Fisheries
Boasting a magnificent 12,500 kilometres of coastline, Western Australia’s immaculate blue waters are home to a fantastic diversity of marine life covering both temperate and tropical climate regions. This diverse environment is home to some of the world’s finest seafood.
Some of the better-known Western Australian produce includes premium quality western rock lobster, with a reputation as being among the best if not the best variety in the world, tropical and temperate varieties of prawns, abalone and tropical and temperate water finfish. Some of the lesser known delicacies include freshwater crustaceans such as yabbies and marron, marine cultured barramundi and other finfish.
Commercial fishing, including pearling and aquaculture, contributes around A$1 billion to the State’s economy each year, providing direct employment for 5000 Western Australians with many more in associated service industries. More than 600,000 people enjoy recreational fishing in Western Australia, generating in excess of A$570 million in economic activities annually.
Western Australia has seafood for every occasion and every palate. Much of the State’s seafood is exported, with a significant amount distributed nationally. Much of this produce is destined for some of the world’s best restaurants, including those in Western Australia.
Ecologically Sustainable Development is a key focus for the Department of Fisheries and involves a reporting process that continually ensures the State’s fish stocks are in a healthy condition, while considering the social and economic values of the Department’s decisions.
This highlights the strong and co-operative management by the Department and Western Australia’s fishing industry. In addition, all wild harvest fisheries and aquaculture industries must undergo assessment through the Commonwealth Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 prior to being exported from Australia.
With the Department’s motto “Fish for the future”, seafood buyers from around the globe can be assured that Western Australian seafood comes from fisheries that are well managed today, and will continue to be well managed tomorrow.
For further information, please contact the Trade and Investment Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it