As announced by the Minister for Fisheries earlier this month, a new ban on fishing for demersal scalefish has come into effect on 16 December 2025.
The ban includes key species such as dhufish, pink snapper, and red emperor and it applies to our seas from down in Augusta, all the way up to Kalbarri. The ban aims to recover stocks of the iconic scalefish for our future generations.
Under this new ban, fishing from a boat for a demersal species is not permitted until September 2027. During the recovery period, land-based fishing is permitted, and demersal fish can be caught from the shore.
The new ban applies to everyone, including Aboriginal people engaging in traditional practices.
Attached is a letter to Aboriginal Fishers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) about the changes to customary fishing.
If you have any questions about these new restrictions, please contact your Noongar Regional Corporation for advice and support.
To discuss Noongar hunting permissions and rights to customary fishing, you can email SWALSC at huntingpermits@noongar.org.au or call 9358 7400.
We will continue to provide our members with updates as new information comes to hand.
Download: DPIRD Letter to Aboriginal Fishers (PDF 128KB)