Media Release

AFTA Calls For Review Action On Seasonal Species Closures

The next seasonal Dhufish closure to recreational fishing from February 1 to March 31 is approaching. The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) has requested political parties to clarify their stance on the duration and timing of seasonal species closures across Western Australia ahead of the March 8 election.

While land-based recreational line fishers are not subject to the closed seasons and can fish all year, the number of Dhufish catches from the shore is minimal.

The purpose of spawning closures is to help demersal fish stocks recover, as the stress of capture can impact the success of spawning. However, having different closure periods for different participants in the same fishery may not align with best management practices.

AFTA seeks peer-reviewed scientific data that supports the reasons for implementing the West Coast bio region spawning close.

The Department of Fisheries suggests the average maximum spawning time is between February and March. Despite this, commercial operators can access the fishery during these months while the recreational sector is restricted.

Considering these concerns, AFTA requests:

  • Will your party commit to conducting a detailed and comprehensive scientific study, in collaboration with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), on the aggregation, breeding patterns (triggers), and locations of Snapper and Dhufish to ensure that future decisions are based on sound scientific evidence?
  • Will your party review the species closures with a view to increasing recreational fishing participation?