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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13 Oct 2026
AMSA plans to issue digital seafarer certificates in 2027
Read MoreThe Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is proposing the issuing of digital seafarer certificates in mid to late 2027. Currently, certificates of competency are required to have a photograph and signature under Marine Order 70, and a photograph under MO505. The new digital certificates will not have a photograph or signature. AMSA is proposing minor […]
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12 Oct 2026
National Maritime Stakeholder Forum announced
Read MoreCommercial fishers are invited to participate in the inaugural National Maritime Stakeholder Forum on 12 November 2026, which has a theme of ‘Charting the Course: Building a Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Maritime Workforce.’ The forum is being facilitated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority as an opportunity for industry to help shape the future of Australia’s maritime […]
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12 Oct 2026
AMSA shares actions on Marine Order 503
Read MoreAs part of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) ongoing review of the survey framework, AMSA called for industry feedback on proposed changes to MO503 (Certificates of survey – national law) 2018. Comments closed on 20 April 2026. AMSA received 31 submissions from stakeholders across the DCV sector, including recognised organisations (ROs), accredited marine surveyors […]
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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