The mackerel fishery in Western Australia extends from the West Coast Bioregion to the Northern Territory border, with the largest proportion of the catch taken in the North Coast Bioregion.
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 2014
| WA mackerel fishery |
322 tonnes |
3.5 tonnes |
1 tonne |
|---|
Catches in the WA mackerel fishery are reported separately for three areas: Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne/West Coast.
Commercial Spanish mackerel catch by area 2014
| Gascoyne/West Coast |
34 tonnes |
|---|
| Kimberley |
194 tonnes |
|---|
| Pilbara |
94 tonnes |
|---|