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Perth Fishing Protest Turns Confrontational

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 19:59 GMT by The West Australian

Perth, Western Australia - January 15th, 2026 - Tensions are high in Western Australia as hundreds of fishers, skippers, processors, and industry representatives staged a protest in Perth on Wednesday, January 15th, 2026, against a proposed state government ban on demersal fishing. The demonstration, centred around Elizabeth Quay, quickly turned confrontational, with some attendees reportedly throwing fish at police and security, highlighting the deep frustration and economic anxieties within the fishing community.

The crux of the dispute revolves around a sweeping ban announced last month aimed at bolstering dwindling fish stocks. While the government insists the measure is vital for the long-term health of the marine ecosystem and the sustainability of the fishing industry itself, it has triggered widespread outrage and fears about the potential collapse of fishing businesses and the devastation of coastal communities.

A Clash of Perspectives: Industry vs. Government

Protest organiser and skipper, Ian O'Connell, articulated the industry's core argument: the ban is a politically motivated decision lacking scientific backing. "This ban is not based on science. It's a political decision," O'Connell stated, emphasizing the potential for widespread job losses and economic hardship within fishing-dependent families. He warned that the government's current course of action threatens to "destroy our industry and the communities that rely on it."

Keith Harrison, another protestor, echoed this sentiment, stating that the ban unfairly targets fishers. Harrison stressed the industry's willingness to engage in conservation efforts, but argued for a more balanced approach. "We're not against conservation. We just want a sustainable approach that doesn't devastate our industry," he explained.

The State Government, through Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly, has maintained its position, asserting that the ban is a necessary, albeit difficult, decision to protect vital resources. Kelly acknowledged the industry's concerns, reiterating that consultations were undertaken, but ultimately, the government felt compelled to act. He defended the decision as a crucial step towards safeguarding the "future of the industry," a claim met with skepticism and derision from many protesters.

Species Impacted and Scientific Basis

The proposed ban will significantly impact several key species integral to the Western Australian fishing industry, including prized catches like dhufish, snapper, and West Australian salmon. These species are considered particularly vulnerable, and the government's decision follows a recent stock assessment revealing fish populations to be significantly lower than previously estimated. This assessment is the foundation for the government's argument regarding the urgency and necessity of the ban.

However, the methods and interpretations of this stock assessment are under intense scrutiny by the protesting fishers, who question its accuracy and accuse the government of using it to justify a pre-determined outcome. Independent marine biologists have also begun to weigh in, with some expressing concerns that the assessment's modelling may be overly conservative and could lead to unnecessarily restrictive measures. Calls for a truly independent review of the assessment's methodology are growing louder.

Escalation and Future Protests

The incident involving the throwing of fish at police and security represents a worrying escalation in the conflict. While authorities acted swiftly to contain the situation, the underlying tensions remain palpable. This protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations, signalling a sustained and determined resistance from the fishing community.

The fishers have vowed to continue their fight until the government reconsiders its position, suggesting further protests and potential legal challenges are on the horizon. The long-term implications of this dispute extend beyond the immediate economic impact, potentially influencing future government policies regarding resource management and stakeholder consultation in Western Australia. The conflict underscores the complex and often fraught relationship between economic interests, environmental sustainability, and government regulation.