The second abalone fishing session of the season is scheduled to open for licensed fishers this Saturday, January 10, from 7 am to 8 am. The session will cover the coastline between Busselton Jetty and the Greenough River Mouth, with approximately 16,000 licensed abalone fishers expected to participate, subject to weather and ocean conditions.
Regulations and Sustainability
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) reminds fishers of the regulations for Roe's abalone:
- Bag Limit: 15 per licensed fisher.
- Minimum Size Limit: 60mm, measured across the widest part of the shell.
DPIRD management officer Aidan Walsh emphasized the importance of measuring abalone before removal from a reef to ensure undersize abalone are left to grow. He noted that once abalone is removed, its survival rate is reduced, and any abalone in a catch bag is considered part of the catch, making it too late to measure upon returning to shore.
Safety and Planning
Authorities are urging all fishers to prioritize safety and sustainability. Surf Life Saving WA forecasts average tides of 0.4m, with wave heights and swell around one meter or higher. Air temperatures are anticipated to range from 16 to 30°C, with winds approximately 27 km/h.
Fishers are advised to:
- Check conditions carefully before heading out.
- Plan ahead.
- Familiarize themselves with the rules available in DPIRD's Abalone Recreational Fishing Guide.