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Demersal science and stock assessments

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.   

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 assessments show fishing pressure across the Kimberley, Pilbara, West Coast, and South Coast is too high. In the Gascoyne, the fishery is recovering thanks to strong management measures implemented by both the industry and the department.

Demersal reforms

Find out about the demersal fishing reforms helping protect fish for the future. 

Learn more

Find out about the latest assessments:

Understanding the science

Stock assessments of demersal fish across WA are based on important biological knowledge and scientific methods. 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

Fishing Futures Forum

Representatives from the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing sectors, along with scientists, small businesses, and members of the broader community came together for the Fishing Futures Forum.

The forum provided a platform to co-develop guiding principles and generate practical solutions aimed at ensuring there are WA demersal fish for the future.

Tune in to hear some of the forum presentations.

Related information