The Western Australian government has officially released the schedule for the highly anticipated recreational abalone fishing season for summer 2025, detailing specific dates and important safety measures for participants.
Fishing Sessions and Locations
The recreational fishing sessions will occur over four Saturdays during the summer months, specifically on December 13, January 10, and February 7 and 21. Each fishing window is strictly limited to one hour between 7am and 8am, maintaining the traditional 'abalone hour' format that has proven effective for management.
The designated fishing area stretches along the coast from Busselton Jetty north to Greenough River Mouth, covering popular abalone fishing grounds that attract thousands of Western Australians each season.
Enhanced Safety Measures and Funding
In a significant move to improve participant safety, the State Government has committed $417,000 to Surf Life Saving WA to provide abalone safety services in the Perth metropolitan area over the next three recreational fishing seasons.
SLSWA will conduct hazardous surf forecast assessments before each fishing session, helping determine whether weather and sea conditions are safe for participants. However, fisheries officials emphasize that while surf lifesavers will monitor metropolitan areas, coastal regions outside the metropolitan zone will not have SLSWA monitoring services.
Recfishwest will support the safety campaign by promoting appropriate fishing attire, proper gear selection, and education on managing ocean conditions, including monitoring swells and waves that wash across reefs.
Fishing Regulations and Sustainability
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis emphasized the importance of safety and sustainability for the popular recreational activity, stating: "Abalone fishing is incredibly popular in Western Australia and it's important for safety and sustainability to be front-of-mind for recreational fishers."
The bag limit remains set at 15 Roe's abalone per day with a minimum size limit of 60mm. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development compliance officers will patrol each session to monitor catches and ensure compliance with regulations, protecting the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
With these measures in place, Western Australian fishing enthusiasts can look forward to another exciting abalone season while maintaining the health of this precious marine resource for future generations.
