WAFIC on the Brink | Australia News

WAFIC is in crisis after losing a quarter of its budget—$400,000—in government funding, just as the WA fishing industry battles controversial new rules. Veteran fisher Anthony Haygarth blames reliance on state money for weakening industry influence, calling for a complete break from government funding to fight back more aggressively. He cites regulatory changes like west coast demersal fishing reforms as existential threats. Interim CEO Manue Daniels confirms the cut was politically driven, partly due to rock lobster groups securing more license fee funding, while acknowledging WAFIC’s ongoing effectiveness amid mounting pressure. Haygarth looks to past victories—like the rock...