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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21 Aug 2026
AMSA National Maritime Stakeholder Forum established
Read MoreThe Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) recently announced a new national industry engagement approach, with the establishment of the National Maritime Stakeholder Forum identified as its centrepiece. AMSA supports stakeholder input to shape topics, identify key issues, and inform the government understanding of sector priorities – supporting more targeted and meaningful engagement. The National Maritime […]
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21 Aug 2026
The Captain’s Table launches WA’s newest seafood dining experiences
Read MoreA vision to deepen connections with Western Australia’s remarkable seafood heritage, celebrate sustainable fishing practices, and build a genuine community of seafood lovers has inspired the launch of WA’s newest premium dining series, The Captain’s Table. Showcasing some of Western Australia’s most sought-after and responsibly sourced seafood, The Captain’s Table brings together acclaimed chefs, exceptional […]
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21 Aug 2026
Fishing Lives Lost at Sea memorial inches closer
Read MoreWAFIC is a foundation member of the WA Fishers’ Lost at Sea Memorial Association which was formed with the intention of collecting, researching, documenting and sharing stories of the hundreds of fisher men and women who have lost their lives in pursuit of the development and operation of commercial fishing in Western Australia since early […]
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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