Diners and commercial fishers are already feeling the bite of Western Australia’s new demersal fishing rules. The government’s plan to reduce demersal catch limits and shut down certain fisheries aims to protect species on the brink, but it’s also driving up prices and increasing reliance on imports across the state.
Under the new measures, commercial demersal fishers face an indefinite ban along a 700-kilometre stretch of coastline. Elsewhere, demersal catches are cut by half, and the Pilbara trawl industry is completely closed. These drastic changes have sparked concern from the food service sector and fishers alike about the availability and cost of fish for meals.
The shift toward more imported seafood worries Geraldton fisherman David Dyson. He notes a clear demand for species like dhufish, but supply won’t meet it, meaning more imported options will appear on menus—and fewer opportunities for locals to enjoy quality, locally sourced fish.
Prices are a major concern for consumers. Dyson warns that people may be priced out of the market and could lose access to beloved fish like dhufish altogether. The government has allocated $20 million for a compulsory buyout of licenses, but industry voices say that amount barely scratches the surface when current incomes are wiped out and sustaining livelihoods becomes the bigger hurdle.
Ecological and social factors are central to the debate. In Western Australia, roughly 75 percent of demersal fish is consumed domestically, with nearly half of it sold through food service. The Pilbara trawl sector alone accounts for about 40 percent of the state’s demersal supply, making the reforms particularly impactful for local supply chains and regional economies.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis emphasizes a safety imperative behind the policy, citing environmental concerns like the bycatch of dolphins, endangered sawfish, and sea snakes in nets. She notes recent figures showing dolphins dying in trawling and heightened sightings of endangered sawfish.
For industry veterans like Colin Cox, who has run Skeetas in Geraldton for over three decades, the changes threaten long-standing traditions and community identity. Cox’s business relies on locally sourced demersal fish, and he worries that popular offerings—such as dhufish—will disappear from menus, and fresh local options may become scarce.
Public access to fresh fish is a further concern. Latitude Direct’s Julie Boschetti reports disappointment at the prospect that ordinary households may struggle to buy fresh fish locally, especially when recreational fishing and boat ownership are out of reach for many.
Industry voices argue that broad management strategies may overshoot, removing many species from consideration as sustainable options instead of targeting the few that truly require protection. Revolution Fisheries’ Anthony Heslewood contends that even species with low risk, like nannygai, are being excluded from the market, undermining the goal of sustainability and harming regional communities.
The central tension is clear: how to balance protecting vulnerable marine life with maintaining affordable, local seafood for the public. As discussions continue, the question remains—are these sweeping restrictions the best path to long-term sustainability, or should policies focus more narrowly on truly at-risk species while supporting workers and consumers who depend on the industry? Share your views on whether the reforms strike the right balance and what alternatives you’d consider in the comments.
