In August 2022, the Government made a shock announcement proposing an annual nine-month west coast demersal fishing ban.
We reject the Government’s initial proposal and think there is a better and fairer way to deliver catch reductions without the devastating social and economic impact on the recreational sector that a nine-month ban would cause.
Our package of alternative recommendations we gave to the Government was informed by an expert working group comprising business owners, charter fishers, fishing clubs and keen recreational fishers.
Read Recfishwest’s package of recommendations here
A WA fishing community record survey of nearly 6,000 respondents also helped inform the package of recommendations.
The package is well balanced and focused on protecting spawning fish while delivering the best social and economic benefits, along with better fishing rules, enhanced education and more research.
We are all committed to the sustainability of this great fishery and our package protects the fish and protects fishing experiences.
Coral trout underwater – Credit Al McGlashan
We are engaging with Government stakeholders to ensure there’s awareness of the damage caused by their proposal and the benefits of our alternative. The strength of feeling against the Government’s proposals within the community was highlighted by the 18,500-plus online petition against the proposed eight to nine month ban making it the biggest parliamentary online petition in WA’s history!
We will continue to work with Government to develop a sensible alternative.
Dhufish underwater – Credit Fishes of Australia