(FRMA Notice Numbers 388, 389, 637, 646, 695. FRMR 

Regulations Schedule 2, part 2)

The Abrolhos Islands are one of WA’s most important and 

sensitive marine ecosystems. In addition to the rules that 

apply generally to the West Coast Bioregion, special fishing 

rules apply in this unique area. These include:

• Baldchin groper (Choerodon rubescens): A fishing closure 

applies from 1 November to 31 January. It coincides 

with spawning aggregations and is aimed at protecting 

breeding fish.

• Samson fish (Seriola hippos) and yellowtail kingfish 

(Seriola lalandi) are protected in the anchorage areas of 

inhabited islands.

• Western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) may only be taken 

in pots. At the islands, the season opens on 15 March 

and closes on 30 June. You can find full details in the 

Recreational Fishing Guide – Rock Lobsters guide provided 

with your fishing licence.

• Reef Observation Areas – closed to fishing. Lobster potting 

is permitted.

• A possession limit per person of 10 kg of fillets of finfish or 

one day’s bag limit of whole fish or fish trunks.

• A ban on the use of gill nets, long lines, drop lines and 

set lines.

• Live coral is totally protected.

With the annual Abrolhos Islands’ rock lobster season due to kick off in the middle of next month, the Department of Fisheries’ Mid West Regional Manager has a timely reminder for potential visitors, about the requirements that apply to this special and unique area.

Greg Finlay today said the Abrolhos had become increasingly popular for visitors and the busiest time of year was the Islands’ rock lobster season and the Department had an important role managing activity in the A-class Reserve and Fish Habitat Protection Area.

“We need to remind visitors that all wildlife and flora are protected at the Abrolhos and many of the islands are significant seabird nesting sites, so visitors should keep to the shoreline to avoid damaging nests on the upper beaches and in vegetation,” Mr Finlay said. 

“No domestic pets are allowed on vessels or at the Abrolhos Islands, and camping, fires and firearms are banned.

“Visitors who are fishing at the Abrolhos must be aware of the bag limits and other fishing rules that apply, but, in order to conserve stocks and ensure fish for the future, we always encourage fishers to only take as much as they need each day. 

“Those who are not sure what rules and limits apply should collect the relevant recreational fishing guide from a Department of Fisheries’ office or download it from our website at www.fish.wa.gov.au. (look for theRecreational Fishing Guide – West Coast Region)”

Mr Finlay said recreational rock lobster licence-holders were allowed to take rock lobsters at the Abrolhos Islands, during the season between 15 March and 30 June, by the use of two pots; however, taking rock lobsters by diving was banned.

“All fishing, except for the taking of rock lobster, is banned in the reef observation areas at the Abrolhos - visitors need to be aware of the coordinates for those four areas,” he said.

“All camps, jetties and moorings on the 22 inhabited islands are privately owned and visitors cannot use these facilities without the written permission of the owners. 

“There is a public use jetty at East Wallabi Island, however, visitors need to know there are no public use facilities and accommodation at the islands, therefore, there are NO sources of fresh water or fuel and they must ensure they bring adequate supplies and also take all rubbish they have back to the mainland with them.”

Visitors not able to take advantage of the available public moorings at Abrolhos Islands should take great care where they do drop anchor to avoid damage to coral reefs and sea grass beds that provide important fish habitats. 

It is also vital to take correct charts for the area, as navigation through and anchoring in the shallow reef lagoons can be hazardous. 

Anyone planning to visit the Abrolhos islands is also urged to read The Houtman Abrolhos Islands Visitors Guide, which can be downloaded from the Environment section of the Department of Fisheries’ website www.fish.wa.gov.au or collected from the Geraldton office.

The guide includes information about the four important Reef Observation Areas, which are special areas that have been set aside for the conservation and study of resident reef fish species and their habitats. 

Visitors and island residents should also be aware there is currently a prohibition against fishing for baldchin groper in any part of the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area – details are on the Department’s website. 

Further information is available by phoning 9921 6800 or calling into the Department of Fisheries Geraldton office at 67-69 Connell Rd between 9am and 4pm week days.