AdvertisementNationalWAEnvironmental protection WA seismic blasting plans ‘fly in the face’ of demersal fishing ban, conservationists warn Holly Thompson January 29, 2026 — 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Got it Share A A AWestern Australia’s peak environmental body claims the state government’s continued permission for seismic blasting off the coast “flies in the face” of a controversial fishing ban recently introduced to protect demersal stocks. The Conservation Council WA has backed the ban on demersal fishing, introduced on January 1, labelling it necessary to protect species recovery into the future. But the environment group claimed the ban was undermined by approvals for seismic blasting to explore for new gas reserves. “In light of these reforms, Pilot Energy has identified that its impact assessment requires review, which may lead to amendments to the environment plan.