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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16 Oct 2026
Search underway for emerging primary industries leaders
Read MoreApplications are open for the 2027 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, giving university students the opportunity to build the skills, networks and industry experience needed to help shape the future of Australian agriculture. The scholarship is more than just funding support. The program connects students with practical experiences that can support their transition from study into meaningful […]
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16 Oct 2026
Vale John Watts – Five generations, one enduring love of fishing
Read MoreFor more than a century, fishing has been more than a livelihood for the Watts family. It has been a way of life. Across five generations, the family has followed the tides of Western Australia, building boats in backyard sheds, hauling nets through the shallow waters of the Peel Inlet, battling storms off Shark Bay, […]
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16 Oct 2026
Questions asked as final report released for WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program
Read MoreHot off the press is the $13.5 million Cockburn Sound Research Insights Report 2022-2026, which marks the completion of the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program for the State Government’s Westport program. While the report is positioned as a “blueprint for proactive restoration and resilience building to allow for evidence-based management of Cockburn Sound into the […]
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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