A devastating blow has been dealt to the coastal town of Kalbarri in Western Australia, as a result of the recent demersal fishing ban. This controversial decision has left the local fishing community and businesses reeling, with far-reaching consequences.
For veteran fisherman Phil de Grauw, the impact is personal. After decades of supplying fresh fish to restaurants across the state, his boat has been tied up in the harbour for two months, unable to venture out. The ban, which prohibits commercial fishers from catching and keeping demersal species along an 800-kilometre stretch of coastline, has left him and others in a state of limbo.
"We knew changes were coming, but this was a shock," de Grauw shared. "If I had known, I would've delayed the boat refit. The financial strain is starting to show, and we can't afford to wait much longer."
The government's reasoning for the ban is to rebuild severely depleted fish stocks, with species like dhufish and pink snapper at risk. However, de Grauw and others feel they are being punished for years of poor management by the government, leaving them to bear the brunt of the consequences.
"It's a domino effect," de Grauw explained. "The local businesses I supply, from restaurants to bait shops, are all feeling the impact. Even tourism is affected, with recreational fishing banned until next spring."
But perhaps the most heart-wrenching story is that of Steve Eley, a 34-year-old who invested his family's future in Kalbarri's local tackle shop, only to have the ban announced hours after taking ownership.
"It was devastating. We had tears that morning. It felt like our dreams were being ripped away," Eley recalled. "We're on the brink, and we're not alone."
Eley believes fishers are being made scapegoats for the government's failures. Leading scientists have warned for years about the declining health of demersal fish stocks, yet it was only in 2021 that the government increased bag limits and removed size restrictions for dhufish.
"We knew restrictions were coming, but a total ban? It feels like we're left to clean up their mess," Eley said. "Work with us, don't go against us. There's enough for everyone if it's managed properly."
The lack of communication has added to the frustration, with tackle shop owners fielding daily questions about the new rules. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has stated they are providing education materials and online resources, but it seems these efforts are falling short.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis has expressed openness to an inquiry into the management of the state's fisheries, but stands firm against pausing the ban. Meanwhile, Kalbarri businesses claim immediate cancellations after the ban's announcement, with some still recovering from the destructive cyclone in 2021.
Murchison Boat Hire, which rents boats to fishers, has lost thousands in cancelled bookings and is not eligible for government compensation. The local Chamber of Commerce highlights Kalbarri as one of several small coastal towns in the Mid West region facing immediate repercussions.
The government has promised almost $30 million in support, including buyouts for commercial fisheries and rebates for tackle shops. However, the Eleys and others are still awaiting details on accessing this support.
"We're doing our best to adapt, promoting land-based and pelagic fishing products, and diving gear," Eley said. "You have to keep going, even when it feels like tripping over your own feet."
Join ABC Radio Perth's Nadia Mitsopoulos on February 18 for a Spotlight Forum on the demersal fishing ban, with Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis and other guests. ABC Regional WA will also broadcast a special Drive show from Geraldton's Fisherman's Wharf, discussing the ban and its impact.
