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The commercial abalone fishery is based on three of the eleven species found in Western Australia. They are: Roe’s abalone (Haliotis roei), the Greenlip (Haliotis laevigata) and Brownlip (Haliotis conicopora).
Stringent management controls including quotas and strict size limits are enforced to manage the fishery and preserve breeding stock. Fishermen first introduced the quota system on a voluntary basis and it has now been taken up as a prime management tool by government.
The fishery is divided into eight areas. The season operates from 1 April to March 31 the following year and the total allowable catches are determined for each area in the fishery on an annual basis.
To assist with research divers provide daily catch information and in the greenlip and brownlip fisheries, divers are working with the Department of Fisheries to develop new stock survey techniques using underwater digital video cameras. The industry, in association with the Department, has commissioned and financed ongoing research to ensure stabilisation of the stock.
Almost all the highly prized catch is exported canned, frozen or live to Asia and Japan, generating around $12.5 million annually.
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Abalone
Aquaculture
Crabs
Fin Fish
Lobsters
Patagonian Toothfish
Pearls
Prawns
Pilchards
Scallops
Sharks
Snapper
Swordfish and Tuna
