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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14 Jul 2026
Mental Health Update – Understanding how to communicate
Read MoreIt’s often said that ‘men just don’t talk!’ However, given the right circumstances and a safe environment, blokes do open up and talk. Sometimes this involves both parties disclosing personal issues, or just sharing a personal story. In our modern society we seem to have increased life pressures to the point where we reach breaking […]
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14 Jul 2026
AMSA National Compliance Plan 2026-27 released
Read MoreThe Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has published its 2026–27 National Compliance Plan. The plan helps industry understand the areas AMSA will focus on during the year and prepare for inspections. These priorities are informed by inspection data, marine incident trends, investigations, audits, search and rescue activity, subject matter expert input and ongoing compliance monitoring. In […]
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13 Jul 2026
No pen fee waiver for impacted demersal fishers
Read MoreThe WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) has requested boat accommodation/pen fee relief for commercial vessels in response to the demersal and shark fishery closures. Unfortunately, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) has now confirmed it will not waive the fees. While the government has acknowledged the impacts on affected fishing businesses, it has […]
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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