Two new initiatives have been announced by the State Government as part of its ongoing demersal fisheries reform package.
Both initiatives stem from commitments made in December last year as part of the State Government’s response to demersal sustainability challenges and broader fisheries reform measures.
Importantly, the tackle rebate scheme is designed to support WA fishers and local tackle businesses following the biggest fisheries management reset in WA history.
Here’s a quick overview of what was announced and our take on it.
New demersal rules from 1 June
The new rules will apply outside the West Coast Bioregion.
Key changes include:
- A mixed demersal bag limit of four demersal fish per person per day (previously five)
- Dhufish reduced to one fish. Coral trout, coronation trout and western blue groper remain at one fish per species.
- Pink snapper, red emperor and tuskfish species (including baldchin groper and bluebone) reduced to two per species.
- On the South Coast, nannygai remain outside the mixed demersal limit, with a bag limit of four fish per person per day.
- The size limit for pink snapper and red emperor will now be 45 cm.
For all the details on the changes click on DPIRD’s website here
The Minister also confirmed future management arrangements for the West Coast Bioregion are still under consideration and will be announced ahead of the reopening of the demersal fishery in Spring 2027.
“Overall, we believe the changes announced today are balanced, sensible and broadly reflect the feedback we’ve been hearing from fishers we’ve been talking to across the State,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.
“Importantly, the new rules support the sustainability of key species outside the west coast closure, such as red emperor in the Pilbara and pink snapper on the South Coast, and are a direct response to ensure these fisheries remain healthy for the long term.”
And it’s worth noting that the new rules are now simpler and easier to understand.
Click here to read the Minister’s media release.
$50 tackle shop rebate scheme
This is a positive initiative and a perfect excuse to head into your local tackle shop and grab some new gear.
All current boat fishing licence holders will be eligible to claim a rebate of up to $50 on fishing gear purchased through participating WA independent tackle retailers.
“This is a fair and practical step from the Government in recognising that many boat fishing licence holders have paid for access to a demersal fishery they can’t currently use,” said Andrew. “It’s the first time we’ve seen this kind of response, and it’s a sensible way to acknowledge that impact in a way that supports both fishers and local tackle businesses.”
With more than 40 independent tackle shops across WA participating in the scheme, it should be easy enough to get some new gear and the kind of clued-up fishing advice your local tackle shop can provide.
From today, simply keep your receipt after purchasing eligible gear and submit your claim through the ServiceWA app or an online form to get your rebate from next Monday, 18 May, up until 17 November, 2026.
Click here to learn how to claim your rebate and see participating tackle stores.
