West Coast demersal scalefish – information for charter operators

How are charter fishers affected?

Charter fishing for demersal scalefish in the metropolitan area will be closed from 16 December 2025, however charter fishing for demersal scalefish under the tag system will continue in the remainder of the west coast bioregion under an annual catch limit of 25 tonnes.

The charter fishery is subject to the same rules as the recreational sector, except the West Coast demersal scalefish closure and boat limit.

Charter catch quota system

Under the catch quota system which has been in place since the 2023-24 season, tags have been allocated annually to 33 operators in the west coast bioregion based on their catch history over a 5-year period (2017/18 - 2021/22).

The allocation decision recognises those Fishing Tour Operator Licence holders with an ongoing and recent reliance on demersal-based fishing activities. The allocation also aims to ensure that a viable charter fishing industry can be maintained for the west coast bioregion. 

Other recovery arrangements

Spawning closures remain in place for all charter, recreational and commercial fishers:

• Abrolhos Islands baldchin groper spawning closure from 1 October to 31 December (inclusive).
• Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds pink snapper spawning closure from 1 August to 31 January (inclusive).