Spatial distribution of shore-based fishers in the greater Perth Metropolitan area over summer 2010/2011

Aerial surveys are a useful technique for estimating numbers of recreational fishers. Following the success of a pilot study to examine the spatial patterns of recreational shore-based fishing activity in the Perth Metropolitan area from April – June 2010, another survey was conducted from December 2010 – February 2011 between Lancelin – Bunbury. More than 7,000 shorebased fishers were counted during 36 aerial flights, with significantly more recorded on morning and afternoon flights, when compared to those conducted at midday. Flights on weekends/public holidays also recorded more fishers than weekdays. The spatial distribution of fishers was variable along the coast, with sandy beaches at the northern and southern sections of the study area having high counts of fishers, along with groynes in the central section. Comparisons with the previous (autumn) study revealed that the northern beaches generally had higher numbers of shore-based fishers in summer, while those in the south had more during autumn. Data from this study assists with understanding the patterns of shore-based recreational fishing occurring along the greater Perth Metropolitan coast. Such information can be used to assist in the design of future on-ground surveys, compliance and education activities