Western Australia's recreational abalone fishers are preparing to hit the water this weekend for the season's highly anticipated second session. With thousands expected to participate, authorities are issuing a strong reminder to prioritise personal safety and sustainable fishing practices to protect the valuable marine resource.
Session Details and Key Rules for Fishers
The upcoming fishing opportunity is a tightly managed one-hour window, scheduled for Saturday, January 10, from 7:00 am to 8:00 am. The activity is confirmed for the western zone coastline, stretching from Busselton Jetty to the Greenough River Mouth, provided weather and ocean conditions are suitable.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the session is open to approximately 16,000 current licensed abalone fishers. A core message from the department focuses on strict adherence to regulations designed to ensure future stock health.
DPIRD management officer Aidan Walsh emphasised a critical rule: "Abalone should always be measured before they are removed from a reef, so undersize abalone are left to grow." He warned that once detached, an undersize abalone's chance of survival plummets. "If abalone is in your catch bag it's considered your catch. It's too late to measure when you return to shore," Mr Walsh stated.
Understanding the Limits for Roe's Abalone
For those targeting Roe's abalone, the rules are clear and non-negotiable. The bag limit is set at 15 per licensed fisher. Furthermore, each abalone must meet a minimum size limit of 60mm, which is measured across the shell's widest part. Fishers are strongly encouraged to review all regulations in DPIRD's official Abalone Recreational fishing guide before heading out.
Planning for Safety and Conditions
With the session occurring in a dynamic coastal environment, careful planning is essential. Surf Life Saving WA forecasts include average tides around 0.4m, with wave heights and swell potentially reaching one metre or more. Air temperatures are expected to range from a mild 16°C up to 30°C, with winds around 27km/h.
Authorities urge all participants to:
- Check the latest marine weather and swell forecasts immediately before the session.
- Familiarise themselves thoroughly with all fishing rules and measurement techniques.
- Plan their entry and exit points carefully, considering tidal movements.
- Always fish with a buddy and prioritise personal safety over catch.
This managed approach to recreational abalone fishing underscores WA's commitment to balancing popular public access with the long-term sustainability of its unique marine ecosystems.
