West Australian Fisheries Minister Don Punch is holding his ground as recreational fishers intensify their campaign against the state government's extended ban on catching prized demersal fish. The protest has now reached the doorstep of Premier Roger Cook, signalling rising tensions over the contentious sustainability measure.
Minister Defends Science-Based Decision
In the face of mounting pressure, Minister Punch has firmly reiterated that the decision to prolong the fishing prohibition is rooted in scientific evidence and is essential for the long-term health of fish stocks. The ban, which now runs until mid-2025, affects popular species like dhufish and pink snapper across a vast stretch of the coast from Kalbarri to Augusta.
The government's position is that this extended closure is a critical step to allow severely depleted demersal scalefish populations to recover. Minister Punch emphasised that the policy was developed following extensive consultation, including with the recreational fishing sector's own representative body, Recfishwest.
Protests Escalate to Premier's Office
The frustration among fishing enthusiasts has boiled over, with organised protests now directly targeting Premier Roger Cook. Anglers argue that the extended shutdown is an overreach that will devastate regional tourism and tackle shops, and that they are being unfairly targeted compared to the commercial sector.
Protestors are demanding a more nuanced approach, suggesting alternatives like increased size limits or reduced bag limits instead of a complete closure. They claim the government's consultation was inadequate and that the economic and social impacts on coastal communities were not properly considered.
A Clash Over Conservation and Community
This dispute highlights a classic conflict between immediate community interests and long-term environmental stewardship. The government cites data showing demersal stocks in the West Coast Bioregion remain as low as 16% of their original, unfished levels, necessitating drastic action.
Recfishwest, while acknowledging the need for stock recovery, has expressed deep disappointment with the extended ban's duration and scope. The organisation is now caught between supporting the science of sustainability and representing the vehement opposition of its members.
As the standoff continues, all eyes are on Premier Cook to see if his government will yield to the public pressure or back his minister's science-driven policy. The outcome will set a significant precedent for how Western Australia manages its marine resources amid competing ecological and economic demands.
