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.
Most commercial fishing ‘effort’ (amount of fishing for a species) and catch is recorded north of Geraldton, with the majority off the Kimberley coast, reflecting the tropical distribution of mackerel species.
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 grey mackerel and other mackerel species.
Commercial mackerel catch
| WA mackerel fishery |
283 tonnes |
9.6 tonnes |
0.9 tonnes |
|---|
Catches in the WA mackerel fishery are reported separately for three areas: Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne/west coast. An individual transferable quota (ITQ) system is used to set total allowable commercial catches (TACCs) for each area.
Commercial catch by area 2010
| Kimberley |
205 tonnes |
154 tonnes |
|---|
| Pilbara |
126 tonnes |
80 tonnes |
|---|
| Gascoyne/west coast |
79 tonnes |
49 tonnes |
|---|