Award-Winning Sustainable Fisherman Faces Losing 90% of His Business Under New Ban & Australians Lose Access to Sustainable Wild Catch Fish

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Chefs and restaurant industry leaders across Australia, including Neil Perry AM, Matt Moran and Scott Bridger, are deeply concerned about the recent announcement by the Western Australian government imposing a significant ban on commercial fishing.

The ban was introduced with minimal consultation, leaving those affected blindsided and without a voice. It has been a devastating blow to many in the commercial fishing industry, including Anthony Heslewood from Revolution Fisheries, an award-winning leader in sustainable wild-catch fishing, recognised for his ethical, environmentally responsible approach to wild-catch WA reef fish.

"Anthony of Revolution Fisheries is one of the most sustainable fisherman on the planet. We all want to eat fresh wild caught fish, the best way for us to do that is support commercial fisherman who do the right thing. Targeted catching is what line fisherman do, don’t close the entire fishery, protect those fish under threat. Make sure recreational fisherman who are largely unpoliced don’t by sheer numbers, be a treat to the fishery." - Neil Perry AM, World’s 50 Best Restaurants Icon Award 2024

As a result of this ban, Anthony will lose 90% of his business, jeopardising his and his family's livelihood and future. Anthony represents the future of sustainable fishing in Australia. Yet this ban is about to wipe out the very people who have been doing the right thing.

"Every West Australian should have access to responsibly caught local seafood. Shutting down an entire industry with three weeks’ notice puts families, chefs and suppliers in an impossible position. We need balance, not knee-jerk decisions." - Scott Bridger, Pearla & Co

But this isn’t just about one fisherman. This is about every Australian consumer's access to local sustainable wild catch fish.

This is about:  

• Local businesses & livelihoods
• WA’s food culture
• The restaurant industry
• The seafood industry 
• Australian consumers' access to locally caught fresh fish
• The survival of truly sustainable, wild-caught seafood 

We support the environment, but this approach is wrong. Everyone wants healthy oceans. Commercial fishers like Anthony want that too, their livelihoods depend on it. But banning operators without meaningful dialogue is not how good policy is made. Sustainable fishers should be at the table, not removed from the water. 

What we are asking for

We respectfully request that the Western Australian government engage in genuine, transparent consultation with commercial fishers to develop a fair, balanced, science-based approach to protect both the marine environment and the viability of sustainable operators. Anthony, and many others, deserve the chance to contribute to a solution that works for everyone. 

Your signature can help. Please sign this petition to support:

• WA’s sustainable commercial fishers
• The chefs and restaurants who rely on them
• And every Australian who values access to ethical, local, wild-caught seafood

Let’s support our commercial fishermen and work towards a solution that benefits everyone involved. 

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Thankyou. Your voice can help ensure that sustainable fishers are heard, respected, and part of the solution.