Below is our initial response to the Government’s announcement about the latest Statewide demersal scalefish stock assessment.
Recreational fishers care deeply about the future of WA’s demersal scalefish, and the new science shows that challenges extend across the State, not just the west coast. These are complex fisheries with long-lived species, and the latest science makes it clear that rebuilding stocks, while striking the right balance and recognising the social and economic benefits these fisheries provide, is not simple or quick.
Fishers’ efforts so far have made a difference. We acknowledge that future management actions will be required to ensure sustainability, and that recreational fishers are committed to continuing to play our part.
It’s encouraging that the Minister has said all management options will be on the table when stakeholders come together at the Fishing Futures forum in October. This is the right approach. Solutions will need to be guided by the best available science, while carefully balancing the social and economic benefits these fisheries deliver.
Recfishwest welcomes this forum as an important opportunity to contribute constructively alongside government, scientists, the commercial fishing sector, and others. We will continue to advocate for healthy fish stocks and fair outcomes for every WA family that goes fishing.
At this stage, no specific proposals are on the table. The October forum is about coming together to understand the science, explore the options, and work towards long-term solutions. Recfishwest is committed to ensuring recreational fishers are part of that conversation and that decisions reflect the importance of these iconic fish to our lifestyle, culture, and coastal communities.
We also released a joint statement below to the media with the WA Fishing Industry Council highlighting our shared concerns.
Recfishwest and WA Fishing Industry Council joint statement:
“Western Australia’s fishing sectors care deeply about the future of WA’s demersal scalefish, and the new science shows that challenges extend across the State. This is bigger than one fishery or one sector.
“WAFIC and Recfishwest welcome the Minister’s Fishing Futures forum in October and are committed to working with Government and scientists towards ensuring healthy demersal stocks for generations to come.
“Healthy fish stocks are essential for our coastal communities, our fishing industries, and for every West Australian who values these iconic species.”
Comments from WA Fishing Industry Council Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Haslam:
“The stock assessment results are shocking but unfortunately have not come as a surprise. WAFIC have been calling for fisheries management reform for many years now.
“Neither the commercial or recreational sector are fishing outside of their regulations, yet demersal fish stocks are in a severe or critical condition. The rules are wrong.
“This is a shared public resource, and we support the need to work with all parties to develop a way forward that will ensure a sustainable future for the West Coast Demersal Fishery.
“NO shying away from tough management reform – it’s time to get it done.”
Comments from Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland
“Healthy fish stocks and fair outcomes matter to every WA family that goes fishing.
“Fishing for demersals is central to WA’s lifestyle, culture and coastal communities, delivering benefits far beyond the fish themselves.
“Solutions will need to be guided by the best available science, while carefully balancing the social and economic benefits these fisheries deliver.”
Our track record
Recfishwest has always been proactive when it comes to caring for fish and creating better fishing opportunities. We’ve led changes and invested in programs that make a difference, including:
- Leading the introduction of snapper spawning closures more than two decades ago.
- Driving release weight development and education to reduce barotrauma and improve release survival.
- Stocking pink snapper into Cockburn Sound in the face of uncertainty, and building stocking programs for kingfish, mulloway, barra and marron.
- Investing in more than 50 hectares of artificial reefs to create productive fish habitat.
- Rolling out WA’s first Statewide FADs program, opening up alternative fishing opportunities.
- Supporting “Fishing for Science” citizen science to build knowledge and trust in the data.
- Developing the Recfishwest Fishing Rules app, helping fishers do the right thing.
These actions show we are prepared to step up, invest and lead. We’ll bring the same proactive approach to the current demersal challenge to ensure sustainable fish stocks and great fishing for the future.
