The WA Government has admitted it expected the forthcoming South Coast Marine Park to have an impact on the fishing industry, and to pay some compensation to fishers for loss of livelihood.
In a letter to an Esperance community member, DPIRD director general Heather Brayford said there would be “varying degrees of impact” on commercial fisheries.
“The WA Government is committed to undertaking a compensation process to accommodate the circumstances of commercial fishing authorisation holders,” she wrote.
“This provides a pathway for fishers who wish to exit the industry.”
Ms Brayford said the Voluntary Fisheries Adjustment Scheme (VFAS) was “proposed to commence” in 2025.
“The VFAS process includes the use of an independent committee to advise the Minister for Fisheries, and provides payment for the voluntary surrender of a licence or entitlement,” she wrote, adding that a separate compensation process would start after the VFAS process ended.
“This process will ensure fair compensation to those commercial fishers who wish to continue in the industry for the loss of market value of their authorisation due to the implementation of the SCMP,” she wrote.
“I am committed to ensuring the continued provision of sustainable seafood on the south coast, and a vibrant commercial fishing industry.”
Ms Brayford said the WA Government was in the process of legislating the relevant zoning scheme which was expected to be completed towards the end of this year.
“Following the zoning scheme being gazetted, there will be a 12-month transition period before fishing prohibitions come into effect to allow time for community engagement and communication of the SCMP arrangements,” she wrote.
“Once the fishing prohibitions are in place, approximately 85 per cent of the mainland coast will remain available for shore-based fishing, with 79.5 per cent of the SCMP remaining open to all recreational and commercial fishing.”
Esperance Professional Fishermen’s Association has been contacted for comment.
