West Coast Bioregion

The West Coast Bioregion runs from Black Point, east of Augusta, to the Zuytdorp Cliffs, north of Kalbarri (all land and water south of 27° S and west of 115° 30' E). This area includes the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.

In addition to the general fishing rules that can be found online and in our Statewide Recreational fishing guide, please be aware of specific rules in this bioregion covering restricted and closed areas, such as those below.

Marine reserves

Marine reserves include marine nature reserves, marine parks and marine management areas. State marine parks and reserves are managed by the Depart​ment of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions​. However, we manage fishing inside and outside marine reserves. State marine parks and reserves in the West Coast Bioregion include:

• Jurien Bay Marine Park
• Marmion Marine Park
• Ngari Capes Marine Park
• Penguin Island
• Swan Estuary Marine Park
• Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
• Rottnest Island Marine Reserve

Fish Habitat Protection Areas and closed areas

• Abrolhos Island Fish Habitat Protection Area
• Cottesloe Fish Habitat Protection Area
• Kalbarri Blue Holes Fish Habitat Protection Area
• Lancelin Island Fish Habitat Protection Area

Seasonal closures

• West Coast demersal scalefish​*
• Pink snapper Cockburn Sound
• Baldchin groper Abrolhos Islands
• Blue swimmer crabs

Year-round closures

• Busselton Jetty Observatory
• Heirisson Island (Swan River)
• Lake Clifton (Mandurah)
• HMAS Swan wreck site
• Lena wreck site
• Omeo wreck site
• Saxon Ranger wreck site
• South Tomi wreck site 

Areas closed to the take of specific species

• Cowaramup Reef Protected Area
• Hamelin Bay - stingrays protected area
• Yallingup Reef Protected Area

A number of species found in Western Australia waters are protected under the Fish Resource Management Act 1994 and may not be taken by either commercial, charter or recreational fishers.

Our Fish Identification Guide will help you identify your catch. Additional information is also available if you are targeting particular species in this bioregion.

There are also a number of recreational fisheries and fishing activities in the West Coast Bioregion which require a separate licence.

Make sure you are familiar with all the rules that apply to these areas and fishing activities before you make your trip. If you are unsure about the rules or need further advice, contact your local DPIRD office. 

*NOTE: Separate bag, boat and size limits apply in the West Coast Bioregion for demersal scalefish as part of the recovery plan. ​​​