Fisheries
Although the fishing industry is smaller than other industries in the South West Region, it's an important contributor to the regional economy, both at a commercial and recreational level.
Commercial Fishing
There are a number of fleets operating out of Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Walpole and Windy Harbour.
The total live weight catch in 2006/07 was 1,598 tonnes and valued at an estimated $9.4 million. Finfish accounted for over 35 per cent of the total catch value and was estimated at $3.3 million in 2006/07. The majority of the South West Region's finfish catch consisted of shark, mullet, whiting, herring, dhufish and snapper. Lobsters caught in 2006/07 had an estimated value of $3.0 million.
Aquaculture
A number of developments have occurred in inland aquaculture, particularly with freshwater species such as marron, yabbies, silver perch and trout. Research continues into refining and maximising the production techniques for these species. For example, polyculture research with silver perch is conducted as a joint venture initiative between Curtin University of Technology, Wesfarmers Premier Coal and Griffin Coal at the Collie Aquafarm.
The Department of Fisheries is playing a significant role in aquaculture development. It has recently completed a major national research project to improve marron production by developing faster growing genetic lines and improving farm management strategies. The vast majority of marron are farmed in purpose-built, semi-intensive pond systems. There are a number of marron ponds being built across the South West Region.
The Department's Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre is involved in providing support for the commercial trout farming and tourist industry as a by-product of producing trout fry for recreational stocking programs. It also provides research facilities for fish nutrition, marron production and freshwater native fish research.
The South West Aquaculture and Environment Centre (SWAEC) was established in Collie in 1997 and is a joint initiative of Curtin University of Technology and the South West Regional College of TAFE. The main aim of SWAEC is to promote the development of aquaculutre and associated tourism projects through the regeneration of disused mining voids in the South West Region. This work has been aided by the formation of the multimillion-dollar 'Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mine Lakes'.
Water from power stations at Collie could be used to culture warm water species such as aquarium fish. Operations to grow trout and other species in both salt affected and non-salt affected areas have been identified as a possible opportunity for farm production and diversification. Commercial culturing of marron is expected to increase.
Recreational Fishing
Widely practised by both residents and visitors, recreational fishing is very important to the South West Region. Enthusiasts fish and dive in the coastal waters and the many streams, rivers and estuaries for salmon, herring, dhufish, whiting, bream, marron, trout, crab, rock lobster and many other species.
Recreational fishing and diving are important contributors to the local economy, as they attract visitors to the region and generate economic activity through the sale/hire of vehicles, boats, gear, fuel, tackle and bait.