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The largest two pilchards fisheries (commonly called sardines), are off Fremantle (West Coast Purse Seine Managed Fishery) and in the region from Albany to Esperance (South Coast Purse Seine Managed Fishery).
Traditionally the catch was used for bait and pet food, but in recent years innovative promotion has seen the sardine become a popular product on restaurant menus, in fresh fish markets and as a gourmet canned line, which has increased the value of the species.
The value of the fishery has been as high as $6.5 million. This has been dramatically reduced in recent years due to the effects of the 1998-99 mortality event which researchers believe was caused by a herpes virus.
To allow stock levels to recover a total allowable catch is enforced by the Department of Fisheries in the South Coast Fishery and a “cap” for this 2002/2003 catch applies in the West Coast Fishery.
For the most up to date information visit the
Department of Fisheries Annual Report
and click the fishery on the map.
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Abalone
Aquaculture
Crabs
Fin Fish
Lobsters
Patagonian Toothfish
Pearls
Prawns
Pilchards
Scallops
Sharks
Snapper
Swordfish and Tuna
