Fishing ban in WA: Fishers threaten class action against McGowan Government over changes


The WA fishing industry is threatening a class action against the McGowan Government, claiming it has been misled over plans for “devastating” closures of some of the State’s most prized fisheries.

The industry was in turmoil on Thursday night after Fisheries Minister Don Punch revealed dramatic new restrictions aimed at rebuilding stocks of demersal scalefish, including iconic indicator species pink snapper and dhufish.

Potential changes outlined by Mr Punch would mean either a 94-day recreational fishing season in staged openings from December to May, or a 123-day limit from April to October.

But several long-time industry identities were adamant either option would cause widespread devastation, including the immediate closure of many fishing-related businesses and ultimately causing significant damage to the many towns that rely on the past-time for economic viability.

There will be catastrophic impact in the metro zone where people will work out that their boats are not economically viable.

Recfishwest chief executive Andrew Rowland described the suggested limits as “completely unacceptable”. He said the working group he was on which made recommendations to the government had been largely ignored.

“The opportunity to set this fishery on a secure pathway through proper reforms should not be missed, and this discussion paper represents a complete failure of fisheries policy which destroys value rather than creates it,” Dr Rowland said.

“The Minister has an obligation to ensure a sustainable catch delivers the highest and best use to the community, and we believe the primary management measures outlined in today’s discussion paper do not even come close to achieving this.”

Frank Prokop, immediate past Recfishwest chief executive of 14 years, said the proposals were among the worst he had seen in his 33 years in the industry and would create a “disaster of the highest order”.

He claimed the government was at fault for ignoring suggested protective measures for pink snapper and dhufish in the early 2000s.

Camera IconFrank Prokop is a former boss of recreational fishing lobby Recfishwest. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Mr Prokop said the west coast fishing zone was an “artificial construct” made up by the Fisheries Department and lacked the scientific backing to manage different parts of WA’s fishery. He said the number of fish had not been accurately calculated.

“To say they know the answer is ludicrous — it is nonsense and grossly insulting to the people who have worked so hard for decades to ensure sustainability,” he said.

“There will be catastrophic impact in the metro zone where people will work out that their boats are not economically viable. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a class action against the department because their mismanagement has resulted in the loss of a viable asset in their private boats.

“The department will get more money while the charter boats go broke and the recreational boats get tied up and become leaf-holding money pits. If fishing were a religion, the department would be guilty of a hate crime.

“The people in charge are showing no vision, no direction and no sense of understanding the social importance of recreational fishing.”

A dhufish, like this one caught by Mark Le Cras, will be the subject of new fishing restrictions.
Camera IconA dhufish, like this one caught by Mark Le Cras, will be the subject of new fishing restrictions. Credit: Supplied

Compleat Fishing owner Brian Marshall said either proposal would force immediate closure to the Nedlands business that has operated for 30 years.

“I’ll be closing the doors, and it’s not just me … we’re all worried like hell,” Mr Marshall said bluntly.

“I had a call from a friend in Green Head who said his house was worth $250,000 and he wouldn’t be able to get a quarter of that now. We’ve been totally conned, they’ve played us and used us.

“Fishing is worth $2.4 billion to the WA economy, I reckon this will take a billion off. Some towns will not survive, and how can the Minister for Small Business (also Mr Punch) be responsible for closing hundreds of businesses?”



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