Fishing Protest Causes Traffic Chaos in Perth, Fuels Debate Over State Bans
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A massive demonstration by Western Australian fishermen and women brought traffic to a standstill on Sunday, as over 150 vehicles and boats on trailers converged on Perth to protest the state’s fishing bans. The rally highlights growing frustration over restrictions impacting both recreational anglers and related businesses.
More than 150 cars and boats participated in the “Reel Rights Convoy,” organized by a community alliance known as the Coastal Collective. Participants were invited to “spruce up their beloved boats” and join the early morning demonstration, aiming to draw attention to the controversial regulations.
Traffic Disruption on Kwinana Freeway
The protest resulted in significant traffic congestion on the Kwinana Freeway, with footage shared by Main Roads WA after 10:30 a.m. local time revealing heavily congested lanes heading northbound. Numerous vehicles towing boats were visible within the slow-moving traffic. The dynamic speed limit was reduced to 60 km/h, though reports indicated many vehicles were traveling at even slower speeds.
“Various lanes under speed. Heavy congestion from Canning Highway through to Mitchell Freeway. Plan ahead and allow for extra travel time,” Main Roads WA advised motorists in a public update.
Calls for Parliamentary Inquiry
The Coastal Collective, an independent group comprised of community members and fishing enthusiasts, is advocating for a parliamentary inquiry into the rationale behind the bans. The group hopes to generate recommendations focused on improving fish stocks, protecting the coastal lifestyle, and providing certainty for small businesses affected by the restrictions.
A core concern among protesters is the perceived lack of adequate consultation with stakeholders and the absence of robust scientific data to justify the legislation.
Criticism of the Bans as “Scientific and Political Nonsense”
On Friday, Dean Logan, founder of SME Australia and Marine Futures Alliance, sharply criticized the 20-month pause on recreational fishing in the West Coast bioregion, labeling it a “scientific and political nonsense” driven by intense lobbying efforts.
“This is a really mischievous strategy by the recreational fishing lobby to eradicate cottage-based fishermen,” Logan stated. “They’re like Cheshire cats sitting in the background… and then we’ll just have it selfishly to ourselves, because it’ll be a recreational fishing haven.” He further questioned the scientific basis of the bans, arguing, “It’s scientifically flawed when we don’t even know how many fish the recreational fishing industry catch.”
The protest underscores a deepening divide between conservation efforts and the economic and social importance of recreational fishing in Western Australia. The Coastal Collective’s push for a parliamentary inquiry signals a sustained effort to challenge the current regulations and seek a more balanced approach to fisheries management.
