THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY
Western Australia’s pristine coastline produces the world’s highest quality seafood, harvested from clean, carefully managed waters. Our commercial fishing industry drives over $1 billion annually into the State’s economy, serving as the economic backbone for coastal communities from Wyndham to Esperance. With 10,000 Western Australians employed across catching, processing, exporting and retail, commercial fishing isn’t just an industry- it’s essential to our state’s identity, prosperity, and future.
OUR MISSION
WAFIC seeks to achieve its Mission’s objectives in an atmosphere of cooperation, to ensure the value, security and sustainability of commercial fishing and pearling in Western Australia.
Mental Health
Commercial fishing has always been physically demanding, but today’s fishers are carrying far more than the weight of a long day at sea. Shrinking access to fishing grounds, rising operational costs, and rapid regulatory change are adding significant pressure to an already challenging way of life. If you or someone you know is feeling the strain, there is support available.
LATEST NEWS
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17 Aug 2026
Federal Government to review 44 Australian Marine Parks
Read MoreThe Australian Government has commenced consultation on the future management of 44 Australian Marine Parks, including parks within the South-west and North-west Marine Parks Networks relevant to Western Australian commercial fisheries.Six new management plans will be prepared, replacing five existing plans that expire in 2028. The review covers the North, North-west, South-west and Temperate East Marine […]
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13 Aug 2026
New webinar series looks at global trawl innovations
Read MoreFisheries Research and Development Corporation has launched a new series of free webinars, with the inaugural session looking at Trawl innovations, exploring innovations in fishing technology from around the world. TrawlFin Chat #1: International Developments in Fishing Technology – Exploring ideas, innovations and technologies shaping the future of fisheries. You can join the chat on […]
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13 Aug 2026
New workers compensation changes may impact fishing crew payments
Read MoreNew amendments to WA Worker Compensation Regulations regarding fishing crew arrangements were introduced in June 2026, which may impact crew payment arrangements as ‘share fishers.’ The changes are outlined in the latest “Coverage of fishing crew fact sheet” which was recently published by WorkCover. This article provides information of the most recent regulatory update to […]
KEY ISSUES
Cumulative Threats
Marine Parks, Spatial Squeeze, Climate Change.
Food Security
Feeding WA, Fighting Illegal Fishing and Seafood Fraud.
Futureproofing
Research and development.
Sustainable Fisheries
Bycatch reduction, Sustainable Fisheries, Digital transformation.
Resource Access
Current EIAs, Fisheries Liaison and Impact Assessment.
Industry Advocation
Stakeholder engagement, regional engagement.
JOIN US
Together, we’re building a sustainable and profitable future for our ocean industries. With your support we can work to provide sustainable, clean, healthy and local seafood to our community.
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