In a dramatic act of protest, Geraldton fisherman John Higham has chained himself to the roof of the Midwest Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development building in Western Australia. Higham is voicing his opposition to the state's controversial demersal fishing ban, which he claims has drastically impacted his ability to use his fishing licence. Although he does not target demersal species himself, he argues that they are often a bycatch in shark fishing, indicating that the ban affects his shark fishing operations.

In an effort to draw attention to his plight, Higham has stated that he swallowed the key to the lock binding him to the roof, signaling his determination to remain in place until Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis reinstates his fishing licence. The protest comes amid ongoing debates about fishing regulations in Western Australia, as the government prioritizes conservation and fishery sustainability efforts that have led to restrictions that many fishermen find overly burdensome.

Authorities were aware of the protest, and multiple police vehicles were dispatched to the scene. However, law enforcement officials have indicated they will not attempt to remove Higham from the roof, preferring to monitor the situation while he continues to voice his frustrations regarding the fishing ban and its repercussions for local fishermen. This protest underscores the tensions between government regulations and the livelihoods of those in the fishing industry, highlighting the need for dialogue to address the challenges they face.