There was a total closure of abalone fishing early this year from Moore River to Western Australia’s border with the Northern Territory due to an unprecedented marine heatwave. South West Bioregions Manager for the Department of Fisheries, Kevin Donohue said the Fisheries Minister Norman Moore had taken the precautionary step, following consultation with the West Coast Abalone Divers Association and Recfishwest.
Donohue said that both groups and the Department of Fisheries recommended the closure after significant mortalities in abalone stocks, particularly north of Kalbarri, during the marine heatwave. After a close review of the situation scientists tracked an extensive patch of very warm water that grew and moved southwards from November 2010 and did not dissipate until late March.
He added that a full stock assessment of abalone, north of Moore River, would take place during the next 12 months, however, he warned that prohibitions or restrictions might be required over several seasons to allow the abalone stocks to recover. He informed that after learning the situation commercial abalone fishing operators have already voluntarily agreed not to fish stocks in the area affected by the marine heatwave.
