THE consultation process for the WA demersal scalefish recovery has been extended to 30 September, following a controversial proposal that could see Western Australian recreational anglers banned from fishing for dhufish and snapper for up to 9 months of the year.
WA Fisheries Minister Don Punch ordered the two-week extension after listening to feedback from industry stakeholders.
In February, the WA government accepted the recommendations of the Harvest Strategy Reference Group, which included representatives from the recreational and commercial fishing sectors, to reduce the total catch for demersal species by 50 per cent to meet 2030 recovery targets.
Members of the public are encouraged to have their say on the proposals by visiting https://yoursay.dpird.wa.gov.au/wcdemersal. The survey includes a text box where participants can make extra comments.
