There are 5 demersal scalefish resources in WA’s waters, the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, West Coast, and South Coast. These resources collectively include more than 100 tropical and temperate fish species in inshore (20-250 m deep) and offshore (>250 m) waters.
Demersal science
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) monitors the status of WA’s demersal scalefish resources by undertaking regular stock assessments of key indicator species.
The latest stock assessments for the Kimberley, Pilbara, West Coast, and South Coast demersal scalefish resources show fishing pressure across the State is well above acceptable limits. In the Gascoyne, the fishery is recovering because both industry and the department worked cohesively together to implement strong management changes.
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Kimberley demersal scalefish resource
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Pilbara demersal scalefish resource
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Gascoyne demersal scalefish resource
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West Coast demersal scalefish resource
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South Coast demersal scalefish resource
Fisheries science videos
Learn more about the science by viewing our videos:
- spawning in marine fishes
- recruitment in marine fishes
- importance of big, old, fecund female fish (BOFFFs).
2023-24 statewide recreational fishing survey
The department conducts a statewide survey of boat-based recreational fishing every 2 to 3 years to gather information about recreational fishing across WA.
The 2023-24 statewide recreational fishing survey has wrapped up, with 3,865 fishers completing the survey via phone/logbooks and 4,929 fishers interviewed at boat ramps. Additional data was also collected from remote camera monitoring at boat ramps.
The survey shows there has been some success in reducing catches of demersal scalefish in the West Coast bioregion, but not to the level required for WA dhufish and pink snapper to recover to sustainable levels.
Find out more about the 2023-24 results on the Statewide recreational fishing survey page.
Fishing Futures Forum
Representatives from the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing sectors, along with scientists, small businesses, and members of the broader community came together for the Fishing Futures Forum.
The forum provided a platform to co-develop guiding principles and generate practical solutions aimed at ensuring there are WA demersal fish for the future.
Tune in to hear some of the forum presentations.
Have your say
The latest scientific stock assessments for WA’s demersal resources show depleted stock levels along much of WA’s coast and that several species are under serious threat from continued fishing pressure.
It’s clear we need to do more to protect these iconic WA fish if we want to ensure there will be fish for the future. We need everyone to be a part of the solution to allow recovery of demersal fish stocks.
Share your thoughts on the status of WA’s demersal scalefish stocks and how to ensure there are fish for the future.
The survey will remain open for submissions until Friday 31 October 2025.
Next steps
The WA Government will consider the outcomes of the forum and the ‘have your say’ submissions to help guide management decisions by the end of the year.
Frequently asked questions
View the FAQs document for more information.