Commercial demersal fishing will be banned in the new year.
A coalition of fishing-related businesses has formed to urge the State Government of Western Australia to pause its ban on demersal fishing pending an independent stock assessment. The group, known as Fish for All, comprises various fishing stores and restaurants advocating against the recently announced reforms. These measures aim to address concerns over the sustainability of demersal species, including pink snapper and dhufish.
The State Government asserts that stock levels of these species are under severe threat. Earlier this month, officials declared a permanent ban on commercial demersal fishing in the West Coast region, which extends from Augusta in the south to Kalbarri in the north, effective from January 1, 2024. Recreational fishing for these species will also be halted until spring 2027. Furthermore, a 50 percent catch reduction is mandated in most other regions. To facilitate this transition, the Government has allocated $20 million to buy back over 40 commercial licences in the West Coast area.
Opponents of the legislation, including stakeholders and members of the Opposition, argue that the abrupt measures could threaten the survival of many small businesses. They predict that these decisions will lead to increased prices and reduced options for consumers. Local fisher Phil De Grauw, who has been in the industry for 40 years, expressed deep concern over the impact of the ban on his livelihood. In an interview with 7NEWS, he stated, “It’s all just gone… 80 percent of my income because we’re not fishing out of Kalbarri, and they’re expecting me to last two years with no income. There’s not a lot of other work for commercial fishers at the moment.”
In response to the challenges posed by the new regulations, Sea Harvest and Westmore Seafoods have initiated legal proceedings in the Western Australia Supreme Court. Their aim is to challenge the State Government’s decision to prohibit all trawl fishing for demersal species in the Pilbara region.
As the coalition continues to lobby for a reconsideration of the ban, the potential economic repercussions for the fishing industry and local communities remain a central concern. The ongoing dialogue between the Government and stakeholders will be crucial in determining the future of demersal fishing in Western Australia.
