Western Australia's Demersal Fishing Ban: Impact and Response Across the West Coast

A demersal fishing ban has been implemented across Western Australia's West Coast fishery zone, stretching an 800-kilometer expanse from Kalbarri to Augusta. This significant measure prohibits the catching and keeping of demersal species, including dhufish and pink snapper, affecting both commercial fishers and local businesses in towns like Kalbarri.

Commercial Fishing Sector Grapples with Ban

For commercial fisherman Phil de Grauw, with over four decades of experience, the new regulations have meant two months of enforced inactivity for his boat.

"The commercial fishing sector [has been] totally removed."

De Grauw expressed significant concern about a potential compulsory buyout of commercial fishing licenses. He recently completed a refit on his boat and stated that he would have delayed the work had he known about the impending ban. Kalbarri is reportedly slated for inclusion in the Gascoyne fishery zone by 2028, where current restrictions do not apply, leaving de Grauw in an uncertain interim period.

Local Businesses Face Economic Fallout

Kalbarri's economy, heavily reliant on fishing and tourism, is experiencing the ripple effects of the ban. Local businesses that supported the fishing industry, such as restaurants, bait and ice suppliers, and freight companies, are facing downstream impacts. Tourist numbers are also affected by a temporary ban on boat-based recreational fishing, which is set to last until spring of next year.

Steve Eley, who acquired a local tackle shop shortly before the ban was announced, is now contending with significant financial concerns for his family's business. He indicated that other local businesses are also struggling. Murchison Boat Hire, a company that rents boats to fishers, has reported losing thousands of dollars in cancelled bookings and is currently ineligible for government compensation.

Government Defends Action, Offers Support

The Western Australian government asserts that the ban is essential for rebuilding severely depleted fish stocks. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed her openness to an inquiry into the management of state fisheries but maintained that pausing the ban was not an option.

The ban is "essential for rebuilding severely depleted fish stocks."

The government has committed nearly $30 million in support, including $20 million designated for buying out commercial fisheries and approximately $3 million in rebates for tackle shops. Jarvis confirmed that 18 commercial licenses have already been bought out for around $1.1 million, and "act of grace" payments have been offered to all 41 operators, covering about 70 commercial licenses. The Minister also suggested that the impact on tackle shops might not be as severe as perceived, noting that other species can still be fished. A new advisory committee is set to shape support packages for these businesses before the April school holidays.

Community Pushback and Scientific Warnings

Fishers and community members have voiced strong criticism, with some feeling they are being punished for past government policy failures. A petition calling for a parliamentary inquiry has garnered 34,000 signatures. Tackle shop owners, including Steve Eley, have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of communication from authorities.

Scientists have issued warnings about the declining health of demersal fish stocks, with dhufish populations specifically noted for their decline. This decline has persisted even after the state government increased bag limits and removed size restrictions for dhufish in 2021. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development states it is actively engaging with tackle shops and providing educational materials online and in person. In response to these significant changes, the Eleys are strategically pivoting their business to focus on land-based and pelagic fishing products, as well as diving gear.