- Certifier :
- MRAG Americas, Inc.
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 21 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Western king prawn (Penaeus (Melicertus) latisulcatus) | 2023 | 640 |
| Brown tiger prawn (Penaeus esculentus) | 2023 | 226 |
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
Shark Bay is on the coast of Western Australia and this fishery targets Western king prawns (Penaeus latisulcatus), brown tiger prawns (Penaeus esculentus).
Alongside Exmouth Gulf further up the coast, Shark Bay was one of the first fisheries to achieve certification through the Western Australian Government’s $14.5 million program. The aim is to provide all of the State's commercial fisheries the opportunity to be assessed for third party certification.
The region is home to migratory seabirds, turtles, whale sharks, as well as a diversity of fish, so good management and precautionary measures are important.
"MSC certification, builds on existing practices, such as the use of turtle exclusion devices on nets, which have significantly reduced turtle bycatch. WWF congratulates the WA Government for its leadership in supporting independent accreditation such as MSC certification. Other governments would do well to follow WA’s lead in supporting its fishing and aquaculture industries to demonstrate sustainable credentials through third party independent certifications."
- Jo-Anne McCrea, WWF-Australia
Discover the story of the Shark Bay Prawn Fishery:
Watch World Heritage. Wilderness. Wonderland on YouTube
Market Information
The prawns are sold fresh frozen and cooked frozen in Australia, and fresh frozen in Asian markets.