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Western Australia is one of the major sources of scallops in Australia.
The southern saucer scallop (Amusium balloti) is harvested by trawling, predominantly in Shark Bay and at the Abrolhos Islands, with smaller catchesfrom the south.
Professional fishermen work in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries to ensure the scallops are harvested at their optimum age for weight and market (thereby maximising the economic returns) while maintaining breeding stock. Scientists conduct a survey each year, which, together with historical biological data, enables them to forecast the annual scallop catch. The major influence on catch size each year is the strength of the Leeuwin current in the previous year. The stronger the current the lower the following years catch because more scallop spawn is washed away. The management of the fishery is based on limited entry, season closures, and boat and gear size restrictions and the Department’s Satellite Vessel Monitory System supervises the fishery. Vessels are fitted with Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRD’s).
The opening date of the Shark Bay scallop season is normally between April and November but varies depending on the results of the pre-season survey. Prawn trawlers in Shark Bay are licensed to take both prawns and scallops. The Abrolhos Islands season operates between March 15 and June 30 to coincide with the rock lobster season in this area.
The majority of the catch is processed at sea and frozen for export to Asia.
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Scallop trawler featuring a By-catch reduction device
Abalone
Aquaculture
Crabs
Fin Fish
Lobsters
Patagonian Toothfish
Pearls
Prawns
Pilchards
Scallops
Sharks
Snapper
Swordfish and Tuna
