Important Update: Shark Bay Fiesta 2026
15th May 2026 - finish date TBC
The Shark Bay Fiesta Committee would like to inform the community of an important decision regarding the 2026 Shark Bay Fiesta.
Following recent changes announced by the WA State Government to fishing bag limits in the West Coast Bioregion, and after careful consideration of how these changes may be perceived when hosting a fishing competition in the Gascoyne region, the Committee has resolved not to include a fishing competition as part of the 2026 Shark Bay Fiesta.
This decision was not made lightly. Fishing has long been a valued part of the Fiesta’s history. However, the Committee believes it is important to ensure the event continues to reflect community values, environmental responsibility, and positive public perception, while remaining inclusive and sustainable into the future.
What’s not changing
We want to reassure the community that:
The Shark Bay Fiesta will continue in 2026
All other community, family, cultural, and entertainment events will still go ahead
Opportunities for local fundraising, volunteering, and community involvement will remain a central focus
The Fiesta will continue to celebrate what makes Shark Bay special—connection, creativity, laughter, music, food, wellbeing, and coming together as a community.
Looking ahead
The Committee will now focus on:
Strengthening non-fishing activities and events
Exploring new ideas and partnerships
Ensuring the Fiesta continues to deliver strong social, economic, and wellbeing benefits for our town
We acknowledge that this change may generate mixed feelings, and we thank the community for their understanding and ongoing support. As always, we welcome constructive feedback and ideas as we plan the next chapter of the Shark Bay Fiesta.
Thank you for being part of this event and helping it evolve in a way that supports our community now and into the future.
Join us in the Bay this May.
