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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25 Sep 2026
Australian government unveils Sustainable Ocean Plan
Read MoreThe Federal Government has released its national Sustainable Ocean Plan, which it says “sets a shared direction for our ocean and ocean economy and solidifying Australia’s position as a global leader in marine management.” The Plan represents the first time that governments and interest groups have agreed on a written, shared direction and has been […]
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25 Sep 2026
Call for comments on Gascoyne Gateway port near Exmouth
Read MoreThe proposed Gascoyne Gateway Marine Complex (GGMC) is now open for public comment. Proposed by Gascoyne Gateway Limited, the GGMC is an Australian owned, privately funded, multi-user marine facility, to be located 10 kilometres south of Exmouth, Western Australia. Key components of the proposed marine complex include a deep-water wharf, renewables energy hub, desalination plant, […]
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25 Sep 2026
Industry concerned over migration reforms
Read MoreRecently announced migration reforms, including changes to skilled migration and the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program, are creating uncertainty and concerns across Australia’s primary industries sector. Of particular relevance to the seafood industry, the Government has confirmed that aquaculture and fishing will be included as priority sectors for processing under an updated Ministerial Direction 119. […]
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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