New management direction for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands

Following consultation, new management plans have now been finalised and released for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands Reserve (Abrolhos Reserve) and Fish Habitat Protection Area (FHPA).

The final management plans and summary reports of stakeholder submissions, can be found in the Documents link or by clicking on the link below - Publications (fish.wa.gov.au)

Consultation process

A comprehensive stakeholder engagement process was undertaken during 2021 and finalised in early 2022. The resulting Consultation Summary Report informed the development of the draft management plans for the Abrolhos Reserve and FHPA.

Consultation on the draft management plans opened on 21 February 2022 and closed on 3 April 2022. Government agencies, stakeholders and the broader community were given an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft management plans using the below online surveys.

DPIRD sought feedback on the proposed management objectives and actions set out under six strategic priority themes: nature conservation and protection; cultural heritage protection; tourism; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; Abrolhos community; and governance.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) thanks the Western Australian community for providing constructive feedback to assist in guiding the future management direction of the Abrolhos Reserve and the FHPA.

Next steps

The management plans include a number of actions requiring implementation over the next 10 years. Implementation plans will be developed in consultation with partner agencies and key stakeholders.

Note

A new management plan has also been finalised and released for the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park, prepared by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park management plan 2022 can be found at Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (dbca.wa.gov.au).