The West Australian opposition has launched a scathing attack on the state Labor government, branding its extended ban on catching demersal fish in the state's south as a "rotten" deal that stinks of political expediency over science.
Opposition Leader Shane Love has accused the government of sacrificing the state's recreational fishing community and regional economies to secure a preference deal with the Greens ahead of the 2025 state election.
A Ban Extended Amidst Controversy
The contentious policy, announced by Fisheries Minister Don Punch, extends the existing seasonal closure for prized demersal species like dhufish and pink snapper. The ban, which previously ran from mid-October to mid-December, will now stretch for a gruelling seven and a half months, effectively shutting down the fishery from October 15 to March 31.
This dramatic extension has sent shockwaves through fishing communities from Kalbarri to Augusta. The government's justification hinges on stock recovery, citing data that suggests the iconic West Australian dhufish stock is at just 26 per cent of its original, unfished level. However, critics argue the science is being selectively applied to justify a pre-determined political outcome.
Political Machinations Over Community Consultation
Shane Love's central allegation is that the extended ban is less about fish and more about votes. He contends the decision was a key concession made by Premier Roger Cook to the Greens in exchange for crucial preference flows in marginal seats at the next election.
"This decision reeks," Love stated. "It appears the government has put a preference deal with the inner-city Greens ahead of the livelihoods of regional families and a beloved pastime for tens of thousands of West Australians."
The opposition points to what they see as a lack of genuine consultation. While the government engaged with stakeholders, many in the recreational fishing sector feel their detailed submissions and alternative management proposals were summarily dismissed. The extended ban, they argue, will have devastating flow-on effects for coastal towns that rely on fishing tourism.
Economic and Social Fallout for WA
The consequences of the prolonged closure are predicted to be severe. Businesses that depend on recreational fishing are staring down huge losses.
- Charter boat operators face a decimated peak season, threatening their viability.
- Fishing tackle shops, bait suppliers, and tourism accommodation in regional hubs will suffer a significant drop in trade.
- The social fabric of communities where fishing is a central family and cultural activity will be damaged.
Love argues the government is punishing a broad sector for stock issues that he claims are primarily driven by other factors, including commercial fishing quotas and environmental changes. He has called for a more nuanced, science-led approach that includes targeted stocking programs and habitat restoration, rather than a blanket ban that cripples regional economies.
The opposition leader has vowed to continue fighting the decision, promising to stand with the 300,000 West Australians who hold a recreational fishing licence. The controversy has cast a long shadow over the government's environmental credentials, painting them as willing to trade the interests of regional WA for political gain in Perth's suburbs. As the extended ban looms, the tension between conservation goals and community impact has never been sharper in Western Australia.
