- Latest science shows WA demersal species are under threat
- Cook Government to convene science and management forum to seek solutions to rebuild 'at risk' demersal fish stocks for the future
- Fishers urged to take the pressure off and 'switch your fish' these school holidays
The Cook Government will bring together key stakeholders from across the State's fishing community in a call to action to protect Western Australia's demersal fish.
The latest scientific stock assessments for WA's demersal resources show the future of the State's demersal species is at risk, with depleted stock levels along much of the Western Australian coast.
Several species are under serious threat from continued fishing pressure, including pink snapper, red emperor and the iconic dhufish, which is only found in WA.
These species are at severe risk, while Kimberley red emperor, Pilbara goldband snapper and South Coast pink snapper, bight redfish and Western blue groper have been assessed as at high risk.
The stock assessments have been independently reviewed by international expert and CSIRO scientist Professor Andr E. Punt.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis will convene the Fishing Futures forum, a critical demersal science and management forum, on 20 October to discuss the status of the demersal fisheries, the science, and seek long-term management solutions.
The forum is an important opportunity to bring together the recreational, commercial and charter fishing sectors, scientists, small businesses and the wider fishing community to be part of the solution so that demersal fish stocks can recover.
To review the latest demersal science, including stock assessments and recreational fisheries survey results, and have your say on the demersal science, visit: www.dpird.wa.gov.au/demersal-scalefish-resources
As stated by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"We understand the important contribution our fisheries make to the WA economy and lifestyle.
"The latest scientific stock assessments provide a very concerning picture of our demersal fisheries State-wide.
"While there has been recovery plans in place for demersal species across the State, it's clear from the latest science that we need to do more to protect these iconic WA fish.
"All management options need to be on the table to address the ongoing issue of fishing pressure which is the main roadblock to the fish stocks recovering.
"I urge all sectors to come together at this upcoming forum to understand the severity of the situation and focus our efforts on saving these species so there are fish for the future.
"While we work through the next steps, I am encouraging everyone to stick to the rules and consider switching their fish to give our demersal fish a break."
