The Nationals WA: Lancelin Fishing Forum Demands Inquiry

More than 120 members of Lancelin's fishing community turned up last week to fight the Cook Labor Government's 900-kilometre ban on commercial and recreational fishing and support an inquiry into the ban.

The first Nationals WA fishing forum heard from commercial fishers of 40 plus years whose livelihoods have been directly impacted by the ban, as well as recreational fishers and associated businesses.

Nationals Leader, Shane Love who spoke at the meeting with other MPs and locals, said commercial fishers are already struggling to put food on the table following the 1 January ban.

"Coastal communities like Lancelin are suffering the economic and social impacts of the Government's knee-jerk approach to fisheries management," Mr Love said .

"We have heard very distressing stories from both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors - they've had no notice or consultation about the ban. Fishing is a core part of our culture in coastal communities like Lancelin and to take that away decimates its identity and social fabric."

Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Kirrilee Warr said the anger being felt by fishers is palpable and the Labor Government should expect more acts of civil disobedience if it doesn't review its naïve decision.

"The fishing community desperately wants the government to prove the science and provide a sensible way forward. You cannot just shut down an industry overnight and expect people to survive," Ms Warr said.

The Nationals are calling on the Government to share whatever information has prompted the ban, deliver proper financial relief to the community and conduct a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry which quantifies fish stocks.

Mr Love questioned the ban on shark fishing in the Western Zone, asking how that would help to restock 'at risk' demersal fish.

"This ban flows through to restaurants, fish and chip shops and everyone who buys fish whether in the supermarket or a fish retailer. Fish prices are already up between 30-40 percent and it will only get worse until this ban is reversed," he added.

A petition calling for an inquiry into the demersal fishing ban has already received more than 31,000 signatures.

Sign the petition here.