Western Australia’s demersal scalefish resources

Demersal scalefish in Western Australia (WA) are long-lived, slow-growing species that live close to the seabed and are highly valued by the community for their role in supplying premium seafood and supporting recreational fishing and marine tourism.

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.

Find out about the latest assessments:

Understanding the science

Key biological concepts and scientific methodologies are used in developing stock assessments of demersal resources across the State. The below factsheets explain these scientific methodologies.

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).

Visit the playlist to view all videos

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.

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 information provided will be considered as part of the upcoming demersal scalefish forum.

Next steps

DPIRD will be engaging on the outcomes from the science reports and next steps required to address demersal scalefish sustainability across WA. A demersal scalefish science and management forum will be held on 20 October with key leaders across all fishing sectors, scientists and other community organisations.

The WA Government will consider the outcomes and any management changes are expected to be announced by the end of 2025.

Frequently asked questions

View the FAQs document for more information.

Western Australia’s demersal scalefish resources

Demersal science

Find out about the latest assessments:

Kimberley demersal scalefish resource

Pilbara demersal scalefish resource

Gascoyne demersal scalefish resource

West Coast demersal scalefish resource

South Coast demersal scalefish resource