In great news for West Aussie abalone fishers, the upcoming West Coast abalone season will see the reopening of the stretch of coast north of Moore River up to Greenough River, in addition to the rest of the fishery through the metro down to Busselton Jetty.
It means around 16,000 licenced WA abalone fishers can enjoy exploring more coastline for Roe’s abalone between Busselton Jetty and Greenough River Mouth this season.
Upcoming West Coast Zone abalone dates
This season, abalone fishing sessions have been set for the following Saturdays between 7am and 8am:
- 14 December, 2024;
- 11 January, 2025;
- 1 February, 2025;
- 15 February, 2025.
In case one of these four days is cancelled due to poor conditions, a backup day has been flagged for Saturday, 8 March from 7am-8am.
Welcome news for abalone fishers
The area north of Moore River to Greenough has been closed for the past 13 years following the impacts of marine heatwaves on abalone stocks.
Since a recent stock assessment determined fishing can be supported in this area, the green light was given to extend the abalone fishing zone around 336km further north, from Moore River up to Greenough River Mouth.
“This is a great result for abalone fishers in the Mid-West, allowing families and friends to explore more of the coastline for grabbing a feed of abalone,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.
“We are pleased the Minister supported requests to review the management arrangements for this section of the fishery which has led to it reopening this summer.”
Recfishwest continues to encourage fishers to have personal safety at the front of their minds, if walking or diving the reef this summer.
Mid-West abalone fishers should note this extended coastline north of the Perth metro area will not be patrolled by Surf Life Saving WA volunteers.
Stay safe while enjoying your abs fishing
If you’re wanting to know the best tips and tricks for not only maximising your protection while abalone fishing but also the best gear that improves your odds of a successful day’s fishing, then Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) have you covered.
SLSWA’s abalone fishing tips below detail the best abalone gear to use which makes it significantly easier and safer when searching the inshore reefs.
Click here to see Surf Life Saving WA’s great tips on how to fish safely for abalone.
The bag limit of 15 Roe’s abalone per person with a size limit of 60mm still applies. Make sure you download the Recfishwest app to be across the rules before jumping in the drink!
Click here to apply for a recreational abalone fishing licence.
