for areas where less than 3 boats operate.
The 5 year periods (2006-2010, 2011-2015) correspond to State of Environment (SoE) Reporting, required under the EPBC Act 1999. Each map layer is labelled by the years aggregated (“2011” for 2011-2015) and the fishing activity (e.g. “Line”). The gear codes and aggregated fisheries and the shape file field descriptions are listed below.
Source: Based on Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development data, extract taken July 2020.
The data were supplied for the purpose of research being undertaken by CSIRO under the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub to produce an interactive map of pressures on the marine environment (at a broad spatial scale) that will enable a systematic understanding of the different pressures acting in different areas. Please contact the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for permissions to use the data for another purpose.
Coordinate reference system: EPSG: 4326, WGS 84
Notes:
1. Care needs to be taken when interpreting the fishing effort maps because in areas where there are less than 3 boats operating only the fishing footprint at 1 degree resolution is displayed, consistent with the WA DPIRD Information Disclosure Policy. The fishing footprint indicates that fishing occurred but does not provide information about the intensity of effort. These areas comprise less than 4% of the total fishing effort. Note that fishing effort is recorded at finer-resolution (0.1 degree) since approximately 2008, however due to confidentiality those data were unavailable.
2. The summary effort data encompasses the commercial marine fisheries in Western Australia, excluding the Christmas Island Fishery. These include trawl, line, trap, pot, hand gathering, and net methods. For further detail regarding these methods, please contact WA DPIRD. The WA commercial fisheries associated with each fishing activity (or method) are listed below.
Disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Western Australia, does not warrant that the information presented in the maps and summary data is free from errors or omissions. The information presented in the maps and summary data may not relate, or be relevant, to a readers particular circumstances. Accordingly, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the State of Western Australia and its officers and employees are released from liability (including in respect of negligence) for any loss, damage, cost and expense caused by use of or reliance on the information presented in the maps and summary data.
