Commercial fishers, licence holders, and seafood business owners from across Western Australia have united in Perth, demanding the State Government immediately pause its contentious demersal fishing ban. The industry is calling for an independent review of fish stocks and the reopening of shark fisheries, as opposition to the new rules intensifies.
Industry Calls for Pause and Independent Review
At a meeting in Hillarys on Wednesday, approximately 35 sector representatives, joined online by a further 70 supporters, passed a resolution demanding urgent action from the Cook Government. The key demands include pausing the ban, commissioning an independent survey of fishing stocks, restarting shark fishing, and expanding areas where existing licence holders can target non-demersal species.
Fish For All chairman Phil Clark argued that a pause would allow the industry more time to adapt. He stressed that a stock assessment conducted independently of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development would provide a more accurate picture of WA's fish populations.
The ban on catching demersal species, including prized fish like pink snapper, red emperor, and dhufish, came into effect on January 1. It covers a vast stretch of coastline from Kalbarri to Augusta, with boat-based recreational fishing for these species not scheduled to reopen until September 2027.
Shark Fishing at the Heart of the Dispute
A major point of contention is the inclusion of shark fishing in the ban. Industry members assert that their methods for catching shark result in very few demersal fish being caught as bycatch.
Mr Clark presented figures to support this claim, stating shark fishers catch about 20 tonnes of demersal scale fish to land 300 tonnes of shark. Of that 20 tonnes, only roughly half are snapper and dhufish. He described it as a "low impact" fishery that provides a significant community resource, primarily supplying fish and chip shops.
"Shark fishing should be able to go back out because they really don’t catch too many demersals," Mr Clark said. Allowing this fishery to resume, he argued, would provide crucial income for fishers struggling under the broader ban.
Protests Escalate Beyond Peaceful Assembly
Community and industry frustration has boiled over in recent weeks, moving beyond meetings and into acts of vandalism and alleged threats. The political fallout is growing.
In a serious incident this week, a member of the public was arrested for allegedly making threats against the property of Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis. This follows an incident in late December where three men were charged after allegedly dumping hundreds of kilograms of shark heads outside her Margaret River electoral office.
On Monday, a Geraldton fisherman chained his boat to the gates of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development office in a separate act of protest.
Minister Jarvis condemned the violent rhetoric while defending the ban. "With iconic demersal fish species under severe threat in some parts of WA, urgent action was needed to protect these species for all Western Australians," she stated. She affirmed support for lawful protest but said acts of vandalism and threats "cannot and will not be tolerated."
Premier Roger Cook denounced the threatening language directed at ministers, and Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, who attended the Hillarys meeting, stated such actions were not welcome in WA.
Mr Clark expressed disappointment at the threats, confirming he has urged members to protest respectfully. "We’re really trying to work collaboratively with the Minister," he said.
Future of the Industry in Jeopardy
Beyond the immediate conflict, industry leaders fear for the long-term viability of the sector. Mr Clark warned the ban creates a perception of a "contracting future," which would deter young people from entering the profession.
"If I was younger, I’d definitely think twice potentially about entering this industry," he said, noting that many current operators are nearing retirement age.
The economic strain is already being felt. Augusta fishing shop owner Anthony Heslewood, who recently invested in a new processing facility, revealed he receives no compensation for the leased licences affected by the ban. "We’re not making any money, I won’t be driving a Ferrari anytime soon," he said, adding that he is struggling to keep his business and staff afloat.
With a rally planned in Perth this weekend and a community forum scheduled in Albany by The Nationals WA later this month, the debate over the demersal fishing ban is far from over. The industry's demands for a pause and independent review now sit alongside urgent calls for civil discourse.
