Surf Life Saving WA perform dozens of rescues as abalone fishers take to water for prized shellfish

The number of rescues performed by surf lifesavers almost doubled on the second day of this year’s abalone season despite calls for fishers to take care.

Surf Life Saving WA carried out 38 rescues on Saturday, with the majority occurring around Yanchep.

They also completed 911 preventative actions and gave first-aid to 21 people.

The ocean conditions on January 11 were assessed by Surf Life Saving as being of “medium risk”.

On the first day of the season on December 14, lifesavers performed 15 rescues, gave 22 people first-aid and carried out 1215 preventative actions.

Two fishers were pulled from the water unconscious and at least one required hospitalisation.

Every year abalone hunters head to the ocean in droves to hunt for the prized shellfish.

During the 2023-24 season, more than 17,000 abalone licences were issued.

More than 40 infringements and warnings were issued to fishers for breaking the rules.

A compliance check by fisheries officers means one fisher will face prosecution for obstruction.

There were 12 infringement fines issued to fishers for having more abalone than the bag limit allows for, and 15 warnings for being over the limit.

Nine infringements and five warnings were issued for having undersized abalone. The minimum size for Roe’s abalone in 60mm across the widest part of the shell.

Two fishers were warned for fishing outside the designated hour and two warnings were given for illegal fishing in the Marmion Marine Park.

On Friday, Surf Life Saving WA Lifesaving Services manager Cam Robbins called out the risky behaviours putting fishers in danger.

Mr Robbins said lifesavers witnessed behaviour including fishers holding each other underwater to help secure their abalone or adults venturing out onto the reef with small children who probably had no swimming or survival skills.

“This kind of behaviour is incredibly irresponsible,” Mr Robbins said.

“It places all individuals concerned at unnecessary risk. It doesn’t take much to wash someone off their feet and put them in danger of drowning.”

The remaining abalone fishing sessions will occur for one hour between 7am and 8am February 1 and February 15.