Houtman Abrolhos case study

The Houtman Abrolhos archipelago, on the west coast of Australia, is composed of 122 coral reef-fringed islands clustered into three groups, Wallabi, Easter and Pelsaert. The islands, located about 65 km from Geraldton, on the coast of Western Australia, and extending across 100 km of ocean, form a unique marine area where tropical and temperate species co-exist. The waters around the Houtman Abrolhos islands have a status of Fish habitat Protection Area and are managed by the Western Australia Department of Fisheries for the conservation of fauna and flora, tourism and recreational activities, and for the purpose of fishing and aquaculture industry.

Photo from: www.australianexplorer.com	From: www.australianexplorer.com

The Houtman Abrolhos archipelago

There are 120 licensed fishers for western rock lobster (Panulyrus cignus), which is the most valuable commercial fishery in Western Australia, and has been active since 1904. There are also 8 pearl farms producing the highly prized back pearl from black lipped pearl oysters raised in hatchery, as well as some licensed finfish and scallop fisheries.

Currently a total of 3000 ha of suitable space are being designated for the aquaculture of yellowtail kingfish and mahi mahi around the Pelsaert group of islands (southern area of the archipelago).