- Certifier :
- MRAG Americas, Inc.
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 20 Oct 2015
- Certificate expires :
- 09 Dec 2025
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue endeavour prawn (Metapenaeus endeavouri) | 2023 | 147 |
| Western king prawn (Penaeus (Melicertus) latisulcatus) | 2023 | 200 |
| Brown tiger prawn (Penaeus esculentus) | 2023 | 306 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
About this Fishery
Western king prawn (Penaeus latisulcatus) image © Scandinavian Fishing Year Book
This fishery, which achieved certification in October 2015, is located in the Gascoyne region of West Australia in the north/northwest waters of Exmouth Gulf.
A fleet of six vessels targets western king prawns (Penaeus latisulcatus) and brown tiger prawns (Penaeus esculentus), using low-opening demersal otter trawls. Nets are sized between 10m and 14m, and each trawl shot lasts from 60 to 200 minutes.
More than half of wild-caught prawns in Australia are now MSC certified. This is important, as in many cases they are found in areas of particular ecological significance, and fishing methods must not damage the delicate environmental balance. Exmouth Gulf itself is home to endangered hawksbill and flatback turtles, whale sharks and migratory seabirds; and includes sensitive habitats such as sea grass and coral. Many other fish and sea creatures are also found there.
“The fishing industry in Western Australia has shown tremendous initiative in championing the sustainability of its fisheries.” - Rupert Howes, CEO, MSC
Discover the story of the Exmouth Gulf Prawn Fishery:
Market Information
The prawns harvested are sold green frozen and cooked frozen domestically, with occasional green frozen exports to premium Asian markets.