Western Australia's Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis has confirmed she made a unilateral decision to permanently ban commercial fishing for demersal species in the West Coast fishery, a move that has sparked backlash from both commercial and recreational fishers. The ban, announced in December, aims to protect at-risk fish stocks, including the iconic dhufish, from collapse.
Speaking to the ABC, Jarvis acknowledged the controversy, stating, 'Well, that's the job of the minister for fisheries, it's my decision.' She said she accepted all scientific advice but ultimately made the call to permanently close the fishery, which stretches from Kalbarri to Augusta including Perth. The decision went beyond the recommendations provided by her department.
The minister defended the compulsory buyout of commercial licenses, valued at $20 million, describing it as 'fair' and equivalent to three to four years of gross product value. She noted that suspending fishing for a decade without compensation was not viable for businesses. The buyout was triggered by the permanent closure, allowing legislative funds to be used.
Jarvis revealed that the backlash has become personal, with threats affecting her family and staff. 'Some people describe this as the biggest reset in fisheries history in Western Australia,' she said, adding that she anticipated criticism but was surprised by its personal nature.
Opposition leader Basil Zempilas has been vocal against the ban, calling it a 'sledgehammer approach' after nine years of Labor government management. Jarvis indicated that if fish stocks recover, a future minister could consider reopening the fishery, but such a change would not happen quickly.
