Tag: abalone

Enjoy safe and successful abalone fishing this summer

Recfishwest is encouraging all abalone fishers to enjoy safe fishing this summer by being aware of the weather conditions and wearing all the right gear.  

Thousands of abalone fishers are expected to flock to the coastline as this year’s West Coast Zone abalone season kicks off from 7-8am this Saturday, 14 December between 7-8am. 

In exciting news for abalone fishers, the stretch of coast north of Moore River up to Greenough River will reopen for the first time in 13 years, in addition to the rest of the fishery through the metro down to Busselton Jetty.  

NOTE – this extended coastline from north of the Perth metro area will not be patrolled by Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) volunteers, that is why it is paramount you put your safety first if walking or diving the reef this summer.  

Want to become a gun abalone fisher while also maximising your safety? Check out our latest safe abalone fishing video below that covers the best gear to use! 

The best gear to wear for successful and safe abalone fishing

If you’re fishing for abalone this summer, here’s Recfishwest’s top tips for the best gear to enable you to come home safe with a good feed of abalone:

  • Wear a wetsuit – long-sleeved is best – it keeps you warm, it’s nice and buoyant and it protects you from the reef.
  • Do NOT wear a hoodie, trackpants, baggy clothes, face masks or a rashie – they become heavy when wet and are difficult to swim in which is dangerous.
  • Wear gloves – kevlar material is best as they’re more durable and will protect you from sea urchins, the reef and sharp edges.
  • Carry a mesh bag – water can pass through it, meaning reduced drag and you are less susceptible to swell, waves and currents. It also keeps your abalone fresh.
  • Abalone measure gauge – measure your abalone and make sure they are 60mm minimum in size before removing from reef.
  • Use an abalone knife – this is much better than a screwdriver or butter knife. Do NOT use a sharp or pointed knife, this is very dangerous to you and others in moving water.
  • Dive mask – can be used for waders and diving, make sure it’s comfortable before entering water so you don’t have to adjust it in the swell. Use spit or Sea Gold to prevent mask fogging up.
  • Shorter fins for divers – they are more manoeuvrable under water and less likely to get stuck on the reef. Make sure they are a perfect fit before entering water.
  • Reef boots for waders – provide the best stability and protection when wading sharp reef. Do NOT wear heavy work boots, thongs or go barefoot.

No abalone is worth your life

Championing the State’s safe fishing program on behalf of the cast of 750,000 West Aussie fishers, Recfishwest is providing key pointers to ensure all abalone fishers enjoy a great fishing experience and come home safe and sound afterwards. 

Recfishwest Safe Fishing Coordinator Levi De Boni said, “We encourage everyone to be across the swell and weather conditions before going out on the reef to gather abalone.  

“We strongly recommend going abalone fishing with at least one buddy, but if you can’t swim then simply don’t fish – no abalone is worth risking your life for.  

“We also advise wearing a long sleeve wetsuit, gloves and reef shoes, carrying a mesh catch-bag, a mask and snorkel and using a flat edge abalone knife to prize the abs off the rocks. 

“We want everyone to enjoy their fishing for abalone and that means staying safe with everyone having a personal responsibility to ensure their own safety.”  

For more information on how to stay safe while abalone fishing, check out Surf Life Saving WA’s abalone fishing page here https://www.mybeach.com.au/coastal-safety/abalone/ 

This season’s abalone fishing sessions are scheduled on the following Saturdays between 7-8am dependent on the swell and weather forecast:

– 14 December, 2024 
– 11 January, 2025 
– 1 February, 2025 
– 15 February, 2025 

Look out for yourself and your mates and enjoy safe abalone fishing wherever you go!

West Coast Zone open for abalone fishing this summer

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.  

There is an extra 336km of coastline for abalone fishers to explore this summer, with Roe’s abalone fishing to be opened from Busselton jetty to Greenough River Mouth!

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.   

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.

Metro abalone season dates announced

The four dates of the upcoming West Coast abalone season have been announced, so get ready to get geared up for abs!  

Over the upcoming summer season, recreational abalone fishing will take place over one-hour sessions on four Saturday mornings between December and February.  

The more than 17,000 licensed abalone fishers will be able to fish between 7am-8am on: 

  • Saturday 10 December 2022 
  • Saturday 14 January 2023 
  • Saturday 4 February 2023 
  • Saturday 18 February 2023 

Enjoy safe abalone fishing by being across safe gear and abalone fishing practices. 

Click here for great abalone fishing and safety tips from SLSWA 

Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) volunteers are on standby each year to provide condition forecasts for the abalone season and keep fishers safe.

 

Abalone fishers either dive or scan shallow reefs on foot searching for them. Rough conditions and wearing the wrong gear (pictured right) often not mixing well.

Assessing the risks to keep fishers safe

Investing in the right gear for abalone fishing is not only safer, but it also increases your odds of catching them while keeping your caught abalone fresh.

 

Make sure you keep an eye on the forecasts and check RLSWA’s tips for abalone fishing to ensure you come home safe with a full bag!

