The Western Australian government has announced the dates for the upcoming summer abalone fishing season. Recreational fishing sessions will be held on four Saturdays between 7am and 8am, starting December 13, 2024, and continuing on January 10, February 7, and February 21, 2025. The fishing area extends from Busselton Jetty north to the Greenough River Mouth.
The state government has allocated $417,000 to Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) for abalone safety services in the Perth metropolitan area over the next three recreational fishing seasons. SLSWA will provide hazardous surf forecast assessments before each session to determine if weather and sea conditions are safe for fishing.
Fishers are reminded that while surf lifesavers will monitor metropolitan areas, coastal regions outside the metropolitan zone are not covered by SLSWA. Recfishwest will promote safety messages, including appropriate attire, gear, and ocean condition management, such as watching for swells and waves washing across reefs.
A bag limit of 15 Roe's abalone per day applies, with a minimum size limit of 60mm. Compliance officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will patrol each session to monitor catches and ensure the fishery's sustainability.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis emphasized the importance of safety and sustainability, 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.'
