Background

In December 2022, WA Government committed to undertake a review of the charter fishing sector as part of the $10 million West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource (WCDSR) recovery support package.

The project objective is to review the statewide management of the charter sector and recommend a future management framework that meets the objectives of ecosystem-based fisheries management and supports a long-term sustainable industry.

The review will consider the legislative and management framework, development opportunities and representation model for the charter industry.

The project plan provides an overview of the background, scope and approach.

Please note, this review does not consider:

• Changes to current resource allocations to the charter sector. These decisions should be progressed for specific fisheries resources through the existing resource sharing processes.
• The current allocation of demersal scalefish tags in the WCDSR.
• Licensing of non-extractive (non-fishing) eco-tourism activities.

Consultation process

Working Group: In February 2025, a Charter Review Working Group was established to consider future management arrangements for the charter fishing industry, and help inform the development of proposals for broader consultation. The Working Group includes representatives from the charter sector, Recfishwest and DPIRD.

Further details regarding the scope and membership of the Working Group are detailed in the Terms of Reference.

Public consultation: DPIRD is now seeking comment on the proposals outlined within the Statewide Strategic Charter Review Discussion Paper.

The Discussion Paper includes proposals relating to legislative and management framework, development opportunities and representation model for the charter industry.

Have your say

To have your say, please complete the survey relating to the proposals outlined within the Statewide Strategic Charter Review Discussion Paper.

Please read the Discussion Paper before completing the survey as it provides the necessary context for each proposal.

At the end of the survey, there is an open text box where you can provide further comments if you wish.

In order to complete the survey, first register using the Register button on this page.

The consultation period commences 26 March and closes at 5pm on 11 May.

Next steps

Following the consultation period, your feedback will be considered by the Working Group and DPIRD in developing final recommendations.

The final recommendations will be provided to the Minister for Fisheries for consideration and approval, and the report published on DPIRD's website.

More information

If you have any questions regarding the consultation process, please ask a question below or email charter@dpird.wa.gov.au