Protecting WA’s iconic fish and ensuring great fishing for future generations is something all West Aussies can get behind.
Last month’s release of new stock assessments for WA’s key demersal species, including pink snapper, red emperor, nannygai and dhufish, has prompted the Government to review how these fisheries are managed across the State.
WA fish for West Aussies
WA’s fish belong to everyone.
Yet 90 per cent of all demersal fish caught in WA are taken by the commercial fishing sector with a significant amount of that catch leaving the State for markets over east or abroad.
By contrast, every fish caught by WA’s recreational fishers stays right here in Western Australia – enjoyed by West Aussies, supporting local jobs, small businesses and coastal communities.
Our fishing also supports regional tourism, family connection, mental wellbeing – benefits that don’t show up on a fisheries spreadsheet but make a real difference to people’s lives.
Fishers across the State are already doing their part by getting their lines out during spawning periods to protect breeding fish. Isn’t it time everyone who fishes did the same?
Commercial fishing has its place, it is an important part of the mix. But fairness means a more balanced system where all sectors share responsibility for rebuilding fish stocks and ensuring these precious public fisheries deliver for everyone.
Weighing up the facts
• Around 90% of WA’s demersal fish are taken by the commercial sector; recreational fishers and charter boats take just 10%.
• In the south, each demersal fish caught recreationally is worth up to 10 times more community value through tourism, local spending and wellbeing.
• Recreational fishers adhere to and support spawning closures for pink snapper in Cockburn Sound and Shark Bay, and for baldchin groper in the Abrolhos.
• We also stay off the water during the peak dhufish spawning period to protect breeding fish, yet no equivalent closure currently applies to the commercial sector.
• Recreational fishers have reduced their dhufish catch by 30% in the last two years under new rules.
We fish, we care
Recreational fishers are conservationists at heart. We have a strong commitment to protecting the fish and the environments we love by:
• Initiating and supporting spawning closures for key species including pink snapper in Cockburn Sound.
• Launching a grassroots demersal stewardship movement, Dhufish Forever.
• Stocking pink snapper through the community-led Snapper Guardians program (pictured below).
• Restoring vital fish habitat and nursery areas through seagrass restoration projects such as Seeds for Snapper, driven by the recreational sector and now supported by the Government.
• Creating new habitat and opportunities through artificial reefs, the Statewide FADs network and the stocking of species such as yellowtail kingfish.
This is science-backed stewardship in action and a proven record of caring for our fish, our ocean and our future.
The way forward
WA can lead the nation in value-based fisheries management – one that protects fish stocks, supports communities and ensures our sustainable public fisheries are shared fairly among all West Aussies.
That starts with protecting the breeders. It’s a no-brainer – and all sectors need to play their role. Protecting the breeders is the best conservation tool we have, and that’s why we’re calling for spawning protections across all sectors – simple, effective and science-backed.
Many fishers are seeing good catches first hand – experiences that don’t always line up with what the science is saying. These on-the-water observations matter. They offer valuable insights that can help build a more complete understanding of what’s happening in our fisheries and must be included within scientific frameworks.
Real reform means managing our oceans not just for fish, but for people – aligning decisions across fisheries, marine parks, tourism and regional development to maximise community benefits.
This is a simple policy step that will ensure West Australian fish for West Australian people forever.
Recfishwest will continue to lead with common sense, balance, and be informed by science – protecting the fish, standing up for fishers and ensuring great fishing experiences remain part of the Western Australian way of life for generations to come.
Working together to support sustainable use is how we protect our fish, our environment and our future.
The Government’s public survey remains open and it’s the best way to have your say. If you’ve already commented on social media, take a minute to make your views count further.
Click here and scroll down to the bottom of DPIRD’s demersal web page to have your say.
