Abalone Fishing Session Cancelled in WA Due to Dangerous Weather Conditions
Abalone enthusiasts across Western Australia will need to postpone their final fishing opportunity of the season after authorities cancelled Saturday's scheduled session. The decision was made due to unsafe weather and sea conditions that posed significant risks to participants.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) announced the cancellation following consultations with Surf Life Saving WA and Recfishwest. The predicted conditions were deemed too hazardous for recreational fishers and volunteer surf lifesavers operating on reef platforms.
Safety Concerns Prompt Cancellation
DPIRD management officer Aidan Walsh emphasized that safety was the primary consideration in making this decision. "The main priority is ensuring fishers' safety when accessing abalone. Based on the modelling it was determined it would not be safe to proceed with fishing this Saturday," Mr Walsh stated.
Compliance officers will remain on patrol this weekend to ensure no illegal abalone fishing occurs. The department has scheduled a replacement session for March 14, providing fishers with one final opportunity before the season closes.
Tightly Managed Fishing Season
The abalone fishing season in Western Australia is strictly regulated by DPIRD Fisheries officers across four one-hour sessions. These occur between 7am and 8am along the coastline from Busselton Jetty to the Greenough River mouth.
Several important regulations govern abalone fishing:
- A recreational abalone fishing licence costs $50
- Each fisher may not exceed 15 abalone per bag
- The minimum size for Roe's abalone is 60mm across the widest part of the shell
- Shucking is prohibited within 200 meters of the beach
These measures are designed to protect the valuable abalone stocks that make Western Australian waters renowned for this delicacy.
Related Event Also Under Weather Watch
The cancellation coincides with weather concerns affecting another major Western Australian event. The Rottnest Channel Swim Association is closely monitoring conditions for their annual swim, also scheduled for Saturday.
An RCSA statement indicated that "at this stage, it is too early to predict if the event will be delayed or cancelled." The association plans to consult with Bureau of Meteorology forecasters and the University of Western Australia's Coastal Oceanography Group for updated predictions about currents and conditions.
Earlier this season, hundreds of fishers flocked to Western Australian beaches during the first two abalone sessions, demonstrating the popularity of this tightly regulated recreational activity. The March 14 replacement session now represents the final opportunity for enthusiasts to participate in this unique fishing experience until next season.
