Western Australian Premier Roger Cook is navigating turbulent political waters after his government's sudden announcement of a sweeping recreational fishing ban for prized demersal species. The decision, aimed at protecting dwindling fish stocks, has been branded a severe political miscalculation that could cost Labor crucial support in key regional electorates.
A Sudden Ban and a Brewing Storm
The controversy erupted when Fisheries Minister Don Punch declared a complete closure of the recreational West Coast Demersal Scalefish Fishery. The ban, set to last until at least mid-2026, targets iconic species like the West Australian dhufish and pink snapper. This move extends a existing seasonal closure to a full-year prohibition, shocking the state's massive recreational fishing community.
The government's justification hinges on stock assessments showing slow recovery. However, the announcement's timing and lack of nuanced consultation have ignited fury. Critics argue the blanket ban unfairly targets rec fishers while commercial operations continue under strict quotas. The decision was made just before a cabinet meeting in the coastal city of Geraldton, a move seen as adding insult to injury for regional communities.
Political Repercussions and a Clash of Priorities
The backlash has been immediate and fierce, transcending typical stakeholder complaints to become a genuine political crisis. The state's recreational fishing lobby, representing over 600,000 licensed fishers, is a powerful force. This demographic is not confined to remote areas; it includes countless voters in Perth's northern and southern suburban marginals, as well as in pivotal regional seats.
Observers note that Premier Cook, who succeeded Mark McGowan, may have misjudged the cultural and economic significance of fishing in WA. The policy is viewed as a top-down, city-centric decree that dismisses the lifestyle of coastal and regional Australians. This perception risks alienating the very "blue-collar" voter base that has traditionally supported Labor in these areas. The opposition has seized on the issue, framing it as an attack on a cherished way of life.
A Conservation Goal with Flawed Execution
While the conservation aim—rebuilding demersal fish stocks—is broadly supported, the government's approach is under fire for its lack of sophistication. Key criticisms include the failure to promote less restrictive but effective measures, such as a size or bag limit reduction, or increased investment in fish hatcheries. The complete ban is seen as a blunt instrument that maximises political pain while offering questionable additional ecological benefit over more targeted management.
Furthermore, the decision appears to contradict the government's own tourism and regional development agendas. Recreational fishing is a major driver for coastal towns, supporting charter businesses, hotels, and retailers. A two-year blanket ban threatens this economic ecosystem, potentially causing long-term damage to communities still recovering from other challenges.
An Uphill Battle for Premier Cook
The "dhufish disaster" presents one of the most significant political challenges of Roger Cook's premiership to date. It has united a passionate and widespread community against the government in a debate about fairness, regional equity, and cultural identity. The policy is widely interpreted as a serious strategic error that prioritises bureaucratic solutions over community engagement.
To recover, the government may need to consider a swift recalibration—exploring phased approaches, significant investment in stock enhancement, or more nuanced rules that share the conservation burden more equitably. Failure to do so could see this issue define Cook's leadership and determine the outcome in critical seats when West Australians next head to the polls. The political waters, much like the habitats of the prized dhufish, have become dangerously unpredictable.
