Cook Government's failed Fish Management llustration: Don Lindsay~|~|8TtApfyMy5
The recent announcement of the Cook Government’s demersal fishing reform package has ignited significant debate in Western Australia. Critics, including chief executive of WAFarmers, Trevor Whittington, argue that the policy prioritizes political gain over effective fisheries management. They contend that this approach disregards the interests of the majority of Western Australians who do not engage in recreational fishing.
Critics assert that Premier Roger Cook has overstated the threats facing key species like snapper and dhufish, claiming they are “on the verge of extinction.” Such language, according to Whittington, is misleading. Marine biologists typically do not classify wild-caught fisheries as facing extinction, especially those that span over a thousand kilometers. Instead, they recognize these species as vulnerable but not at the brink of disappearance.
The announcement includes a controversial 21-month closure of the West Coast Zone, which critics describe as an exclusive measure favoring a select group of recreational fishers. This policy raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of fish stocks, particularly as dhufish are known to require decades to recover from overfishing. Whittington describes this approach as “political fairy dust,” suggesting it is more about electoral strategy than sound science.
The impact of the closure extends beyond recreational fishing. Jackie Jarvis, the Fisheries Minister, has effectively eliminated the commercial fishing sector along the West Coast, a decision that could affect the availability of local fish for the 2.5 million Western Australians who rely on these sources. Whittington emphasizes that this shift benefits a small, affluent group while leaving many families to rely on imported and frozen fish, such as basa.
The so-called recovery period for recreational fishers has been labeled by critics as a “two-year holiday” rather than a meaningful sacrifice. As these fishers relocate to other areas, notably the northern regions of WA, there are concerns about the potential strain on local fishing communities and ecosystems. The government has already reduced commercial catch limits in regions like the Pilbara and Gascoyne, a move that critics argue is a preemptive measure for an influx of new recreational fishers.
This situation presents challenges for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), which has faced budget cuts in recent years. The government’s expectation that DPIRD can enforce new regulations without additional funding raises questions about the feasibility of the proposed fishing management plan. The agency has previously struggled to monitor existing recreational fishing rules effectively, and the addition of new measures without resources could exacerbate the problem.
Looking ahead to the planned reopening of the West Coast Zone in 2027, concerns mount that fish stocks may not have recovered sufficiently. With rapid population growth in WA contributing to increased fishing pressure, the government may be left with no choice but to implement permanent closures for recreational fishing.
The alliance between recreational fishing groups and the Greens also poses potential risks. The Greens played a role in urging the government to eliminate the northern trawl fishery, a sector that has provided affordable fish to many residents. However, some advocates argue that the Greens’ overarching goal may eventually lead to a complete closure of the West Coast Zone, which would further limit local access to fish.
In summary, the Cook Government’s fishing reform package has sparked a heated debate over its implications for both the environment and the livelihoods of Western Australians. As the government moves forward with its plan, the public may find themselves facing higher prices and limited access to local fish, particularly dhufish, while the political motivations behind the policy continue to be scrutinized.
