Overview
- Sea Harvest and another WA operator are challenging the Pilbara trawling ban in the state Supreme Court, arguing the minister acted without a departmental recommendation or a fishery-specific assessment.
- In court, the companies said documents show no new update on Pilbara red emperor stocks since 2023 and that the minister asked officials how to close the fishery rather than receiving advice to do so.
- The government says a December stock assessment found species such as dhufish and pink snapper at severe risk, which it cites as the basis for urgent action.
- The rules that took effect January 1 cut catch limits across most of the coast and set a permanent commercial ban over a large stretch, affecting a Pilbara fishery that once supplied about 43% of WA’s demersal catch.
- Retailers report a sharp drop in local fresh fish supply, and the four‑day hearing is under way with the government’s opening expected next week, a decision that could shape conservation targets and industry viability.