Nationals’ Scott Leary and Lachlan Hunter raise concerns about impacts of fishing ban on regional communities

Albany MLA Scott Leary has criticised the upcoming fishing ban, saying it threatens Albany’s fishing industry and overlooks regional communities. The ban prohibits commercial fishing for demersal (bottom-dwelling) species such as dhufish, pink snapper and red emperor, along the WA coast from Kalbarri to Augusta in a bid to replenish the species’ stocks. Though recreational and charter fishing will remain open in the Great Southern, the ban affects local fishers by reducing their catch limit by 50 per cent from January 1. Shadow minister for agriculture and food Lachlan Hunter visited Mr Leary in Albany last week to meet local fishers and highlight the negative impacts the ban will have for the Great Southern. Mr Leary said the Nationals were concerned that displaced recreational fishers were now being redirected into the region as a consequence of the Government’s “anti-regional” policies. “The fishing industry in the Great Southern is being punished for decisions made in Perth with no understanding of regional realities,” he said. “These bans hit jobs, families and local businesses, and they undermine the entire coastal economy of Albany. “Albany is a proud regional city built on hard work and export industries, and we will always fight for its future.” Mr Hunter claimed the ban shows the disconnect between the State Government and regional WA. “In 2025 alone, Labor has shut down two cornerstone regional industries in fishing and live sheep exports,” he said. “This is a direct attack on regional jobs, regional families and regional confidence.” State Government Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis responded to these claims and said the decision to implement these reforms had not been taken lightly. “It was made based on scientific assessments that are independently reviewed and meet international best practice standards,” she said. “These assessments which were made public in September and are available online, clearly show that immediate action was required to protect our fish stocks, fishing communities, and the long-term sustainability of fishing in Western Australia. “Importantly, commercial demersal fishing can continue in the south coast region with a reduced take and will transition to a sustainable quota-based fishery. “Recreational and charter fishing will also remain open.”