Visitors planning a fishing trip to Western Australia’s Kimberley coast are being urged to check updated marine park rules before heading out, with new fishing restrictions and $400 penalties set to take effect from Sunday, July 19, 2026.
The changes apply across the 204,000-hectare Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park, where a new zoning system will determine exactly where recreational fishing is permitted. After a 12-month education and grace period, compliance officers will begin actively enforcing the rules, meaning anglers who fish in prohibited areas could face immediate fines.
While recreational fishing is still allowed across large parts of the marine park, more than half of its waters will now be unavailable for ordinary recreational fishing. Authorities are encouraging both locals and tourists to understand the new boundaries before launching a boat or casting a line.
How the new marine park zones work
Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park stretches across the northern Dampier Peninsula and the western islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago in the Kimberley. The marine park was established to protect environmentally and culturally significant marine habitats while balancing recreation, tourism and sustainable fishing.
From July 19, the park will operate under four different zoning categories.
- Sanctuary Zones (25%): Fishing and collecting marine plants, shells or animals are prohibited. These are “look but don’t take” areas designed to protect sensitive habitats. Visitors can still enjoy boating, snorkelling, diving, wildlife watching and photography.
- Cultural Protection Zones (26%): Recreational fishing is generally prohibited. However, fishing through licensed commercial tour operators is allowed, while commercial trochus collection can continue.
- General Use Zones (47%): Recreational and commercial fishing remain permitted under existing Western Australian fisheries regulations.
- Biocultural Conservation Zones (2%): Recreational fishing and selected commercial fishing activities continue under specific management arrangements.
Combined, the sanctuary and cultural protection zones account for 51 per cent of the marine park, meaning more than half of the protected area will no longer be open to ordinary recreational fishing.
$400 fines and tougher penalties for serious offences
Anyone caught fishing inside a prohibited zone may receive a $400 infringement notice.
According to Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), more serious offences referred to court can result in fines of up to $5,000. Courts may also impose an additional penalty worth up to 10 times the value of any fish involved in the offence.
These penalties replace the education-first approach that has been in place since the zoning arrangements were gazetted in mid-2025.
DPIRD Senior Operations Manager Matt Gogoll has urged fishers to familiarise themselves with the new zoning maps before heading onto the water so they do not risk unnecessary fines or prosecution.
What visitors should do before fishing
Authorities recommend checking the latest zoning maps before launching a vessel or fishing from the shoreline. The Western Australian Government has published official maps and guidance showing where recreational fishing is permitted.
Because mobile coverage can be limited across parts of the Kimberley, visitors are encouraged to download maps before travelling and use GPS or marine navigation equipment to confirm their location.
Travellers exploring the state can also stay informed about recent changes affecting visitors across Australia, especially when visiting protected parks and popular tourist destinations.
Being inside a general use zone does not remove other legal responsibilities. Recreational fishers must still comply with Western Australia’s fishing rules, including bag limits, possession limits, minimum legal sizes and seasonal closures where applicable.
Anyone planning an extended trip around the country may also want to follow other Australian policy changes affecting travellers before travelling.
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Why these changes matter
Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park contains coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and extensive intertidal habitats that support a wide variety of marine life. The park is jointly managed by the Western Australian Government and the Bardi and Jawi Traditional Owners, with the zoning system designed to protect sensitive ecosystems while maintaining opportunities for recreation and tourism.
Importantly, the new restrictions do not affect customary hunting, fishing and ceremonial activities undertaken by Bardi and Jawi Traditional Owners, which remain permitted throughout the marine park.
The July 19 enforcement date marks the end of a year-long education campaign during which authorities focused on helping fishers understand the new arrangements rather than issuing penalties. From this weekend, compliance officers will actively enforce the zoning rules across the park.
For visitors, the message is straightforward: recreational fishing is still possible across designated areas, but checking the official zoning map before entering the water could prevent an expensive mistake and help protect one of Western Australia’s most significant marine environments.
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