New fishing zones are now enforceable across Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, exposing people who fish in restricted waters to a $400 infringement or court penalties of up to $5,000.
The rules commenced on Sunday, July 19, 2026, after a 12-month education period. They affect recreational and commercial fishers using the 204,000-hectare park, which stretches from the northern Dampier Peninsula to the western islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.
What changed on July 19
Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park is now regulated through four zone types, each allowing different activities. Independent recreational fishing is unavailable across 51% of the park, although specific exemptions apply.
Sanctuary zones cover 25% of the protected waters. Fishing and collecting marine animals, plants or shells are prohibited in these “look but don’t take” areas, while low-impact activities such as boating, diving, snorkelling and wildlife watching can continue.
Cultural protection zones account for 26%. Recreational fishing is permitted only from an authorised charter boat or through an appropriately licensed shore-based tourism operation. Customary fishing and commercial trochus collection are exempt from the general prohibition.
General-use zones make up 47% of the park and remain available for recreational and commercial fishing under existing state regulations. The remaining 2% consists of biocultural conservation zones, where recreational fishing and approved commercial fisheries can operate.
Fines can exceed the initial $400 notice
A person caught fishing where it is prohibited may receive a $400 infringement notice. Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development says a serious offence referred to court can attract a fine of up to $5,000.
A court may add a further penalty worth as much as 10 times the value of any fish involved. These consequences are separate from bag limits, minimum sizes, licensing requirements, seasonal closures and other statewide fishing laws.
The zoning changes should not be confused with the broader Western Australia demersal fishing restrictions, which concern particular species and different sections of the coastline.
Why the restrictions matter
The marine park contains reefs, seagrass, mangroves and intertidal habitats used by whales, dugongs and Australian snubfin dolphins. It is jointly managed by the Western Australian Government and Bardi and Jawi Traditional Owners to protect ecological and cultural values while maintaining permitted recreation and tourism.
Marine access restrictions are used elsewhere to protect vulnerable species, including the Whyalla exclusion zone introduced during the giant cuttlefish season in South Australia.
Customary hunting, fishing and cultural activities undertaken by Bardi and Jawi Traditional Owners can continue throughout Bardi Jawi Gaarra Marine Park.
Some local fishers have criticised the loss of access to places used for fishing and camping over many years. Broome recreational fisher Sara Hennessey described the restrictions as a “slap in the face” for responsible anglers familiar with the area.
What fishers should do before leaving
DPIRD Senior Operations Manager Matt Gogoll has urged people to study the boundaries before entering the water and ensure they fish only where it is permitted.
Visitors should check the official zoning information and maps before launching a boat, joining a charter or fishing from shore. Confirming the zone remains important because permitted activities can change across nearby boundaries.
Marine rangers and Fisheries officers will continue educating the public about the system, but the transition period has ended and breaches can now result in enforcement action.
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