WAFIC in the News
It’s been a busy month in the media as fisheries issues run prominently across local media, with demersal fisheries featuring in more than 200 stories across the State.
The issue continues to expand as media dig deeper into the numerous impacts, while community members become more aware of how it will affect them.
ABC Country Hour spoke with the Fisheries Minister in a lengthy interview last week, which was led by a story from Augusta shark fisher, Bev Cooke who said they were blindsided by the decision, before speaking on the impacts it was taking on the fishing industry and her family.
The Minister broke her narrative and confirmed the permanent closure and the trawl closure is a Captain’s Call and not based on DPIRD recommendations, as previously suggested. You can listen to it here.
6PR also ran a volatile story with South West fisher, Nick Soulos, that questioned the validity of science, poor government communications and what they call “political bastardry”.
It finishes with a call for a parliamentary inquiry and says this story will likely end up on 60 minutes. They cover a lot of ground, but it’s a fantastic personal story and well worth listening to.
WAFIC followed this up with a fiery segment on 6PR’s drive program where Russell Collett called out the Premier and the Minister. The segment ran for around 20 minutes and explored inconsistencies in fisheries science and management and is followed by callers supporting commercials. Listen to it here.
ABC’s Morning program in Perth ran a segment that looked at WAFIC’s open letter to the Premier. The segment included comments from WAFIC and was followed by environmental scientist, Jess Meeuwig, who surprised everyone by supporting many of WAFIC’s claims and positioning marine sanctuaries among better options to consider. Opposition Fisheries Spokesperson, Kirrilee Warr finishes the interview with calls for a Parliamentary inquiry. You can listen to it here.
The metro and regional newspapers have also been actively covering the issue. Samples can be seen below:
ABC looks into the mental health crisis among fishing communities
Augusta Margaret River Times looks at rising seafood prices
Broome Advertiser looks at local businesses that will close
The West looks at poor fisheries decisions
We are still pushing this issue and will continue to support our fishers until we can achieve an acceptable outcome, so you can expect to see plenty more in the news and across social media.