Recreational fishers reminded of annual closures to help support the recovery of demersal fish stocks

Recreational fishers in the Mid West are urged to take note of annual closures that will be back in place from Friday, August 1. Demersal scalefish in the west coast bioregion, with species on the protected list, including pink snapper and WA dhufish, are at severe risk and a recovery plan is in place. The west coast demersal closure zone applies to people fishing from a boat and runs from Augusta in the south to the Zuytdorp Cliffs north of Kalbarri. This closure, from August 1 to September 15 inclusive, helps support the recovery of demersal fish stocks and does not apply to land-based line fishers who are free to fish year-round. Anglers who accidentally catch a demersal fish from a boat during this period must release it immediately. Due to barotrauma, which occurs from rapid pressure decrease during ascent, deep-hooked fish have a lower chance of survival. So continual catching and releasing of demersals, especially dhufish, is not a sustainable practice because it results in high post-release mortality. Demersal scalefish in the protected zone have been classified at severe risk since 2007, with the recovery plan to help ensure these species are still around for future generations. The WA Government has invested $10 million since 2022 to fund the recovery, including buyback of fishing entitlements, monitoring and research, reporting tools for recreational fishers, restocking of juvenile pink snapper and an expanded education and awareness program. Shane Walters, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development principal fisheries management officer, said recreational fishers should always check to see if seasonal closures or restrictions were in place before they cast a line. “The best way to get an overview of all the closures in WA was through DPIRD’s online recreational fishing seasons calendar,” he said. “Fishers can help take the pressure off demersal stocks, by pursuing . . . non-demersal species such as tuna, samsonfish, whiting and squid.” For a full list of species off limits to recreational fishers during the period, visit dpird.wa.gov.au/individuals/recreational-fishing/.