Publication Date

4-2026

Series Number

No.312

ISSN

0819-4327

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, State of Western Australia

City

Perth

Abstract

This consultation paper has been prepared to support the statewide strategic review of Western Australia’s (WA) charter fishing sector, which was initiated as a government commitment.

The paper details issues and proposals relating to the management and licensing framework, development opportunities and representation model for the charter fishing industry. The proposals have been developed in consultation with the Charter Review Working Group. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) now seeks comment from relevant stakeholders on the issues and proposals outlined within this paper.

Comments provided will assist in providing advice and recommendations to the Minister for Fisheries on future management arrangements for the charter fishing industry.

1.1 Disclaimer

The proposals and options presented in this paper have been developed for the purpose of informing consultation and encouraging feedback from stakeholders. They do not necessarily represent the views, policies, or positions of DPIRD. While the Charter Review Working Group has generally supported the inclusion of these proposals for the purposes of seeking broader comment, they may not reflect the individual views of all members of the Working Group. The material should be considered as ideas for discussion rather than endorsed recommendations.

1.2 Making a submission

The Western Australian community and Fishing Tour Operator Licence (FTOL) holders are encouraged to have their say by making a submission. Submissions should be made online via the YourSay consultation hub. To complete the online submission form, you will need to register on YourSay first if you have not already registered.

Before you provide feedback, please read this discussion paper. If you need more information before making a submission, you are encouraged to:

  1. Use the ‘ask a question’ section on the consultation hub to ask DPIRD a question, or 
  2. Contact DPIRD at charter@dpird.wa.gov.au

Note: Submissions may be published online at the conclusion of the consultation process and cited in a publicly available report. Submitters who do not want their name published, or would like their submission to remain confidential, should clearly state this in their submission.

Submissions close at AWST 5pm on Monday, 11 May 2026.

If you are having difficulties making a submission, please email charter@dpird.wa.gov.au

Number of Pages

35

Keywords

FMP 312, ISSN 0819-4327, 2026, charter, review, statewide, West Coast, Gascoyne, North Coast, Pilbara, Kimberley, cultural fishing, licensing, fees, entitlement, latent effort, development, diversification, Fisheries Management Paper, discussion paper, fishing, recreational, commercial, fishing tour, FTOL, RFTOL, fishing tour operators licence, restricted fishing tour operators licence, sustainability, industry, consultation, public, charter review working group, demersal, recovery

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Biology | Environmental Policy | Genetics | Marine Biology | Population Biology

Maps

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