Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) fisheries officers and Surf Lifesaving WA (SLSWA) volunteers were on patrol this morning for the third abalone fishing session to ensure 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 Western Zone abalone season to ensure sustainability and stocks for the future.
The Western 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:
- 33 infringements for (excess bag limit, no licence, totally protected fish, take from closed waters)
- 41 warnings (excess bag limit, totally protected fish, take from closed waters, fishing out of season)
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 Western 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 148 SLSWA lifesavers and 30 rescue craft on patrol today between Mandurah and Yanchep.
Volunteer surf lifesavers completed:
- 22 rescues. The majority of these within the (insert area)
- 1,005 interactions with fishers to improve personal safety
- Nine first aids
For further information see Abalone Fishing Safety Tips and Where to Fish - My Beach
