The 2022/23 West Coast Zone (WCZ) abalone recreational fishing season will open between 7am and 8am this Saturday.
Licenced abalone fishers will face medium to low weather and ocean risks for collecting the prized shellfish, but they need to always fish safely.
Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) surf prediction modelling recommends the fishing hour should go ahead on 10 December with caution, as the majority of the risk factors were assessed close to medium. Average wave heights around 1.3 metres are expected with a moderate primary swell between one to 1.7 metres, therefore water can be expected to surge across the reefs.
SLSWA modelling uses the best available information on these conditions from multiple sources and rates the risks for factors such as wind speed, wave height, tide and swell period. Saturday’s temperature for the fishing session will be about 17 degrees with onshore winds of 11 knots.
Abalone fishers who plan to take part in this Saturday’s fishing hour in the WCZ between Moore River and the Busselton Jetty are urged to evaluate the ocean and weather conditions on the day to ensure they have sufficient water skills to manage them. It is very important that participants also have suitable clothing and gear for abalone fishing.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Senior Fisheries Management Officer Nick Blay said fishers should not rush out onto the reefs, as there should be enough stock to get the bag limit of 15 Roe’s abalone within the fishing hour.
“There will be plenty of abalone available for those recreational fishers who head out this Saturday, so they need to be aware of the conditions and fish safely for this prized shellfish,” Mr Blay said.
“It is important recreational abalone fishers not only comply with the bag limit, but the minimum size limit of 60mm measured across the widest part of the shell is also crucial and fishers should measure the abalone before removing them off the reef.
“This increases the survival rate and keeps the smaller abalone on the reefs, allowing them to grow and provide for future catches.”
DPIRD Compliance officers will be at WCZ abalone fishing locations to check compliance this Saturday and throughout the season. In addition to this Saturday, 7am-8am fishing hours have been set aside for 14 January, 4 February and 18 February in 2023 subject to conditions.
We urge anyone heading to WA’s beaches at any time to switch on their
Sea Sense – check
www.sharksmart.com.au or download the
SharkSmart WA app. The app combines latest shark activity, as well as beach safety features such as Surf Life Saving WA patrolled beaches and weather forecasts, to help people plan their trips to the ocean.