Imagine a coastal town where the very essence of its identity—fishing—is suddenly stripped away. That’s the harsh reality facing Kalbarri, a picturesque tourist destination in Western Australia, following a sweeping demersal fishing ban. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the government claims this move is essential to save dwindling fish populations, it’s left local businesses and families reeling, questioning whether the cure is worse than the disease. Let’s dive into the ripples this ban has created and explore why it’s sparking such heated debate.
For Phil de Grauw, a seasoned commercial fisherman with over four decades of experience, life has taken an unexpected turn. His boat, once a constant presence on the waters supplying fresh fish to restaurants across Western Australia, now sits idle in Kalbarri’s harbor. The reason? A new law prohibits commercial fishers like him from catching and keeping demersal species—such as dhufish and pink snapper—along an 800-kilometer stretch of the West Coast fishery zone, from Kalbarri to Augusta. The government insists this drastic measure is necessary to rebuild severely depleted fish stocks, but for Phil and others, it feels like a lifeline has been cut.
And this is the part most people miss: Phil isn’t just sitting around hoping for a miracle. He’s maintaining his boat, not only because he clings to the dream of the ban being lifted but also because Kalbarri is expected to be rezoned into the Gascoyne fishery zone to the north, where restrictions don’t apply. However, this change isn’t likely until at least 2028, leaving him and many others in a painful state of limbo. “The financial crunch is starting to come,” Phil admits. “We’ve had nearly two months with no fishing. We can’t wait much longer.”
The impact of the ban extends far beyond individual fishers. Kalbarri’s economy is deeply intertwined with fishing, and the ripple effects are devastating local businesses. Restaurants, bait and ice suppliers, freight companies—all are feeling the pinch. Even tourism is taking a hit, thanks to a temporary ban on boat-based recreational fishing until next spring. It’s a domino effect that’s leaving few unscathed.
Take Steve Eley, for instance. Just hours after he took ownership of his family’s tackle shop in Kalbarri, the ban was announced. “That morning was an interesting one,” he recalls, his voice tinged with emotion. “There were a few tears. To have that just ripped out from underneath you… it sinks us. We’re right on the brink.” Steve’s frustration is shared by many who feel they’re being punished for years of government mismanagement of WA’s fisheries. A petition calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the issue has already garnered 34,000 signatures, highlighting the depth of public concern.
Here’s where it gets even more contentious: While scientists have long warned about the declining health of demersal fish stocks, some argue that the government’s own policies—like increasing bag limits and removing size restrictions for dhufish in 2021—exacerbated the problem. Steve Eley believes fishers are being left to “pick up the pieces” of these missteps. “Work with the industries, don’t go against us,” he urges. “If this is managed properly, there’s enough for everyone.”
The lack of communication from authorities has only added to the frustration. Tackle shop owners like Steve are fielding questions daily, yet they’re often left in the dark themselves. While the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development claims it’s engaging with businesses and providing resources, many feel it’s too little, too late.
The government has pledged nearly $30 million in support, including $20 million to buy out commercial fishing licenses and $3 million in rebates for tackle shops. But for families like the Eleys, the details on accessing this aid remain unclear. In the meantime, they’re pivoting to land-based and pelagic fishing products, as well as diving gear, to stay afloat. “You can trip over your bottom lip or you can just get on with it,” Steve says with determination. “We’re not rolling over.”
Businesses like Murchison Boat Hire, which rents boats to fishers, are also struggling. With thousands of dollars lost in cancelled bookings and no eligibility for government compensation, owners Raelene and Paul Leatham are at a loss. “We’re not sure what we’re going to do,” Raelene admits. “We have three boats sitting idle.”
Here’s the burning question: Is this ban a necessary sacrifice for the long-term health of our oceans, or is it an overreach that’s crushing livelihoods and communities? Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis is open to an inquiry but stands firm on the ban, rejecting calls for a pause. As Kalbarri and other coastal towns grapple with the fallout, the debate rages on. What do you think? Is this ban a step in the right direction, or has the government gone too far? Let’s keep the conversation going—because the future of Kalbarri, and its fishing heritage, hangs in the balance.
