Tag: abalone fishing

Premier’s announcement of $107 million for next stage of Ocean Reef marina development met with serious questions from metro fishers

Over the weekend, WA Premier Roger Cook announced that the Government has signed a $107 million works contract to start the next stage of major works for the Ocean Reef marina development.  

The Premier said, “Ocean Reef marina is one of the most significant development projects in our State.”  

However, despite its significance to West Aussie fishers, the Government is yet to offset the loss of the 12.5 hectares of productive reef habitat which resulted in more than one million abalone being killed to make way for the marina.  

As a result of this failure, DPIRD was once again forced to restrict this summer’s metro recreational abalone season by one day for the fifth year in a row.    

Hear from Leyland Campbell discussing the impacts of Ocean Reef marina on recreational fishers in the video below:

 

A failure by Government to deliver on what was promised to us

There is also still no word on the fishing jetty that was promised as part of the marina’s plans, which would allow fishers of all abilities – including those requiring wheelchair access – to enjoy wetting a line.  

Recfishwest Operations Manager Leyland Campbell said, “Recfishwest has always supported the Government’s vision for the marina due to the broader community benefits a marina can provide. This support is largely because we have repeatedly been assured the development would be undertaken in accordance with world’s best practice.   

“However, not taking responsibility to remedy the environmental damage done by its actions is a long way from best practice. And, if the Government can’t be trusted to mitigate the environmental impacts of a residential marina, then what confidence can the community have in the Government developing an international container port and a large new shipping channel in an environment as sensitive as Cockburn Sound?”  

The abalone season this summer has been shortened for the fifth year in a row due to the Government failing to mitigate or offset the damage done to metro abalone stocks due to the Ocean Marina development.

 

Stocking boost driven by fishers 

Even though the Government is yet to take responsibility for the impact of their development, that hasn’t stopped fishers from investing in the future of this important fishery, Leyland pointed out.  

“The Fisheries Minister recently announced that DPIRD would restock abalone in the metro area over the next three years thanks to an investment of recreational licence fees through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund,” said Leyland. 

“Recfishwest first called for metro abalone restocking using recreational licence fees back in 2017, so it is great to see this becoming a reality.  

“While abalone stocking is welcomed – it does not make up for the huge hole left in abalone habitat and stock by the destruction of the Ocean Reef abalone reef.”   

He added, “It is time the Government takes responsibility and finally invests in properly mitigating and offsetting the impacts of the marina.” 

Recfishwest will continue to push the Government to take responsibility for their actions so abalone stocks can grow and fishers can regain the fifth day of abalone fishing they have been robbed of for the last five years.   

This summer’s Metro abalone season dates announced!

***UPDATE*** Saturday 3 February abalone session has been postponed due to forecast unsafe conditions. A replacement session will take place on 9 March (pending the assessment of swell and weather conditions).

The four dates for jumping in the drink to collect a feed of abalone this summer have been announced! 

Nearly 17,000 of WA’s licensed abalone recfishers will be able to gather Roe’s abalone between Guilderton to Busselton on the following four days.  

  1. Saturday, 9 December from 7-8am
  2. Saturday, 13 January from 7-8am 
  3. Saturday, 17 February from 7-8am 
  4. Saturday, 9 March from 7-8am  (replacement session for loss of scheduled 3 February session)

If bad weather causes the cancellation of one of the abalone dates above, a backup day will be made available. 

The best preparation and fishing practices for improving your safety  

Staying safe while collecting a feed of abs always needs to come first and 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 on their website outline the best abalone gear to use which makes it significantly easier and safer when prowling the inshore reefs.  

Nearly 17,000 licensed abalone fishers will start prowling the reefs both above and below the water on the four days listed above for a feed of abs. Make sure you stay safe and follow SLSWA’s safety tips.

South Coast Abalone Season Opening

Abalone, a delicacy for many fishers in WA, can now be caught in the South Coast region, extending from Busselton Jetty to the South Australian border, until 15th May 2019.

Pictured: Brownlip and Roe abalone

Greenlip abalone are the most common, with their Brownlip cousins being rarer but more sought after due to their size. The smaller Roe abalone is also available along the south coast.

Both Brownlip and Greenlip species are easily identifiable by their appearance with Roe being the smallest and often found in shallower waters, it’s normally quite easy to distinguish between them. All species are rated highly on the dinner plate, and are a delicacy in some countries, often eaten raw or cooked in various ways with different marinades.

Abalone make for a challenging fishing experience but for those looking for the reward, it’s worth the effort and the challenge certainly doesn’t deter the 17,500 fishers that will target abalone over the following months, with the West Coast Bioregion season opening occurring in December.

Where to find abalone

Green and brownip abalone in the Southern Zone can be found on granite or limestone surfaces, with rocks that protrude, slope or are generally cracked. They’re typically in waters deeper than 6 metres and love granite crevices.

You’ll find Roe’s abalone  within 2m of the waterline, favouring cracks and crevices on shallow limestone or bouldery granite reefs, as well as around broken rock on offshore islands. Be careful and safe when harvesting Roe’s abalone as their habitat exists in the ‘swell’ zone.

As always, safety is paramount when out fishing for the day. We work hard to ensure fishers return home safe by partnering with Surf Life Saving WA regarding abalone fishing. Read our tips below.

Safety tips when fishing for abalone

NEVER AB ALONE!!!!!

Study the waves before you get into the water and keep an eye on the swell while fishing – it is easy to be injured on reefs. If you are unsure whether conditions are too rough, don’t go in.

Be confident in your swimming ability before undertaking abalone fishing, as you have to swim to get abalone.

Carry your catch in a loose-weave net bag; this will allow water to pass through and not become a dragging weight.

Attach your measuring gauge to your wrist; don’t hang it around your neck.

Wear protective footwear and a wetsuit or light clothing that will not become too heavy when wet.

Know how far you can dive and be wary of the depth you are diving, as shallow water blackout can occur when freediving or holding your breath underwater.

Be shark smart, report all shark sightings directly to the Water Police on 9442 8600.

Rules and regulations regarding abalone fishing can be found here.

Not sure how to cook them? See our recommendation below. (Click to enlarge).