WA’s demersal fishery crisis deepens as forum meets to discuss potential solutions to critical fishery levels

WA’s demersal fisheries are in crisis, with new stock assessments — particularly in the Mid West and Gascoyne — showing key species such as pink snapper, dhufish and red emperor remain at critically low levels along much of the west coast.

The State Government says nothing is off the table as it looks for ways to halt the decline and rebuild fish stocks.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s latest review, independently assessed by CSIRO fisheries scientist Professor Andre Punt confirmed demersal stocks faced ongoing depletion despite existing restrictions.

The findings have prompted urgent calls for stronger action to prevent the long-term collapse of some of the State’s best-known fish species.

The Cook Government convened the Fishing Futures Forum on Monday, bringing together commercial, recreational and charter fishers, along with scientists, traditional owners and conservation groups, to discuss management options.

Participants were briefed on the latest science and asked to provide feedback on potential measures including stricter catch limits, improved monitoring, and extended seasonal closures.

Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said the forum confirmed fishers across all sectors understood the seriousness of the issue and the Government was prepared to consider all options.

“We know that several demersal species Statewide are under serious threat from continued fishing pressure, including pink snapper, red emperor, and dhufish — which is only found in WA,” she said.

“We want to ensure our kids and grandkids can enjoy the same fishing opportunities as we can today.”

Ms Jarvis said the Government would consider recommendations from the forum and submissions from a public survey before finalising management decisions later this year.

However, the Opposition said the situation reflected poor management.

Shadow fisheries minister and Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr said nearly a decade of neglect and a lack of consistent leadership had left the sector vulnerable.

“WA’s fisheries sector is in a very dire situation – the result of almost nine years of Labor mismanagement and a revolving door of fisheries ministers,” Ms Warr said.

“WA’s fisheries are the envy of the world. Without urgent, genuine collaboration, we risk losing that reputation, and the jobs, industries, and communities that depend on it.”

Industry bodies have also expressed frustration. In a joint statement released in September, the WA Fishing Industry Council and Recfishwest said the stock assessment results were “shocking but not surprising”, arguing current regulations were failing to protect fish stocks.

“Neither the commercial or recreational sector are fishing outside of their regulations, yet demersal fish stocks are in a severe or critical condition. The rules are wrong,” WA Fishing Industry Council CEO Melissa Haslam said.

“No shying away from tough management reform — it’s time to get it done.”

Despite the grim outlook, the Gascoyne region has been a rare success story.

The local oceanic pink snapper fishery has rebounded after being placed under a recovery strategy in 2018.

Commercial fishers voluntarily reduced their catch from 240 tonnes to 50 tonnes mid-season, and supported the creation of a closed-fishing zone around key spawning areas.

By 2024, the female spawning biomass was assessed above the sustainability threshold, three years earlier than forecast.

“The original estimated time of recovery was positioned for 2037, but signs are now pointing to a full recovery later in 2025,” Sabea Fishing Company managing director Phil de Grauw said.

“This recovery strategy is a great example of what can be achieved when fisheries and fisheries managers work together.”