The abalone season is short, and this is your only chance until next year to give it a go. So if you want the best possible catch, it’s important to make sure you do it right and do it safely.
Every year, thousands of people from across the country and the world flock to WA to fish for abalone. But tragically, six people have drowned whilst abalone fishing since 2012.
With just a few simple preparations, these tragedies can be avoided. All it takes is some simple planning and making sure you have the right equipment to make your catch easier, and safer.
A mesh bag allows water to pass through, making it lighter to carry through the water. Regular bags,
sacks or buckets create drag and become heavy, making it harder to move through the water.
If you find yourself in trouble, drop your catch bag to make it easier to stay afloat and wave your arm
for assistance. You can always come back and collect your abalone another day.
A wetsuit will make it easier to move through the water, it is light and will help you float. Choose a
long sleeve and long pant wetsuit to keep you warm, and protect you from the reef.
Other clothing, such as tracksuits, jackets or other baggy clothing, may keep you warm but will
become heavy when wet. Even if you do not plan on swimming, always wear light clothing in case
your slip or are swept into the water by a wave.
If you cannot swim, wear a lifejacket. Even if you are only fishing from the reef, you can accidentally
slip or fall into the ocean, a lifejacket will make sure you stay afloat while someone comes to rescue
you.
A mask and snorkel will make it easier to see under the holes and ledges where abalone will be
hiding.
Wearing a snorkel or goggles will increase visibility, making it a lot easier to see abalone among the
rocks, and may stop you from slipping off the edge of the reef into deeper water!
Wearing gloves will prevent cuts and bruises when removing abalone from the reef.
Lightweight reef shoes are best to protect your feet when walking on the reef. Other shoes or boots are heavy and difficult to swim in; they will also pull you under if you slip or are swept off the reef by a wave.
Before you leave home check the conditions of your fishing zone on mybeach.com.au. If there are strong winds or large swell, choose another, safer day. Bad weather and large swell will not only reduce your visibility, making it harder to find your abalone, but it will increase your risk of drowning and injury.
The wind and swell conditions can change rapidly so when you get to the beach, check the ocean conditions again. If you are unsure how to read the ocean, ask a lifesaver. If you are in doubt, or cannot swim - do not go in.
Never go fishing alone. Always head to the beach with a friend or group. When you are in the water always look out for each other and check the conditions.
Always choose a location where there are lifesavers on patrol, they will be dressed in red and yellow.
When you are in the water, make sure they can always see you, and raise your arm to attract attention if you need assistance.
Always use a flat edge abalone tool. Screwdrivers and other sharp knives will damage your abalone and you can risk cutting yourself or someone else.
If you need assistance from a lifesaver, make sure you drop your abalone tool so that they can safely rescue you. If you are carrying a sharp knife, you will put yourself and the lifesaver at risk.
Check your phone for important SMS and email updates. If poor weather conditions are forecast, the fishery will be closed. Follow SLSWA on Twitter for live beach safety information and check your beach at mybeach.com.au before you go fishing.
Safety Equipment
Legend
Snorkel
Mask
Sunscreen
Gloves
Reef Shoes
Mesh Bag
Wetsuit
Abalone Tool
License
Abalone Measuring Gauge
Where can you fish?
This map shows the abalone fishing zones in Western Australia.
To make sure you use the season wisely, check the conditions and features of each zone to choose the right spot for you.
The following locations are patrolled by surf lifesavers during the Abalone fishing sessions. Look out for the lifesavers in red and yellow, if they can't see you, they can't save you.
Strong currents within the Lagoon and the drop-off at either end of the reef, especially at the northern end
Slippery and sharp reef
Swimmers can be swept off the reef without warning as swell surges over the reef
Particularly avoid the area when there is a high tide or large swell
Abalone fishing permitted between:
1 October - 15 May the following year
Across the four hours of abalone fishing in 2020-21, SLSWA services performed
Preventative Actions
2,018
Rescues
62
First Aids
59
For the best catch, gear up and plan ahead.
Watch our safety video to find out how you can make the most of the short season.
SLSWA delivers a range of initiatives to sustain abalone fishing safety in WA. These initiatives are made possible by the WA Government’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.
For more information on Abalone Fishing in WA, download the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Abalone Recreational Fishing Guide 2020/21.
Point Peron
Mettams Pool
Hamersley Pool
Marmion Beach
Ocean Reef
Burns Beach
Quinns Mindarie
Yanchep Beach
