Western Australia's fishing industry is facing significant challenges as the state's fisheries minister has decided against implementing mandatory catch reporting for recreational fishers. Melissa Haslam, the chief executive of the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC), expressed her frustration, stating she was left "gobsmacked" and "at her wits end" after this announcement.

On Monday, Haslam participated in a workshop with various stakeholders, including industry representatives, scientists, and environmental groups, to discuss management strategies for the state's demersal fish species. Many of these species are currently classified as being at high or severe sustainability risk, according to government scientists. WAFIC has long advocated for real-time catch data from the recreational sector, arguing that such information is crucial for effective fishery management. However, this proposal has been opposed by Recfishwest, the peak body representing recreational fishers.

Currently, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development estimates recreational catch through licensing, surveys, boat ramp interviews, and surveillance. Haslam noted, "We went into this meeting under the understanding that all options were on the table. To hear that the biggest thing you've been asking for, the elephant in the room, that's off the table, that's just crazy to us."

Following the fishing forum, Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis reaffirmed the government's commitment to not introduce mandatory reporting across all fisheries, as promised before the election. She stated, "If Recfishwest and the recreational sector agree that we should have some catch reporting of select species that are under threat, then we can look at that. I don't think it's workable to have mandatory reporting for everyone going out in tinny catching fish. I'm not sure we can rely on that data."

Haslam criticized the reliance on the recreational sector's agreement for catch reporting, calling it an "insane position" and questioning, "Who's running this show? The minister needs to make a decision on this. It shouldn't be up to what Recfishwest would like."

Recfishwest's chief executive, Andrew Rowland, defended his organization's stance, stating that their research into global mandatory reporting systems revealed they are often unreliable, prone to manipulation, and costly. He remarked, "It is a nonsense thing. We do know what's coming out of the water; the work that the department does is peer-reviewed. WAFIC and the commercial sector have never put forward any evidence to show that (catch estimate) is inadequate. We shouldn't be looking at how we count the fish better; we should be looking at how we manage them better."

Rowland emphasized the need for targeted protection of spawning stock, stating, "We must be looking at improving breeding protection for our fisheries. It is a proven fundamental tenet of fisheries management."

Vern Wilde, a commercial fishing business owner in Cowaramup, described the atmosphere at the forum as "sombre." He expressed frustration over the current situation, noting that the science indicates a severe or high risk for the entire state's fish stocks. Wilde believes that mandatory catch reporting should be implemented for all fishers, particularly for species at high risk of collapse, such as dhufish and pink snapper.

"Across the board, all sectors [need to be] reporting; it's a no-brainer," he said. Wilde also mentioned that many recreational fishermen share this view, particularly regarding recent changes to bag limits for dhufish.

As he prepares to start dhufish fishing in the coming weeks, Wilde plans to measure and record every fish he catches to contribute to better data collection. He expressed willingness to accept a reduction in dhufish catch to promote sustainability, stating, "We just want a better fishery."