WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has called for the state government’s demersal fishing ban to be paused and reviewed, as around 200 fishers protested through the streets of Perth against the decision.
The ban, which took effect on January 1 along the WA coastline from Kalbarri to Augusta, aims to protect at-risk species including red emperor, dhufish and pink snapper. However, protesters and industry figures argue the data underpinning the ban is outdated and lacks transparency.
Zempilas said the government had ample time to manage fish stocks before imposing what he described as a harsh measure.
“The problem the government think they are trying to deal with … is actually a problem of their causing,” he said.
“Nine years, nine years they’ve had to manage the fishing industry and fish supplies and fish stocks in Western Australia. And now they hit hard with this sledgehammer approach.”
He described the ban as “unfair” and said insufficient consideration had been given to the impact on families and livelihoods.
“This ban needs to be rethought, it needs to be paused, and it needs a full parliamentary inquiry,” Zempilas said.
Premier Roger Cook defended the ban, saying the science was valid and the decision necessary for sustainability, adding that he would meet with the WA Fishing Industry Council.
The state government has also allocated $20 million for a compulsory buyback of commercial fishing licences.
Source: ABC.