Images: Perth Fishing Safaris

Abalone fishers revving up to hit the reefs for opening day of newly expanded metro season

WA abalone fishers are gearing up to hit the metro reefs this Saturday to get stuck into a great fishery on Perth’s doorstep.

Abalone enthusiasts flock to abalone hotspots along the Perth coast once the season opens each year.

The metro season kicks off on Saturday morning with fishing permitted from 7am to 8am.

As we reported recently, a careful fisheries management plan for the prized fishery laid the foundations for recruitment levels of Roe’s abalone returning to levels prior to the marine heatwave in 2010/11.

As a result, WA abalone fishers will be enjoying the return of a fifth day of abalone fishing in the metro zone this summer.

A decision was made in 2015 to protect abalone stocks by reducing the bag limit from 20 to 15 and adding in a 20-tonne total allowable catch limit that effectively reduced the season from five to four days

And the key ingredient in the stocks’ recovery can be attributed to the abalone fishers themselves, said Recfishwest Business Development and Partnerships Manager Tim Grose.

“Abalone fishers value the abalone stocks in Perth’s backyard highly,” Tim said.

“As a result they care about the stocks and have stuck to the rules that have lead to the recovery of recruitment levels.

Recfishwest’s Tim Grose and Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley at today’s media event. Picture: Recfishwest

“Conditions are looking good for this Saturday and it’s going to be great to see thousands of ab fishers heading for the reefs to safely collect a feed of this sought-after shellfish.”

Tim attended a media event with Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley at Trigg this morning to highlight the importance of the fishery to the WA community.

He said Recfishwest would continue to work hard to improve access to abalone as the fishery continues to move in the right direction.

“We understand how much people love to collect abs – it’s a big part of summer in the city for them – and we’ll carry on doing our bit to make the experience an even richer one, as the stocks continue to recover,” he said.

Licensed abalone recfishers can catch abalone in the metro zone, from Guilderton to Busselton across five Saturdays, between 7am and 8am on the following days:

  • 12 December;
  • 9 January;
  • 23 January;
  • 6 February; and,
  • 20 February.
The metro abalone fishery, on Perth’s doorstep, is highly valued. Picture: Recfishwest

Great result for abalone fishers after metro management plan pays off

It’s always great to see a fishery management plan work – and thanks to careful management of the metro abalone fishery with the State’s 17,500-plus licensed abalone fishers sticking to the rules – WA abalone fishers can now enjoy an extra day of abalone fishing in the metro this season.

“You’ll always get the nay-sayers and doubters, but today’s announcement by Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley is proof-positive that in the five years since fishing days were reduced, metro abalone stocks have recovered sufficiently to allow for a fifth day of fishing to be restored,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said.

In the announcement this morning, Minister Tinley confirmed that licensed recfishers can now catch abalone from Guilderton to Busselton across five Saturdays between 7am and 8am on these days:

Recfishwest’s James Florisson is among abalone aficionados stoked about today’s news.

–    12 December.
–    9 January.
–    23 January.
–    6 February.
–    20 February.

Read Minister Tinley’s media statement here

From stock devastation to stock recovery 

“It’s a great result for ab aficionados across the metro, after a decision was made in 2015 to protect abalone stocks by reducing the bag limit from 20 to 15 and adding in a 20-tonne total allowable catch limit that effectively reduced the season from five to four days,” Dr Rowland said.

The fishing effort reduction came on the back of the marine heatwave in 2010/11 that had a devastating impact on metro abalone stocks.

Over the past few years, though, metro abalone stocks have been showing positive signs of recovery in the past few seasons.

Dr Rowland said data gathered by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development scientists showed recruitment levels of Roe’s abalone in metro waters have now returned to pre-heatwave levels.

“Thankfully, this isn’t one of those occasions where we have to wait years to get an obvious change to fishing rules,” Dr Rowland said.

“We will continue to look at more ways to improve your access to abalone as the stocks continue to improve including returning the bag limit to 20.

“That said, things are definitely moving in the right direction for this great fishery on the doorstep of our capital city.”

The metro abalone fishery is a popular fishery on Perth’s doorstep for many, including Recfishwest’s Steph Watts.

Replacement abalone fishing hour scheduled

Abalone fishers in the West Coast Bioregion will be pleased to hear an extra fishing hour has been scheduled for the Saturday, 9 March to replace the hour cancelled on Saturday, 12 January.

Since the previous day was cancelled, Recfishwest have been working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to ensure the additional hour was scheduled, given catch levels are within the sustainable target level.

Recfishwest are pleased to also receive the recommendation from Surf Life Saving WA for this weekend’s scheduled fishing hour to proceed as planned between 7am to 8am.

As always, Recfishwest remind fishers to check the weather before heading out, ensure they have the right equipment, take advice from Surf Life Saving and don’t take unnecessary risks.

To find out where you can fish, what equipment you’ll need and for live beach footage, click here.