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, pearling and aquaculture 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 SCOOP
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02 Jul 2026
WAFIC Industry Social Club: Barefoot Bowls & Industry Update
Read MoreWAFIC Industry Social Club: Barefoot Bowls & Industry Update Following calls from fishers for opportunities to gather informally with other industry members, WAFIC has organised a barefoot bowls social event followed by a meal and social networking. The bowls event will be held at the Hilton Bowls Club on 9 July from 2pm to 5pm […]
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02 Jul 2026
Parliamentary Inquiry into fisheries gets green light
Read MoreParliamentary Inquiry into fisheries gets green light On Wednesday 17 June, the Legislative Council of the Parliament of Western Australia moved to direct the Environment and Public Affairs Committee to conduct an inquiry into matters related to the demersal fishing ban in Western Australia. Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference notes that the House […]
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02 Jul 2026
AMSA applies indexed fees for service increases
Read MoreFrom 1 July 2026, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will apply annual indexation increases to its National System (domestic commercial vessel) fees for service. The increase in fees is calculated by applying the current year’s indexation factor, which is 4.6 per cent. Affected fees are associated with applications for: The increases will see 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.
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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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