Western Australia (WA) has imposed permanent commercial bans and long recreational closures across a vast stretch of its coastline to protect the iconic demersal fish species.
The move follows new stock assessments showing key species, such as dhufish and pink snapper, are under threat and require government intervention.
“These are difficult decisions to make, but they are the right thing to do. We want our kids and grandkids to be able to enjoy fishing in our beautiful State into the future,” said Premier Roger Cook in a statement issued on Dec. 3.
West Coast Shutdown
Under the reforms, the entire West Coast Region—stretching from Kalbarri to Augusta, including Perth—will remain closed to boat-based recreational demersal fishing beyond its scheduled Dec. 16 reopening. The closure will instead extend for 21 months, with the fishery to resume in September 2027 for the spring season.
The state government has also confirmed the region will be permanently shut to commercial demersal fishing from Jan. 1, 2026.
A compulsory buyback of line and gillnet licences will accompany the ban, marking a structural shift in the state’s fishing industry.
While recreational boat-based fishing will be halted, beach fishing for demersal species can continue during the recovery period.
The state will also finalise a new policy on additional spatial and seasonal closures to protect spawning stocks before the 2027 reopening.
