Today, The West Australian published an opinion piece our CEO Dr Andrew Rowland wrote to ensure recreational fishers’ perspectives are clearly represented in the public discussion about demersal management.
Not everyone will agree on every point – and that’s okay. What matters most is that our collective voice is part of the conversation about the future of our fish and our fishing, and that we continue to advocate for fair and practical management that looks after both the fish and the people who care about them.
Read the opinion piece below.
West Australia could lead nation in fisheries management
Across Western Australia, few fish mean more to people than the mighty dhufish. These iconic fish are part of who we are, uniquely West Australian, found nowhere else, and the heartbeat of many family fishing stories.
That’s why the future of our statewide demersal Scalefish- including dhufish, red emperor, blue groper and others that live on the bottom – matters so deeply.
The Government is now considering the next phase of management for these species, and Recfishwest is advocating for reform that delivers a practical, fair and balanced outcome supporting both the fish and the communities who care about them.
Recreational fishers care passionately about these fish. The message we hear from our community every day is simple: put the fish first.
The science is never perfect, but the story on the water is clear – for dhufish, the fishing isn’t what it used to be. That’s why fishers have already accepted major changes.
On the West Coast, recreational demersal catches have been reduced by about 30 per cent, seasonal closures are in place, and we’ve long supported tighter bag limits for dhufish – a reduction we called for in early 2023 and which is still yet to occur.
These actions show that our community values sustainability and is prepared to play its role in helping stocks recover.
To support this, Recfishwest has developed a four-point plan to guide better management and rebuild fish stocks. It focuses on protecting fish where and when it matters most – particularly during spawning – reducing overall catches, safeguarding key habitats so populations can rebuild, and strengthening science and transparency because better information leads to better decisions.
Managing regionally is also essential, so each area is managed for what it does best to deliver a balance of recreation, tourism and seafood benefits.
This plan reflects what fishers have consistently told us: they want to do their bit, but they want management that makes sense.
The single most effective thing the Government can do to rebuild dhufish stocks is to protect the breeders. It’s a no-brainer. Everyone who has caught a dhufish full of eggs knows it in their gut. Protecting fish during spawning is the best conservation tool we have – simple, science-backed and proven to work. Based on survey results and science, WA fishers overwhelmingly agree that dhufish should be left alone to breed.
WA has the opportunity to lead the nation with fisheries management that protects fish stocks, supports local communities and ensures our sustainable public fisheries are shared fairly among all West Aussies. But that reform starts with protecting the breeders – and all sectors need to play their part.
While dhufish need more help, not every species tells the same story. Pink snapper along the West Coast, for example, have shown encouraging signs, with fishing improving in recent years. That’s worth acknowledging, and it suggests we can manage different species in smarter, more targeted ways rather than relying on blanket measures that treat them all the same.
Fishing sustains wellbeing, local economies and a lifelong connection to our coast. There is a real opportunity to rebuild dhufish stocks while still allowing access to other, less vulnerable species such as pink snapper in shallower waters. With the right approach, we can protect what needs protecting while keeping people on the water and connected to the lifestyle they love.
Recreational fishers are proud custodians of our marine environment. We want thriving fish stocks, healthy coastal communities and fair, transparent management that reflects WA values. Our four-point plan offers a clear way to achieve all of that.
At its heart, this is about looking after what matters most: the fish, the people and the coast that define our West Australian way of life.
Protecting the breeders is the key – the simplest, smartest and most effective step we can take for dhufish, for future generations and for every West Aussie who loves fishing.
