What’s the new ban about?
The government of Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in Western Australia has announced a major ban on demersal fishing — affecting both commercial and recreational fishers — across the West Coast region (Kalbarri to Augusta, including the Perth metropolitan coast).
From 1 January 2026, the West Coast region will be permanently closed to commercial fishing for demersal species like WA dhufish, pink snapper, red emperor and baldchin groper.
Recreational boat-based fishing for demersal species in that region is also being halted: there will be a 21-month ban starting 16 December 2025. After that, the fishery is planned to reopen — but only for recreational fishing, from September 2027.
Why the drastic move?
Latest scientific assessments show that several iconic demersal fish stocks — especially WA dhufish — have fallen to dangerously low levels. For instance, spawning biomass off Perth’s coast dropped to as low as 7%, far below the sustainable threshold of 20%.
The government says these species are "at severe risk of collapse," and continuing business-as-usual fishing would likely lead to collapse or extinction of these stocks.
As such, authorities consider immediate and strong protections necessary to give the populations a chance to recover.
What are the rules — who can fish and when
Commercial fishing
From 1 January 2026: Permanent ban on commercial demersal fishing along West Coast region (Kalbarri → Augusta).
Commercial fishing licences for this region will be bought back under a compulsory buyback scheme.
Recreational (boat-based) fishing
From 16 December 2025: Temporary closure of boat-based demersal fishing in West Coast region for 21 months.
Fishery to reopen September 2027 — but only for recreational fishing.
Charter fishing within Perth metro will be closed from 16 December 2025 — though under the “tag system,” some charter fishing for demersals may continue in other parts under strict limits (annual catch limit 25 tonnes).
Other areas / species
The stricter rules mainly target “demersal scalefish” species (dhufish, snapper, red emperor, baldchin groper, etc.).
Fishing for non-demersal species (e.g., pelagic fish) remains allowed.
Government Support & Adjustment Package
The government will invest AU$29.2 million to help fishers — commercial, recreational and charter — adapt to the new rules.
A compulsory buy-out of commercial fishing licences in the West Coast region.
Incentives for recreational fishers to target other, non-threatened species.
Financial support for tackle shops and boat owners via rebates.
What This Means — And Why It Matters
This is possibly the strongest reset of fishing rules in WA’s history — a recognition that fish stocks have reached a critical point.
If successful, the restrictions should allow demersal species to recover, enabling sustainable fishing in the long run.
Short-term pain: commercial fishers lose a major income source; recreational fishers (especially boat-based) will lose access to prized species for years.
Long-term conservation: it may ensure iconic species like dhufish, snapper, red emperor don’t disappear — preserving biodiversity and future fishing opportunities.
No comments:
Post a Comment