The mackerel fishery in Western Australia extends from the West Coast Bioregion (which runs from east of Augusta to north of Kalbarri) to the Northern Territory border.
Commercial fishers target Spanish mackerel in coastal areas around reefs, shoals and headlands. They work from small vessels and tow near-surface trolling gear (baited fishing lines). Jig fishing (line fishing with a type of lure) is also used to catch a much smaller amount of grey mackerel and other mackerel species.
Commercial mackerel catch 2011
| WA mackerel fishery |
284 tonnes |
13 tonnes |
0.7 tonnes |
|---|
Catches in the WA mackerel fishery are reported separately for three areas: Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne/West Coast.
Commercial Spanish mackerel catch by area 2011
| Gascoyne/West Coast |
47 tonnes |
|---|
| Kimberley |
183 tonnes |
|---|
| Pilbara |
55 tonnes |
|---|