Dongara fishermen and locals have celebrated the start of a new fishing season with a traditional Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.
The annual blessing marks the beginning of the Western Rock Lobster season. The Western Rock Lobster is one of Western Australia’s most iconic fisheries, which contributes almost AUD$8m to the local Dongara economy and more than AUD$500m to the Western Australian economy each year.
Western Rock Lobster Council CEO Matt Taylor, said: “The Western Rock Lobster industry drives economic growth and supports job creation in regional towns and coastal communities, such as Dongara.
“A sustainable rock lobster industry will help keep Dongara strong and continue to offer employment opportunities to local residents for generations to come.”
Safety important
Known for its plentiful off-shore reefs, the Dongara and Port Denison area is an iconic rock lobster fishing and recreational fishing location.
Mr Taylor said while the blessing acknowledged the economic contribution of the industry, it also highlighted the importance of maintaining the highest safety standards on vessels.
“The safety of our fisherman is paramount. As an industry, we promote best practice safety at sea at all times,” he said.
“On behalf of the Western Rock Lobster Council, we wish the local fleet a successful and bountiful year at sea in 2018.”
Organised by the Dongara Professional Fishermen’s Association, the blessing has been a tradition in the town since the 1960s.
