Western Australia's contentious demersal fishing ban has sparked a dramatic act of protest, with a recreational fisherman chaining his boat to the front of a State Government office. The incident has thrust the heated debate over fisheries management back into the spotlight, prompting a firm defence from Premier Roger Cook.
A Dramatic Protest on Land
The protest unfolded at the Kensington offices of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). A fisher, expressing his fury over the extended seasonal closure for prized demersal species, used a chain to secure his boat to the building's exterior. This visible and disruptive action was a direct response to the Cook Government's policy, which has deeply divided the fishing community.
Premier Cook addressed the protest head-on, stating his government would not be swayed by such tactics. He emphasised that the decision was based on scientific advice aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. "We make decisions based on science," Cook asserted, framing the ban as a necessary, albeit difficult, measure for future conservation.
The Science Behind the Closure
The policy at the heart of the conflict is the extended seasonal ban on catching demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion, which stretches from Kalbarri to Augusta. This includes popular table fish like:
- Dhufish
- Pink snapper
- Baldchin groper
The closure period, which traditionally applied from mid-October to December, has been significantly extended. For 2024, the ban is in effect from April 15 through to December 15, covering eight critical months of the year. The government's move follows data indicating ongoing pressure on these slow-growing, vulnerable species, with stocks not recovering as anticipated from previous management efforts.
Fisheries Minister Don Punch has supported the Premier's stance, arguing that the extended closure is essential to rebuild fish populations for future generations. The government maintains that without this intervention, the long-term viability of both the recreational fishery and the iconic species themselves is at serious risk.
Community Backlash and Political Fallout
The protest is not an isolated incident but a symptom of widespread anger among a segment of recreational fishers. Many argue the blanket ban is disproportionate, punishing all fishers for the actions of a few and devastating small businesses in coastal towns that rely on fishing tourism.
Opposition Leader Shane Love has capitalised on the discontent, criticising the government for a perceived lack of consultation and for implementing a policy that he says cripples a beloved Western Australian pastime. The issue has become a potent political flashpoint, highlighting the tension between environmental stewardship and community interests.
The protestor's decision to chain his boat to the DPIRD office symbolises a feeling of being 'anchored' by the government's rules and a direct channel for frustration when other avenues seem exhausted. While the government stands by its science-based approach, the challenge remains to balance ecological responsibility with the social and economic fabric of regional WA.
As the extended closure period continues, the state government faces mounting pressure to review its strategy or offer alternative solutions. The coming months will test whether the science-led policy can withstand the fierce tide of public opposition, or if further compromises will be needed to calm the troubled waters of WA's fishing community.
