Concerns Over WA Demersal Closure Misinformation
The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) recognises the growing concern within the industry about widespread misinformation circulating since the state’s demersal management changes were announced. The association noted that commentary on social media and in political debate has incorrectly suggested that all fishing across Western Australia has been shut down.
Current Status of Fishing Across WA Regions
To counter what it describes as misleading public claims, AFTA outlined the actual regulatory settings across the state:
Gascoyne Region
Recreational & charter fishing: open
Commercial: open
Kimberley Region
Recreational & charter fishing: open
Commercial: 50% catch reduction
Pilbara Region
Recreational & charter fishing: open
Commercial: 50% catch reduction
South Coast Region
Recreational & charter fishing: open
Commercial: 50% catch reduction
West Coast Region
Recreational & charter fishing: closed until Spring 2027
All 41 commercial licences have been acquired by the Government, with many previously identified as “ghost licences”
AFTA emphasised that three of the regions responsible for the majority of WA’s commercial catch are operating under a 50% reduction, while one region remains unchanged. The association argues that claims suggesting Western Australians will have “no seafood to eat” are inaccurate and unnecessarily alarmist.
What Recreational Fishers Can Still Catch
AFTA also highlighted that recreational fishers retain significant fishing opportunities despite the demersal restrictions.
Shore‑based fishing:
Demersal species may still be targeted from the shore
Spearfishing from shore remains permitted for all species except Dhu Fish in the West Coast bioregion
Boat‑based fishing:
Remains open for a wide range of species, including:
Pelagic species:
Bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, dolphinfish, wahoo, Spanish mackerel, shark mackerel, marlin, yellowtail kingfish, samson fish, bonito
Nearshore species:
King George whiting, sand whiting, yellowfin whiting, skippy, flathead, squid, cuttlefish, tailor, flounder, mulloway, herring, crayfish, blue manna crabs, black bream, Australian salmon, and size‑limit sharks
Freshwater species:
The freshwater fishery remains open, though it represents a comparatively small component of WA’s overall fishery
Demersal Species Currently Off‑Limits Until September 2027
The key demersal species now under closure in the West Coast bioregion include: Dhu fish, pink snapper, breaksea cod, baldchin groper, nannygai, blue groper, all trout species, all emperor species, and deep‑drop species such as eight‑bar and grey‑banded cod.
Political Response
Following AFTA’s clarification during an interview on 6PR, the association was immediately contacted by Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA, who requested an urgent meeting with the board on 5 March. The swift response, AFTA noted, raised further questions about the political handling of fisheries policy in Western Australia and confusion that AFTA was a representative body for the commercial fishing sector