Recreational fishers are reminded that the annual closure to help support the recovery of demersal stocks will be back in place in the West Coast Bioregion from Friday 1 August.
The West Coast demersal closure zone which runs from the Zuytdorp Cliffs north of Kalbarri, to Black Point, east of Augusta is in place from 1 August to 15 September, inclusive. This closure does not apply to land-based line fishers.
Demersal species, which are off limits to recreational fishers during this closed period, are listed on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) website at: Demersal closure species list .
This includes key species like pink snapper, dhufish, coral trout, baldchin groper, breaksea cod and more. If you accidentally catch a demersal fish during this period, you must release it immediately.
Fishers also need to be aware of the various spawning closures across the State and to check the DPIRD website for potential closures that could be in place any time they fish.
DPIRD Fisheries and Marine Officers are experienced in monitoring seasonal closures across WA and won't hesitate to take the necessary action to support sustainability.
Principal Fisheries Management Officer Shane Walters said recreational fishers should always check to see if seasonal closures or restrictions are in place before they cast a line.
"The best way to get an overview of all the closures in Western Australia was through DPIRD's online recreational fishing seasons calendar ," Mr Walters said.
"It covers the key fishing periods, not only for demersal finfish, but also for blue swimmer crabs between Swan River and Minninup Beach, marron fishing season dates and when abalone fishing is allowed in both the West Coast Zone and Southern Zone.
"Fishers can help take the pressure off demersal stocks, by pursuing other great fishing activities for non-demersal species such as tuna, samsonfish, whiting and squid."
The recreational fishing guide, which has important information on bag and size limits and licences required for fishing, is available from DPIRD offices or online .
WA's fishing rules are also available on the free Recfishwest fishing rules app .
