The West Coast Zone (WCZ) abalone fishing season wraps up this Saturday, with the final session between 7am and 8am and the latest assessment from Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) is urging caution with the conditions expected to present medium risks for fishers.
SLSWA’s assessment evaluates the best available information on the predicted wind speed, tide, wave height and swell period.
Conditions this Saturday morning may appear very favourable, with an average wave height around 1.1 metres expected, but slightly higher in the Peel and North Metro areas. However, the rising tide of 0.5 metres at most fishing locations and the resultant amount of standing water on top of reef platforms does raise concerns, with waves likely to push across the reefs either at or above waist height.
In these conditions reef holes and drop offs can be hazardous for fishers with poor swimming capabilities, especially if they’re not wearing appropriate clothing when collecting abalone.
Licensed abalone fishers, who plan to take part in this Saturday’s fishing hour in the WCZ between Moore River and the Busselton Jetty, need to make their own evaluation of the sea and weather conditions on the day, to ensure they have the water skills to fish safely at their chosen fishing location.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Senior Management Officer Nick Blay said fishers must put personal safety first.
“Again, we urge fishers to keep an eye on the ocean conditions at all times,” Mr Blay said.
“Our advice from SLSWA advises that abalone fishers with low swimming or swim to survive skills need to be aware that this Saturday’s conditions may be hazardous for them, irrespective of any swell or surge and they should not take risks beyond their skill level. The forecast also notes that low winds of 6 knots (with gusts to 8 knots) will tend offshore and the temperature is likely to be in the mid-high twenties during the session.”
“Preliminary estimates for the abalone catch across the season so far have been within the sustainable catch range, however, DPIRD compliance officers will again be checking to ensure participants are obeying the bag limit and size rules and have a valid abalone fishing licence.”
More on abalone fishing rules is available at www.fish.wa.gov.au. SLSWA has abalone fishing safety tips at: https://www.mybeach.com.au/safety-rescue-services/coastal-recreation/abalone/.
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.
Media contact: Ashley Malone, DPIRD media liaison - mobile 0418 901 767
