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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07 Sep 2026
New workforce plan charts the future skills in Australia’s commercial fishing industry
Read MoreA comprehensive new national workforce plan has been launched that identifies key workforce challenges and opportunities across the agriculture, aquaculture and wild catch fishing sectors, with a strong focus on preparing industries for future workforce needs. The plan highlights current and emerging skills shortages, changing job roles, technological advancements and career pathways that will help […]
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07 Sep 2026
Mental Health update – Drugs and Alcohol
Read MoreFor many of us, alcohol and drugs are part of our lifestyle, as well as a coping mechanism. We promote the point that choice around our lifestyle is mostly up to us. While genetics, environment and the health system can also impact on our health and wellbeing, in the context of drugs and alcohol the […]
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25 Aug 2026
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation project update
Read MoreThe Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has provided an update on FRDC-funded projects of interest to the commercial fishing sector that are currently underway in WA, as well as some recently completed projects. Recently completed projects If you would like to further information or to discuss new research project concepts, please contact FRDC’s WA […]
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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