Members of the public will now have until 30 September 2022 to comment on proposed management options to help rebuild stocks of demersal scalefish, including iconic indicator species pink snapper and dhufish.
Fisheries Minister Don Punch ordered the two-week extension after listening to feedback from industry stakeholders. This will allow the State Government to further engage with stakeholders on the science and the need for additional management to recover stocks.
In February, the State Government accepted the recommendations of the industry-led Harvest Strategy Reference Group, which includes representatives from the recreational and commercial fishing sectors, to reduce the total catch for demersal species by 50 per cent to meet 2030 recovery targets.
To enable stocks to recover by 2030, the total catch limit has been reduced to 375 tonnes.
The proposed management packages follow the 2021 scientific stock assessment, which showed West Coast Demersal Scalefish stocks were not recovering fast enough to ensure adequate recovery under the 2010-2030 recovery plan.
Members of the public are encouraged to have their say on the proposals by visiting https://yoursay.dpird.wa.gov.au/wcdemersal. The survey includes a text box where participants can make extra comments.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
“Phase one of the consultation process began in April this year, with many of the ideas and suggestions put forward by the fishing sectors included in the proposed management options.
“Everybody has a part to play in ensuring the long-term sustainability of fishing stock, and I encourage everyone to participate in the Your Say survey.”
