Fish & Aquaculture
Commercial fleets operate out of the South West, in Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Walpole and Windy Harbour.
Fishing is smaller than other industries in the South West, but still an important contributor both commercially and as a recreational pursuit.
Commercial fishing
Commercial fleets operate out of Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Walpole and Windy Harbour providing regional employment opportunities. Key species caught off the South West coast include shark, mullet, whiting, salmon, herring, dhufish, snapper, abalone and rock lobster.
Aquaculture
Freshwater species, including marron, yabbies, silver perch and trout are farmed inland. Marron is mostly farmed in purpose-built, semi-intensive pond systems.
Recreational fishing
Fishing enthusiasts fish and dive in the coastal waters and estuaries for salmon, herring, dhufish, whiting, bream, crab, abalone and rock lobster. Recreational fishing for marron, trout and redfin perch is also popular in the many streams, rivers and dams in the region.
Recreational fishers are important contributors to the local economy, spending an estimated $300m each year in the region on fishing related activities and supporting local hospitality, tourism, boating and retail businesses.
