Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) fisheries officers and Surf Lifesaving WA (SLSWA) volunteers were on patrol this morning to ensure abalone fishers followed the rules and stayed safe.
This popular recreational fishery is tightly managed over four designated one-hour fishing sessions (7am-8am) for the 2025-26 West Coast Zone abalone season to ensure sustainability and stocks for the future.
The West Coast Zone extends between Busselton Jetty to the Greenough River mouth and includes islands within the zone like Rottnest, Carnac, Garden and Penguin Islands.
Fisher compliance and education - DPIRD
DPIRD fisheries officers were on duty throughout the zone today checking fisher licences, abalone bag limits and size limits, supported by the education team.
Officers issued:
- 31 infringements for offences including excess bag limit, undersize, licence and shucking.
- 33 warnings for matters including excess bag limit and undersize abalone.
Fishers must have a current recreational fishing licence for abalone to fish during the designated sessions.
The recreational bag limit for Roe's abalone is 15 per fisher per session in the West Coast Zone and the legal minimum size limit is 60mm.
More information on abalone fishing in WA is available at: https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/siteassets/documents/fisheries/recreational/guides-and-infographics/rec_licence_abalone.pdf
Fisher safety - Surf Lifesaving WA
There were more than 170 volunteer SLSWA lifesavers on patrol today between Mandurah and Yanchep, equipped with power craft, aerial surveillance and emergency care equipment to help keep fishers safe.
Volunteer surf lifesavers completed:
- 11 rescues.
- 776 interactions with fishers to improve personal safety.
- 21 first aids.
For further information see Abalone Fishing Safety Tips and Where to Fish - My Beach
