Sustainable fisheries

Demersal scalefish in Western Australia (WA) are long-lived, slow-growing species that live close to the seabed and are highly valued by the community for their role in supplying premium seafood and supporting recreational fishing and marine tourism.

The Abrolhos Islands are an important location for commercial fishing and aquaculture in Western Australia (WA). Commercial operators must be licensed to undertake fishing or aquaculture activities within the Abrolhos Fish Habitat Protection Area.

Western Australia’s wild stock pearl oyster fishery focusses on the production of South Sea pearls, which are sold both nationally and internationally. 

Twelve fisheries in Western Australia (WA) are certified as sustainable by a third-party standard-setting organisation called the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

The West Coast Rock Lobster (Managed) Fishery targets the western rock lobster between Northwest Cape and Cape Leeuwin of WA using baited traps (pots).

Demersal scalefish in the west coast bioregion, including pink snapper and WA dhufish, are at severe risk and a recovery plan is in place to ensure there are fish for the future.