Overview
- The state convened industry, recreational, scientific and environmental groups on Monday to chart responses to collapsing demersal fish stocks.
- DPIRD advised that temporary closures and 50–100% catch reductions are being considered for severe‑risk zones, including the West Coast and Pilbara.
- Department updates state WA dhufish are 85% depleted statewide and as low as 7% off Perth, with northern and southern snapper down 83% and 80%, and overfishing preventing recovery.
- Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis ruled out blanket mandatory catch reporting for recreational fishers, citing a pre‑election commitment, while leaving room for species‑specific reporting if the sector agrees.
- WA Fishing Industry Council leaders demanded compulsory reporting and expressed frustration, Recfishwest rejected it as unreliable and urged stronger protection of spawning stock, and political figures exchanged blame over past management.