WAFIC’s position

WAFIC supports sustainable, science-based fisheries management — healthy demersal stocks are essential for future generations and for the fishing families and coastal communities who depend on them. But the Government’s decision to permanently ban commercial demersal fishing across the West Coast bioregion goes too far, too fast, with major consequences for WA jobs, regional towns, and the local seafood supply chain.

We’re calling for fairness, transparency and genuine consultation. That means a pause on a permanent shutdown, an independent look at the underlying data and assumptions, and a collaborative process to build smarter, adaptive solutions that reduce fishing pressure, protect breeding fish, and keep local, fresh WA seafood available to all West Australians — not just recreational fishers.

Our concerns — and what we’re ready to work on

Consultation

The WA Government must return to the negotiating table.

WAFIC and WA fishers are ready to work constructively with Government on science‑based, adaptive solutions that protect fish stocks and communities. A permanent ban announced without adequate consultation should not be the final word.

Impact on businesses

Tens of thousands of Western Australian families and businesses face significant financial costs, with a likely loss of equity in every business connected in the seafood supply chain and the prospect of unprecedented shutdowns.

Closures without transition planning is irresponsible and deeply damaging.

Compensation

$20M to buy back commercial licences is completely inadequate – and fishers are already struggling. Emergency financial relief must be released now, separate to final compensation payable, to help impacted fishers and dependent businesses stabilise operations, meet financial commitments and survive while negotiations are reopened.

Sustainability

The livelihood of commercial fishers relies on healthy fish stocks, and the sector already operates under strict regulation. The industry has operated under a government-endorsed, science-backed approach for decades – in the face of conflicting information and concerns about data quality, a review is required to identify the best path forward for managing sustainable fish stocks.

Impact on the community

The State Government’s decision means West Australians will pay more for fresh local seafood – and that’s if they can even find it in shops and on restaurant menus. While recreational fishers will be allowed to resume reeling in dhufish and snapper, non-fishing families don’t get a look in and lose access to a resource that belongs to everyone.

What we are seeking

We’re asking the WA Government to come back to the table — to pause and reconsider a permanent shutdown and work with WAFIC and affected communities on a fair, transparent, evidence-led path that protects demersal stocks and the jobs, supply chains and coastal towns that rely on them.

The Southern Demersal Gillnet and Longline industry is worth $17.1 million in Gross State Product to the Western Australian economy.

70 per cent of the total West Coast Dhufish and Southern West Coast snapper catch is taken by recreational fishers.

Almost all the demersal scalefish catch is consumed in WA – the export rate is less than 1 per cent.

There are 20 businesses that support the Western Australian commercial fishing sector, with a supply chain reaching restaurants, hotels, retailers, fish markets, sashimi outlets across WA.

The Southern Demersal commercial industry delivers $8.3 million in wages, and supports 121 full-time equivalent jobs.

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