demersal fishing ban

WA's Demersal Fishing Ban: The Deep Dive into Saving Our Iconic Fish

A significant shift is underway in the waters off Western Australia. In a bold and controversial move to rescue severely threatened fish stocks, the State Government has implemented sweeping reforms to demersal fishing. These changes, affecting both commercial and recreational fishers, mark what industry groups are calling the "biggest fisheries reset in WA's history."

The core of the new regulations is a permanent ban on commercial demersal fishing across nearly 900 kilometres of coastline, alongside strict seasonal closures for recreational anglers. The goal is clear: to pull iconic species like the West Australian dhufish and pink snapper back from the brink of collapse and secure the future of the state's marine ecosystem.

A State of Emergency for Underwater Giants

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Reports from late 2025 highlighted grave fears for the health of key demersal, or bottom-dwelling, species. The West Coast bioregion, stretching from Kalbarri in the north to Augusta in the south, has been the epicentre of these concerns, with breeding stocks critically low.

In response, the Cook Government announced a suite of stringent bans designed to provide immediate relief for these vulnerable populations. The new framework, which came into effect from December 16, 2025, fundamentally alters the fishing landscape for everyone from large-scale commercial operators to weekend hobbyists.

According to a detailed ABC News report, the restrictions are a direct reaction to scientific advice indicating that without drastic intervention, these fish populations could face irreversible decline. The measures are designed to halt the pressure on breeding stocks, giving them a chance to recover naturally.

The New Rules: What Has Actually Changed?

To understand the impact, it's essential to look at the specifics of the reform package. The changes are not a blanket ban but a carefully targeted set of regulations differentiating between commercial, recreational, and charter fishing activities.

Commercial Fishing Overhaul

The most dramatic change is for the commercial sector. Permanent demersal fishing has been banned across the entire West Coast bioregion. This vast area, which includes the state's most populated coastal regions, will now be exclusively for recreational fishing. This move is expected to have a profound impact on the industry and the affordability of popular fish in local fish and chips shops.

Recreational and Charter Sector Restrictions

For the state's keen anglers, the rules are also tight. A temporary closure to recreational demersal fishing is in place for the West Coast bioregion, excluding land-based line fishing. This ban runs through the traditional summer holidays and is currently set to last until 2027.

Charter operations, a significant part of WA's tourism and fishing economy, face similar restrictions. In the metropolitan zone, charter vessels are subject to a temporary closure for demersal species, though other zones have different rules. These measures are outlined in official government FAQs, which aim to guide fishers through the complex new landscape.

The Industry Reacts: Shock and Support

The announcement has sent ripples through the community, creating a stark divide between those who see it as an economic threat and those who view it as an essential environmental safeguard.

'Shell-Shocked' Fishers

The commercial fishing lobby has expressed dismay, describing the industry as "shell-shocked." They warn of significant economic consequences, suggesting that affordable fish and chips could become a thing of the past due to the reduced supply. The permanent closure of major fishing grounds threatens livelihoods built over generations.

A Win for Long-Term Sustainability

In stark contrast, recreational fishing body Recfishwest has championed the reforms, calling them a necessary reset. They argue that while the short-term pain is undeniable, the long-term gains for species like dhufish and the future of recreational fishing are invaluable. This sentiment is echoed by the tourism sector. The Tourism Council WA has welcomed the safeguards, recognising that a healthy marine ecosystem is the foundation of a thriving marine tourism industry. As noted in a piece by Andrew Rowland for The West Australian, WA has a genuine opportunity to lead the nation in demonstrating how to balance resource use with environmental stewardship.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Now

This isn't just about fish; it's about the health of our oceans and the legacy we leave for future generations. The stories of collapsing fisheries are a global problem, and WA's decisive action places it at the forefront of a challenging but necessary conversation.

The Silent Victims: Dolphins and Marine Life

One of the most compelling, yet often overlooked, aspects of this debate is the collateral benefit to other marine life. Reports from outlets like Mirage News highlight a crucial point: shutting down damaging fishing practices saves more than just target species. Demersal fishing methods can have unintended consequences for other animals, including dolphins. By reducing harmful activities, the new regulations provide a lifeline for a wider array of marine biodiversity, helping to protect the entire underwater tapestry.

A Precedent for the Future

The scale of these changes sets a powerful precedent. It demonstrates a willingness to make tough decisions in the face of scientific evidence. The move to permanently close vast swathes of the coastline to commercial pressure is one of the most aggressive conservation strategies seen in Australia. It signals a potential shift in how we manage our natural resources, moving from a model of constant extraction to one of managed recovery.

The Road Ahead: Recovery and Adaptation

While the immediate effect is disruption, the future outlook is predicated on recovery. The bans are not intended to be permanent for all sectors; they are a calculated intervention designed to rebuild stocks to a sustainable level. The key question now is: how long will it take, and what happens next?

Monitoring and Adjustment

The success of this "fisheries reset" will depend on rigorous scientific monitoring. Fisheries scientists will be closely tracking population numbers to determine if the stocks are responding as hoped. The current timeline for recreational closures until 2027 is a target, but it will be dictated by the health of the fish populations. If recovery is slower than expected, closures could be extended; if it's faster, there may be scope for earlier, carefully managed reopenings.

Economic and Social Adaptation

The fishing industry and coastal communities will now face a period of adaptation. For the commercial sector, this may involve exploring different species, investing in more selective gear for other fisheries, or transitioning out of the industry entirely. Government support packages may become a topic of discussion. For recreational fishers, the focus will shift to other species and methods, and a renewed appreciation for the resource once it becomes available again. The long-term vision is a thriving fishery that can be enjoyed sustainably for generations to come.

In conclusion, Western Australia has drawn a line in the sand. The demersal fishing ban is a high-stakes gamble on the resilience of nature. It is a story of science, economics, and culture colliding. For now, the lines are out of the water, and the state is waiting, hoping that its bold action will ensure that the iconic dhufish and its neighbours can once again thrive in the deep blue waters off our coast.