Western Australia’s fisheries minister Jackie Jarvis has confirmed that the closure of commercial demersal fishing in the West Coast Bioregion will go ahead.
This is taking place despite the significant concerns raised by industry, multiple petitions to Parliament, calls for a Parliamentary inquiry and ongoing questions surrounding the science and fisheries management that underpin this decision.
Representing the region’s fishing sector, WAFIC recognises this outcome is deeply disappointing and far from what industry had hoped for. A WAFIC representative stated that the Minister’s decision has left many feeling frustrated, unheard, and uncertain about their future.
After reviewing the industry’s submission, the Minister has decided to proceed with the Compulsory Fisheries Adjustment Scheme (CFAS), a process that will effectively shut down demersal and temperate shark fishing in the West Coast Bioregion.
In her response, the Minister stated that the government will proceed with establishing the CFAS scheme, maintaining that ‘the CFAS remains the most appropriate option’, even though this results in the total closure of these fisheries – a position that has caused deep concern across the sector.
Jackie Jarvis also noted the associated right of appeal regarding compensation amounts through the State Administrative Tribunal and stated that DPIRD will contact all affected authorisation holders with formal information on the application process.
‘Members can be assured that WAFIC is continuing to engage directly with DPIRD and the Minister’s office to obtain clarity on how the CFAS scheme will operate in practice. Our priority remains on ensuring impacted fishers receive clear, timely information directly from government, and we will continue to provide updates as soon as they are available,’ WAFIC’s representative stated.
‘We fully acknowledge how difficult and distressing this situation is for everyone involved, and we greatly appreciate your continued engagement and resilience. We would also like to remind fishers that there are a number of mental health services available to help those who may need some additional support.’
