A temporary ban on fishing iconic species, including WA dhufish and pink snapper, could be on the table as the state government scrambles for solutions to WA's at-risk fish populations.

The spawning biomass of WA's iconic dhufish has been recorded at levels as low as seven per cent off Perth's coast, according to the Department of Fisheries.

Spawning biomass refers to the amount of mature fish capable of reproduction — a biomass below 20 per cent means a fish population is considered at severe risk of collapse.

WA dhufish has consistently had a biomass around or below 15 per cent since the late 2000s, and is just one of several prized fish species at high-to-severe risk, according to the department's latest assessment of WA's fish stocks.

Pink snapper populations are at severe risk alo

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