We’ve received plenty of questions from many keen fishers seeking clarity on the recent demersal fisheries changes.
We’ve worked to provide answers and clarity as best we can, sharing what we currently understand, bearing in mind that when it comes to the rules, DPIRD as the fisheries regulator set and interpret the fishing rules.
Click here for a summary of the demersal management issue.
How do we know the West Coast demersal fishery will reopen in September 2027?
Recfishwest has received assurances from the Fisheries Minister that the West Coast demersal fishery will reopen in spring 2027. The Government has taken out ads in the West Australian that say the fishery will open at this time and the Premier is on record committing to reopen the fishery in September 2027.
We understand some concerns raised about other closures in interstate fisheries, including a snapper closure introduced in South Australia in 2019 that has since been extended. In that particular case, reopening of the SA snapper fishery was dependent on stock recovery targets that have not yet been achieved.
In WA, the Government has committed a West Coast demersal fishery reopening date of spring 2027. This reopening date is not tied to any stock recovery targets.
Can I still fish for demersal fish from the shore?
Yes. The closure applies only to boat-based demersal fishing. Land-based line fishing and land-based spearfishing can continue year-round outside existing closed areas.
What is a demersal fish?
For the list of demersal species, see pages 16-21 of DPIRD’s Recreational Fishing Guide by clicking here. In addition, DPIRD has provided this list of West Coast demersal fishery species.
Does Recfishwest agree with the science that has been used to justify these changes?
While the science is not perfect, like many fishers we agree that there is a problem with dhufish and that dhufish fishing is a shadow of what it used to be 10-20 years ago. While there are lots of smaller dhufish around, there are still not as many big breeder fish as there used to be – and the science clearly reflects this.
The assessment for pink snapper does not reflect what fishers have been experiencing out on the water, with many reporting the fishing has been as good as it has been in many years, and fishers are seeing plenty of snapper of various sizes. While the assessment indicates pink snapper biomass remains below long-term target levels, it also shows that biomass has increased in recent years, suggesting the stock is trending in a positive direction.
Did Recfishwest call for the 20-month closure on the west coast?
No. This was a government decision. While we did not support an extended closure outside peak dhufish spawning periods, the fish must come first. These changes will leave more than 800 tonnes of fish in the water, lock in spawning protection, and set the fishery up for a much stronger reopening in 2027 and beyond.
Will I get a discount on my licence?
No, although we would like to see one. However, the Government’s support package includes $3.3 million for tackle shop rebates, likely to be delivered as a $25 voucher for licensed boat fishers to spend at local tackle stores.
Will I still be able to go deep dropping or fish for other demersals that won’t impact on dhufish?
At this stage deep dropping for demersals is also closed until spring 2027. The Government has said it may consider a species-level management approach recognising different recovery rates. This could include the exploration of low-impact fishing opportunities that don’t affect dhufish, such as shallow-water snapper fishing and deep-drop fishing.
What is the peak dhufish spawning period?
Dhufish on the lower west coast of WA can spawn between October and May, with a peak spawning period extending from December to March.
What’s being done about sharks?
Recfishwest has consistently pushed for serious action on shark bite-offs. The Fisheries Minister has stated that the Government will allow other commercial fisheries, including commercial rock lobster fishers in the West Coast, to catch sharks. That said, we will continue to press for stronger, science-led solutions to the shark bite-off problem.
What’s happening with bag limits?
A review of statewide demersal bag limits is due to take place in 2026. When the west coast demersal fishery re-opens in September 2027, we favour resetting the dhufish limit to one per person, a measure Recfishwest has consistently called for.
Do you have concerns there will be a lot of additional fishing pressure on non-demersal species?
We don’t expect this to cause major problems. Most nearshore and pelagic species grow faster, mature earlier and reproduce more quickly, which makes them better able to handle changes in fishing pressure.
Will the closure push too much pressure onto other regions?
Fishing effort is spread across multiple species, methods and regions, reducing the risk of concentrated pressure. There is no evidence the management measures introduced in 2023 including the current five and a half month demersal closures have resulted in increased fishing effort in other bioregions. In fact, the latest I-Survey of boat-based fishing has shown a drop in fishing effort in neighbouring bioregions boarding the West Coast since 2021.
Why does Recfishwest not support mandatory catch reporting?
We do not support mandatory catch reporting because we are yet to see any evidence globally or within Australia that it works or will produce better or more reliable recreational catch data than we currently have. That said, the government has announced real-time reporting of high-risk demersal fish will start “later in 2026” and if this involves mandatory reporting of recreational catches, we will work constructively to assess any solutions the Government puts forward and, if it genuinely works, we’ll back it.
