Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival Kicks Off with Sustainable Fishing Focus
The Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival begins on April 9, marking the start of this year's prawning season and celebrating the exceptional work of the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery. This fishery is a leading example of sustainable maritime resource management, operating in the waters of the Exmouth Gulf and focusing on four specific prawn species: the western king prawn, brown tiger prawn, endeavour prawns, and banana prawns.
Evolution of the Prawn Industry in Exmouth
The prawn industry in Exmouth has evolved significantly since its mid-century beginnings. In 1962, two major seafood entities emerged: the MG Kailis Group, founded by Michael and Patricia Kailis, and Nor-West Seafoods, which started with just two trawlers. Initially, prawns were brought ashore for labor-intensive manual processing. Today, immediate onboard freezing and grading ensure wild-caught freshness for a demanding international market.
The 1990s brought global recognition and industrial consolidation, coinciding with Shark Bay's UNESCO World Heritage listing and surging demand from Asian and European markets. This growth culminated in 2022 when Sea Harvest Australia, the successor to Nor-West Seafoods, acquired MG Kailis' fishing operations in the Exmouth Gulf. Now, Sea Harvest is the dominant player, holding all existing Exmouth prawn fishing licences and operating 11 prawn vessels.
Sustainable Management Practices
The longevity of the Exmouth fleet is supported by a management model focused on rigorous input controls. Instead of relying solely on catch quotas, the Exmouth Gulf model regulates activity and effort. Key practices include:
- Limiting the number of licences and physical capacity of vessels.
- Using low-opening otter prawn trawl systems to minimise environmental impact.
- Adjusting seasonal opening and closing dates based on environmental conditions, moon phases, and pre-season surveys.
- Tracking all vessels with a vessel monitoring system to ensure compliance with regulations.
These measures help maintain breeding stocks, minimise impact on the Ningaloo ecosystem, and ensure sustainable commercial viability.
2026 Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival Highlights
If the history of the fleet is the soul of Exmouth, the Exmouth Wild Prawn Festival is its heartbeat. This year's packed program, running from April 9 to 12, features a variety of events that showcase local culture and cuisine. Highlights include:
- Welcoming Of The Fleet: Local trawlers are greeted as they return to harbour with the first catch of the season.
- Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Feast: A six-course, prawn-led menu with music by Toby Beard on Friday evening.
- Prawns On The Wharf: A twilight gala on Saturday with trawler tours, market stalls, and food trucks.
- Weekend Events: On Sunday, Whalebone Brewing Co and Bullara Station host unique prawn-inspired culinary events.
- Wild Prawn Trail: Throughout the school holidays, local eateries offer signature dishes celebrating Exmouth wild-caught prawns.
This festival not only promotes sustainable fishing but also boosts local tourism and community engagement, making it a key event in the region's calendar.
