Planning has now formally begun for the proposed Exmouth Gulf Marine Park – and if you fish the Gulf, it’s important to get informed and involved early.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has outlined an eight-stage process to guide development of the park.
Importantly, after strong community feedback during the South Coast Marine Park process, this one looks different. The process is more staged, more transparent and provides clearer points where recreational fishers can shape the outcome.
Exmouth Gulf is one of Western Australia’s most unique and accessible tropical fishing environments, so supporting fishers in shaping the marine park is critical.
What’s been announced?
In September 2025, the WA Government announced its intention to establish a whole-of-gulf marine park.
Formal planning has now begun, with DBCA initiating Stage 1 community and stakeholder engagement
Click here to view the full process outline on DBCA’s website.
How the planning process works
DBCA has outlined an eight-stage planning framework
Stage 1: (2025–26): Community and stakeholder engagement
Stage 2: (2026): Draft zoning scheme prepared
Stage 3: (Late 2026): Draft zoning released for targeted consultation
Stage 4: Amendments to draft zoning and preparation of draft management plan
Stage 5: Draft management plan released for public submissions (minimum three months)
Stage 6: Plan amended following submissions
Stage 7: Ministerial approval and gazettal
Stage 8: Zones come into effect one year after gazettal
Importantly, there are multiple opportunities for influence before decisions are locked in, particularly during early zoning development and formal public consultation.
Why Exmouth Gulf is different
Our early spatial survey work and on-ground engagement confirm what many local fishers already know:
• The Gulf provides safe, accessible tropical fishing experiences not found elsewhere in WA
• Different user groups rely on different parts of the Gulf –such as game fishers, spear fishers, fly-fishers
• Islands, shoals, sailfish grounds, flats, creeks and sheltered areas all hold specific values
• Fishing activities are often seasonal
• Weather and safety strongly influence where people can fish
In short, areas in the Gulf are not interchangeable.
That’s why broad, uniform sanctuary zoning would be problematic. The Gulf demands nuance. Spatial design must reflect how people actually use it- and how fish move through it.
Recfishwest’s approach
To date, DBCA engagement has been inclusive and constructive.
We’ve already:
• Conducted on-ground visits to Exmouth
• Engaged local clubs including Exmouth Game Fishing Club and Saltwater Flyrodders
• Deployed a spatial fishing values survey
• Presented preliminary results to DBCA and DPIRD
• Secured dedicated engagement sessions for fishers in both Exmouth and Perth
Your opportunity to engage
Stage 1 sessions are now underway.
This phase is about understanding community sentiment before draft zoning is prepared. That makes it one of the most important points in the entire process.
If you fish Exmouth Gulf – whether you’re local, visiting, charter-based, fly, game or spear- we strongly encourage you to engage constructively. We will continue to:
• Ensure grassroots input is coordinated, evidence-based and aligned
• Provide clear updates as zoning concepts emerge
• Share guidance on how to make effective submissions
The bottom line
Exmouth Gulf is a special place. It supports unique fishing experiences, local livelihoods and visiting tourism.
The planning process appears more structured and responsive than previous marine park exercises. That’s a positive shift.
Our job is to engage early, engage constructively, and make sure recreational fishing values are embedded from the outset, not bolted on at the end.
We’ll keep you informed at every step.
