A permanent ban on commercial demersal fishing from Kalbarri to Augusta came into effect on January 1, impacting fishermen like Bunbury's Nicholas Soulos, a third-generation fisherman with over 55 years in the industry. The Western Australian government says the measure aims to recover at-risk species such as dhufish and pink snapper.
Soulos expressed frustration over the lack of emergency funding for his crew, stating the government's response was that it was up to the bosses, but with no cash flow, they face financial hardship. The closure spans the West Coast bioregion, including Perth, and follows years of restrictions on these species.
In the Kimberley, Pilbara, and South Coast bioregions, the commercial catch limit for demersal fish has been halved. Recreational fishing for demersal fish from boats in the West Coast bioregion is also banned until 2027 but continues elsewhere.
The state government has allocated $20 million for a compulsory buyback of commercial fishing licences, but Soulos compared it unfavorably to a Queensland compensation package, which he said allowed fishermen to exit with dignity. The federal and Queensland governments have committed over $160 million to phase out gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef by mid-2027.
Jessica Meeuwig from the UWA Oceans Institute criticized the 18-month recreational ban as insufficient for population recovery, advocating for permanent no-take marine parks. Bait wholesaler Tony Westerberg expects a 30-50% drop in bait sales due to the ban.
A state government spokesperson said the reforms are based on scientific assessments and extensive consultation, with act of grace payments to commercial fishers expected in January to expedite the buyout.
