The fishing community in Western Australia is rallying against a recent ban on demersal fishing, demanding that the Cook Government temporarily suspend the regulation, which was implemented on January 1, 2024. This ban, aimed at protecting endangered fish species, has sparked significant opposition from commercial fishers, license holders, and stakeholders in the seafood industry.
Approximately 35 members of the fishing sector gathered at a meeting in Hillarys on Wednesday, with an additional 70 participants joining online. They collectively called for the government to pause the ban, allow an independent review of the state’s fish stocks, resume shark fishing, and expand the fishing areas for existing license holders to target non-demersal species.
Phil Clark, chairman of Fish For All, expressed that a suspension of the ban would provide the industry with crucial time to adapt. He argued that an independent survey of fish stocks, conducted outside the fisheries department, would yield a more accurate assessment of fish populations in WA. The inclusion of shark fishing in the ban has particularly angered industry members, who contend that their shark-catching methods have minimal impact on demersal fish populations.
“Shark fishing should be able to go back out because they really don’t catch too many demersals,” Clark stated. He noted that the ratio of demersal fish caught to sharks is significantly low, estimating around 20 tonnes of demersal fish for every 300 tonnes of shark caught. Clark emphasized the importance of shark fishing for local businesses and communities, particularly for fish and chip shops reliant on this supply.
The ban encompasses several popular demersal species, including pink snapper, red emperor, and dhufish, affecting a substantial section of WA’s coastline from Kalbarri to Augusta. Boat-based recreational demersal fishing is not expected to resume until September 2027. The backlash against the ban has intensified, with an increasing number of online comments critical of the decision.
Plans for a rally in Perth this weekend indicate that discontent is likely to escalate. The Nationals WA has also scheduled a community forum in Albany later this month to address the growing concerns. Recent incidents have highlighted the tensions surrounding the ban, including the arrest of a member of the public for allegedly threatening the property of Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis. Additionally, three individuals were charged in December for dumping shark heads outside her electoral office in Margaret River.
In response to the escalating tensions, Jarvis remarked, “I understand people are upset about the ban, but violent rhetoric will not overturn it.” She stressed the necessity of the ban to protect vulnerable fish species for future generations, asserting, “We want our kids and grandkids to be able to enjoy fishing in our beautiful State into the future.”
Premier Roger Cook supported this stance, acknowledging the importance of protecting ministers from threats and violent actions. He stated, “All of my ministers have to make tough decisions, and there are some despicable elements in the community that think it’s OK to threaten the Minister.”
Despite the unrest, Clark emphasized the need for respectful dialogue while advocating for the industry. “It’s disappointing that the Minister has had threats. We’ve been communicating to our members that that’s not the way forward,” he remarked, conveying concern over the potential long-term impacts of the ban on the industry’s workforce.
Concerns about the future of the sector are shared by many, including Anthony Heslewood, a fishing shop owner in Augusta. Heslewood recently invested in a new processing facility but faces significant financial strain as he leases licenses without compensation due to the ban. “We’re just keeping the wheels turning at the minute,” he explained, highlighting the challenges faced by local businesses.
As the fishing community continues to voice its opposition to the demersal fishing ban, the situation remains fluid. The upcoming rally and community forum will likely serve as crucial platforms for industry voices seeking to influence the government’s approach to fishing regulations in Western Australia.
