Thousands to descend on beaches from Busselton Jetty to Greenough River mouth for abalone season on Saturday

It’s going to be mayhem at beaches across WA with the opening of the abalone recreational fishing season on Saturday.

Every year there is a mass turnout of fishers on reefs hunting the much-sought after delicacy and the opening of the 2024-25 season is expected to be no different.

The ban lifts for an hour in the west coast zone between Busselton Jetty and the Greenough River mouth near Geraldton between 7am and 8am.

Thousands of people flock to beaches to get their fill and every year there are tales of fishers getting into trouble, with some not able to swim.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development fisheries management officer Druime Nolan encouraged fishers to stay safe while enjoy their fishing.

She said it was crucial to keep an eye on the weather and no go out on the reefs when it was rough.

“There will be plenty of abalone for licenced recreational fishers heading out this Saturday, just ensure you are aware of the conditions and fish safely,” she said.

“It is important abalone fishers not only comply with the Roe’s abalone recreational bag limit of 15 and the minimum size limit of 60mm, measured across the widest part of the shell.”

Ms Nolan warned that it was crucial to measure an abalone before it was taken from the reef and put in a catch bag.

“If abalone is in your catch bag, it’s considered your catch. It’s too late to measure when you’re onshore,” she said.

“It’s crucial each abalone is measured before removing it from a reef.

“Measuring before removing increases the abalone survival rate, helping to keep the undersize abalone on the reefs to grow and provide for future catches.”

Fisheries Minister Don Punch said about 16,000 fishers were expected to descend on reefs for abalone.

“With around 16,000 fishers expected to take out a recreational abalone fishing licence, I urge everyone to make their safety a priority by paying attention to ocean conditions and not taking risks in the water,” he said.

“Recfishwest will be providing safety tips for fishers and I encourage everyone to check out this information before heading out so they can enjoy the experience of collecting abalone safely.”

Surf Life Saving WA advice for the Perth coast for Saturday shows generally calm conditions and light winds are expected.

“However, fishers should remain cautious and alert as ocean conditions may be challenging for those with little to no swimming or self-survival capabilities,” it said.

“It’s imperative to fish safely at all times. We urge fishers to wear the right gear, be aware of conditions and keep an eye on ocean swells and waves that wash across reef tops.”

The abalone season will also be open between 7am and 8am on January 11 and February 15.

See all the abalone fishing rules here.