Recreational abalone fishers in the West Coast Zone have been given the go ahead to participate in the last hour of the 2019/20 fishing season on Saturday, February 15.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development reminded fishers to measure their abalone before removing any of them from coastal reefs as the sustainability of the fishery depended on the survival of undersize abalone.
Fishers in the zone, which covers the area between the Busselton Jetty and Moore River, will be able to participate in the fishing hour between 7am and 8am, with low to medium risks placed on tide and swell conditions.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development senior management officer Rhiannon Jones said fishers had been particularly fortunate with the conditions this season and extended thanks to the state's Surf Life Saving body.
"We've been lucky that all fishing sessions have gone ahead as planned this season and there has been no need for any cancellations based on predicted conditions," she said.
"The flexibility of having the fishing hours on Saturdays in the warmer months of the year puts the safety of recreational fishers and Surf Life Saving WA volunteers first.
"We should all offer our appreciation to Surf Life Saving WA and their clubs for their assistance in the 2019/20 season in making life savers and equipment available to monitor fisher safety.
"Adhering to the limited season and other management controls is important to ensuring future generations can enjoy this unique Western Australian recreational fishing experience."
The total catch for the season will be managed so they are within the sustainable target levels of 18 to 22 tonnes.
For more information, or for the abalone fishing rules, visit www.fish.wa.gov.au.
For safety tips or shark information, visit www.mybeach.com.au/safety-rescue-services/coastal-recreation/abalone/ and www.sharksmart.com.au
