WA's commercial wild abalone fishery becomes world-leader

Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly today announced Western Australia's commercial wild-caught abalone fishery has become the first commercial abalone fishery in the world to receive sustainability certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
  • Western Australia's commercial wild-caught abalone fishery receives Marine Stewardship Council tick
  • Commercial fishers harvest more than 200 tonnes of wild-caught abalone annually
  • Eight WA fisheries have now achieved Marine Stewardship Council certification

Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly today announced Western Australia's commercial wild-caught abalone fishery has become the first commercial abalone fishery in the world to receive sustainability certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

The wild-caught abalone industry in WA has an estimated value of more than $8 million annually, making it a valuable contributor to the economy.

There are 50 licence holders in the State's south-west wild-caught commercial abalone fishery that harvest WA's three species of abalone - Roe's, greenlip and brownlip abalone.

Fishermen dive or wade for the highly prized shellfish, which are then either canned or frozen before being sent to seafood markets throughout Asia.

The wild-caught abalone industry is one of eight WA fisheries that have achieved MSC certification. Other fisheries certified include WA rock lobster, Exmouth Gulf prawn trawl, Shark Bay prawn trawl, Peel Harvey Estuary blue swimmer crab and sea mullet, Australian west coast deep sea crab and the West Coast Silver lipped pearl fishery.

Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:

"In Western Australia we are very lucky to have incredible fisheries right on our doorstep, including our local abalone fishery.

"Our local fisheries not only play an important role in our economy, but they also support local jobs.

"I congratulate the wild harvest abalone fishery operators for meeting the rigorous standards for MSC certification, and demonstrating sustainable and effective management practices to seafood consumers here and in Asia.

"With an unprecedented eight fisheries with MSC certification, WA truly is the world-leader for sustainable fisheries.

"As consumer demand for certified sustainable seafood continues to increase, it is important WA stays at the forefront in fisheries management."

Minister's office - 6552 6100