New statewide reforms for demersal fishing in WA

WA’s iconic demersal fish are at serious risk.  Numbers of key spawning species, including pink snapper, red emperor and WA dhufish have fallen to dangerously low levels in some parts of the state.  Immediate action is needed to protect these species and ensure healthy fish stocks for the future. 

The WA Government has made the difficult decision to introduce stronger measures across the state to protect at-risk demersal fish. 

Why are these fishing reforms in place? 

The latest science has shown that several demersal fish species are under serious threat from continued fishing pressure.  

After seeking input from fishing sectors and the community, management actions have been announced which impact recreational, charter and commercial fishing sectors.  

Everyone needs to play their part for future generations of fishers. 

What fishing reforms are in place? 

There are various changes across WA for recreational, charter and commercial fishing which include significant changes to the West Coast bioregion. 

Boat-based recreational demersal fishing in the West Coast bioregion from Kalbarri to Augusta, will not reopen on 16 December 2025. It will re-open in Spring 2027 exclusively as a recreational fishing zone. 

Charter fishing in the Perth metropolitan area will be closed from 16 December 2025, however charter fishing for demersal fish under the tag system will continue in the remainder of the West Coast bioregion under a reduced annual catch limit of 25 tonnes. The West Coast bioregion will be permanently closed to commercial fishing for demersal from 1 January 2026. 

To find out what this means for you, visit dpird.wa.gov.au/demersal