TAG
demersal ban
Simplified crabbing rules proposed for West Coast bioregion
Public consultation is now open on proposed changes to blue swimmer crab rules in the West Coast bioregion to make the rules easier to understand and to provide better fishing experiences for recreational fishers. The proposed changes would bring in one set of bag and boat limit rules in the West Coast bioregion, which runs from Black Point east of Augusta to the Zuytdorp Cliffs north of Kalbarri.
Committee to support reopening of recreational demersal fishing: Jarvis
A new advisory committee has been established to support the reopening of boat-based recreational demersal fishing from Kalbarri to Augusta in Spring 2027. The West Coast Demersal Ministerial Advisory Committee will provide recommendations to the State Government on the future management of recreational fishing to balance a return to boat-based fishing with continued protection for fish stocks to support recovery.
West Coast fishing ban causes south coast congestion
Warren Blackwood MLA Bevan Eatts has accused the State Government of rushing the demersal fishing ban and causing a sharp rise in boat traffic on the South Coast. He says that boat ramps are overcrowded, tourism infrastructure under strain and there is no support in sight. Since the closure of key recreational and commercial fishing areas, there has been daily congestion at Windy Harbour, Walpole, Peaceful Bay and Denmark.
Different action on WA demersal ban
While the WA Labor Minister for Fisheries announces the release of pink snapper fingerlings in Cockburn Sound south of Perth as part of their West Coast Demersal Recovery package, the Nationals WA continue to hold forums for fishers impacted by the demersal fishing ban and call for a parliamentary inquiry.
West Coast shark fishers caught up in demersal ban
A Lancelin based shark fisher says there has been no commercial fishing in the West Coast bioregion between Lancelin and Tims Thicket (south of Mandurah) for nearly 20 years ... Mr Stokke, who also partners with his brother in a western rock lobster boat, said he thought the ban was probably targeting the wet liners but they (the shark fishers) were thrown under the bus with them.
The WA Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has a budget credibility problem
Jackie Jarvis was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Food in December 2022. She picked up responsibility for Fisheries in March 2025, giving her three budgets and one election to get her head around the DPIRD budget papers ... Once again, I’ve gone back to the state budget to point out a glaring problem: the rhetoric simply does not match the money.
Commercial fisher supports call for mandatory recreational reporting
A commercial fisherman affected by the Cook Government’s decision to permanently close the West Coast bioregion from Kalbarri to Augusta for demersal fishing says it should be mandatory for recreational boat fishers to provide data on their catch on the day they fish.
Fishing community “ropeable” and cannot be ignored: Love
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love says if growing unrest to Labor’s demersal fishing bans is any indication, the Cook Labor Government has bitten off more than it can chew and badly underestimated the strength and unity of Western Australia’s fishing community ... "The fishing community is ropeable, and rightly so," Mr Love said.
Boat chained to Geraldton DPIRD office: Warr
“The frustration within WA’s fishing community has reached breaking point, The recent incident in my electorate of Geraldton highlights just how desperate many fishing families are feeling right now. These are hardworking locals who feel unheard, ignored and pushed to the limit by Labor’s demersal fishing ban": Kirrilee Warr, Shadow Minister for Fisheries (WA).
State-wide reforms to protect fish for future generations: Cook, Jarvis
The Western Australian Government has announced important reforms across WA's coastline to protect demersal fish like pink snapper, red emperor and dhufish from extinction and to help stocks recover for future generations.
