Abalone season kicks off this Saturday

Tuesday, 5 December 2017 08:18

By Taylah Strano

We're being reminded to have our permits and stick to fishing areas

As abalone season opens on Saturday December 9 the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is reminding everyone to hold the correct permits and know what we're allowed to fish and where.

Rockingham falls into West Coast Zone One, with fishing of abalone allowed near Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, expect in sanctuary zones and the Murray Reef special purpose zone.

The West Coast Zone extends from Busselton Jetty to the Greenough River mouth.

This incorporates all islands within the zone including Rottnest, Carnac, Garden and Penguin islands.

The daily bag limit for Roe's abalone in the West Coast Zone is 15.

More than 15,500 people have applied and hold abalone fishing licenses, while no license is requires to fish sea urchin this can only be done during abalone open season.

If you don't have the correct fishing license, fish out of season, take under size abalone or more than your possession limit you could cop a fin as high as $10,000 plus up to 10 times the dollar value of the species.

It's also illegal for recreational fishers to sell their catch, attracting fines up to $400,000 or imprisonment.

Fishing will be open between 7 and 8 in the morning from December 9, with Surf Lifesaving WA close by making sure fisher and the water is safe.

Here's a list of fishing days this abalone season, all with the one hour fishing window.
– Saturday 9 December 2017
– Saturday 13 January 2018
– Saturday 3 February 2018
– Saturday 17 February 2018

All fishing may be subject to surveillance by Fisheries and Marine Officers.