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Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) is urging caution with medium risk ratings for this Saturdays second hour of the West Coast Zone (WCZ) abalone fishing season between 7am and 8am.

SLSWA modelling uses the best available information on the conditions from multiple sources and rates the risks for factors, such as wind speed, tide, swell height, and swell period.

The modelling recommends the fishing hour can go ahead on 8 January, with appropriate caution, as conditions are expected to appear favourable with a swell period of 11-12 seconds and waves expected to be breaking at near 1-1.5m height in most locations; particularly outside of the central metro area. However, the amount of water likely to be pushing across reef platforms remains a key concern.

Reef holes and drop offs can be hazardous for those with low swimming capabilities and fishers are also encouraged to wear appropriate clothing when collecting the abalone.

Moderate temperatures of 27-30 degrees are expected for this Saturdays fishing session, with an average wave height of around 1.5 metres, particularly in Peel and North Metro areas and moderate offshore winds, gusting to 18 knots.

Licensed abalone fishers who plan to take part in this Saturdays fishing hour in the WCZ between Moore River and the Busselton Jetty will still need to make their own evaluation of the sea and weather conditions on the day, to ensure they have the water skills to manage them.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Senior Management Officer Nick Blay said fishers should follow safety advice.

Personal safety should be the focus of abalone fishers at all times, Mr Blay said. SLSWA lifesavers will be monitoring the abalone fishing this Saturday, but each fisher must not take risks beyond their skill level in the water and on the reefs.

Apart from this Saturday, fishing between 7am and 8am, there will be two other abalone fishing sessions at the same time on Saturday 5 February and Saturday 19 February.

DPIRD Compliance officers will again be at WCZ abalone fishing locations this Saturday, to check fishers have the required licence and are complying with the rules.

More on abalone fishing rules is available at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au. SLSWA has abalone fishing safety tips at: https://www.mybeach.com.au/safety-rescue-services/coastal-recreation/abalone/.

We urge anyone heading to WAs beaches at any time to switch on their Sea Sense check http://www.sharksmart.com.au or download the SharkSmart WA app. The app combines latest shark activity, as well as beach safety features such as Surf Life Saving WA patrolled beaches and weather forecasts, to help people plan their trips to the ocean.

Media contact: Ashley Malone, DPIRD media liaison - mobile 0418 901 767

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West Coast Zone abalone fishing season proceeds with caution - Government of Western Australia