News Brief: Impact of WA Fishing Ban on Coastal Businesses
Summary
Small businesses along Western Australia’s coast are facing significant financial hardship due to a sudden ban on recreational boat-based demersal fishing, effective until spring 2027. The ban, aimed at protecting threatened fish species, has led to widespread tourist cancellations during the peak holiday season, forcing businesses to lay off staff and diversify their offerings.
Key Points
- Sudden Business Downturn: Coastal caravan parks and tackle shops report their worst Christmas visitor numbers in years, with immediate cancellations following the government’s announcement.
- Substantial Revenue Loss: A tackle shop in Jurien Bay reports a 20% sales drop, with expectations of worse to come, leading to staff cuts and sale of ancillary businesses.
- Stock and Planning Crisis: Businesses are stuck with over $100,000 of pre-ordered summer stock they cannot sell, with no relief until the ban ends in 2027.
- Government Response: A $5.2 million Fisheries Support Package is promised, including funds for alternative fishing experiences and vouchers for tackle shops to encourage targeting other species.
- Reason for Ban: The government states the measure is necessary to prevent the local extinction of iconic demersal species like dhufish and snapper.
- Business Adaptation: Affected towns are now attempting to attract other tourists, such as senior travelers and kite surfers, to offset losses.
新闻简报：西澳禁渔令对沿海企业的影响
文章总结
由于西澳大利亚州突然实施的直至2027年春季的休闲船只底栖鱼类捕捞禁令，沿海小企业正面临严重的财务困境。这项旨在保护受威胁鱼类的禁令导致旺季旅游预订大规模取消，企业被迫裁员并寻求业务多元化。
关键要点
- 业务突然下滑：沿海房车公园和渔具店报告称，圣诞节游客数量是多年来最差的，政府公告后立即出现了大量取消预订的情况。
- 收入大幅损失：朱里恩湾的一家渔具店销售额下降20%，且预计情况会恶化，已导致裁员和出售附属业务。
- 库存与规划危机：企业积压了超过10万澳元为夏季预购的库存，在2027年禁令解除前无法售出。
- 政府应对措施：政府承诺提供520万澳元的渔业支持计划，包括资助替代性休闲钓鱼体验和发放渔具店代金券，以鼓励捕捞其他鱼种并支持本地企业。
- 禁渔原因：政府表示，此举对于防止诸如杜氏鱼和鲷鱼等标志性底栖鱼类在当地灭绝是必要的。
- 企业适应调整：受影响城镇正试图吸引老年旅行者、风筝冲浪者等其他类型的游客来弥补损失。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-30/recreational-fishing-ban-impacts-small-businesses-midwest-coast/106181870