The third fishing hour of the West Coast Zone (WCZ) abalone fishing season is this Saturday between 7am and 8am and Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) is urging caution with conditions expected to present medium to low risks for fishers.
SLSWA’s assessment of the forecast conditions evaluates the best available information on the predicted wind speed, tide, wave height and swell period.
The latest SLSWA assessment is that conditions may appear very favourable, with an average wave height around 1 metre expected. However, the moderate rising tide of 0.5 metres at most fishing locations and the resultant amount of standing water on top of reef platforms do raise concerns, with waves likely to push across the reefs at near waist height.
In these conditions reef holes and drop offs can be hazardous for fishers with poor swimming capabilities, especially if they’re not wearing appropriate clothing when collecting the abalone.
Licensed abalone fishers who plan to take part in this Saturday’s fishing hour in the WCZ between Moore River and the Busselton Jetty need to make their own evaluation of the sea and weather conditions on the day, to ensure they have the water skills to fish safely at their chosen fishing location.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Senior Management Officer Nick Blay said fishers must put personal safety first.
“We urge fishers to keep an eye on the ocean conditions at all times,” Mr Blay said.
“SLSWA lifesavers will again be monitoring the abalone fishing this Saturday (5 February), but we strongly urge fishers not to take risks beyond their skill level in the water and on the reefs.
“The forecast also notes that moderate to low winds of 8 knots (with gusts to 13 knots) will tend offshore and this is expected to have a supressing effect on the sea state during the session.”
“DPIRD Compliance officers will be checking abalone locations to ensure participants have the required licence for abalone fishing and that size and bag limit rules are being obeyed.”
More on abalone fishing rules is available at www.fish.wa.gov.au. SLSWA has abalone fishing safety tips at: https://www.mybeach.com.au/safety-rescue-services/coastal-recreation/abalone/.
We urge anyone heading to WA’s beaches at any time to switch on their Sea Sense – check www.sharksmart.com.au or download the SharkSmart WA app. The app combines latest shark activity, as well as beach safety features such as Surf Life Saving WA patrolled beaches and weather forecasts, to help people plan their trips to the ocean.
Media contact: Ashley Malone, DPIRD media liaison - mobile 0418 901 767
