After four months of a ban on the commercial fishing of demersal species in Western Australia, a family-run business is preparing to contest the decision legally. Southwestern Fresh Fish, based in Bunbury, has successfully raised over $25,000 to cover legal expenses associated with challenging the ban and the related buyback initiative.
Commercial fishing license holders have been allotted a period of six weeks to seek compensation for the restrictions imposed.
In the South West region of Western Australia, a commercial fishing enterprise has gathered significant public support, amassing over $25,000 through crowdfunding to initiate legal proceedings against the government’s prohibition on demersal fishing. This ban, established more than four months ago, permanently restricts commercial demersal fishing along a stretch of 900 kilometers of the West Coast bioregion, extending from Kalbarri down to Augusta.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis has stood by the decision, asserting that the government aims to restore demersal fish populations that are nearing extinction. However, this action has led to considerable public dissent, including protests involving shark heads being left outside the minister’s office.
Since launching their online fundraising campaign over the weekend, Southwestern Fisheries in Bunbury has raised more than $25,000 with an aim of reaching $35,000.
In a parallel situation, seafood companies in Northern Western Australia also initiated legal proceedings in the Supreme Court last year to contest similar decisions made by the government. Brian Scimone, representative of the family business, stated that the funds raised would be placed in a trust to secure legal counsel regarding the demersal fishing ban and the associated buyback plan. He expressed frustration at the lack of progress, emphasizing that “the compensation is nowhere near adequate for a lifetime of loss.” He described the ban as a “life ban.”
The repercussions of the ban have reverberated throughout the marine industry since its announcement late last year. Nathan Boyce, who operates a business in Bunbury servicing commercial vessels from Broome to Augusta, reported losing a $150,000 engine sale the day after the demersal ban was imposed. He noted that without commercial fishermen sustaining their businesses, he would see a significant drop in sales.
Individuals impacted by the ban in the West Coast bioregion have been given a six-week window to apply for the government’s $20 million buyback program for commercial licenses. This compulsory buyout offers compensation based on market value, with the methodology reflecting feedback from the industry, according to the government.
Mr. Scimone stated that he chose not to participate in the buyback scheme, citing the inadequacy of the compensation offered. “It doesn’t even reach the millions, and we are among the largest license holders on the coast,” he remarked, criticizing the offer as insufficient. He listed the various investments made in specialized boats, equipment, and facilities that are now rendered unusable.
In response to the potential legal challenge, a representative from the state government noted that certain demersal species, including dhufish and snapper, are on the brink of extinction in some areas of Western Australia. The spokesperson expressed gratitude to all recreational and commercial fishers for their efforts in safeguarding these species and acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions made, emphasizing that urgent measures are essential to ensure their survival for future generations of fishers.
