Fisheries & Families
COMMUNITIES | FISHERIES & FAMILIES
Fishing lies at the heart of regional coastal communities
Fishing was one of Western Australia’s first industries following colonial settlement and was developed as an essential industry to feed the growing population.
And while some people like to characterise fishing as being driven by major international corporations, the truth is that the vast majority of WA’s fishing operations are small family businesses that have been developed over many generations, from grandfather, to father and on to sons and daughters.
This historic family lineage, and their fishing operations, are the economic backbone of many of WA’s regional coastal communities and their work has a multiplier effect, creating jobs and businesses across other industries, including transport, hospitality, downstream processing and even tourism.
As dining becomes a key pillar to many visitor experiences, local seafood is often a highlight – particularly for international visitors – who relish not only the chance to dine on WA’s world-class seafood from ocean to plate, but to also meet the families who caught it, and share their stories.
