Visitors travelling to the Abrolhos by boat must notify DPIRD by using the online notification form prior to entering the Abrolhos fish habitat protection area (FHPA). Notifying the department of your travel plans is a regulatory requirement.
If you have any problems accessing or completing the online notification form, please contact the DPIRD Geraldton office on 08 9920 8400.
Houtman Abrolhos Islands notification travel formIf you are visiting the Abrolhos, it is highly recommended to take the latest nautical charts of Abrolhos waters with you.
Register your vessel and travel plans
The department recommends everyone visiting the Abrolhos register their vessel with Marine Rescue Geraldton on departure, arrival to their destination and return from their trip. As an additional measure to shorten response times, visitors to the Abrolhos should also log their trips with Volunteer Marine Rescue WA (VMRWA).
Radio communication services
Skippers are advised to familiarise themselves with radio communications from the Abrolhos to the mainland and the rescue and support services overseeing the area.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services and VMRWA monitor two marine VFH radio repeaters 24/7, located on Rat Island (Channel 81) and the Moresby Range (Channel 82).
VMRWA 24/7 emergency telephone number: 0427 643 543
Volunteer Marine Rescue Groups
To help stop the spread of marine pests and diseases, boat skippers are urged to clean their vessel before travelling to the islands.
If you think you have found or seen a marine pest or disease, please report it to the FishWatch 24-hour hotline on 1800 815 507.
Health and emergency services during the peak season are provided by WA Country Health Service, with support from the local community.
The islands are remote and receive prevailing heavy wave action from the south-west along with persistent and strong southerly winds at more than 32 km/h 44% of the time. The Abrolhos FHPA can experience highly changeable weather and has been affected by cyclones and tsunamis.
Masters of vessels need to plan accordingly and safely manage potential dangers associated with a trip to the Abrolhos FHPA. They should:
- have accurate and up-to-date information of safe anchorages should there be a need to shelter from wind and weather
- have the latest nautical charts of Abrolhos waters
- have knowledge to allow safe navigation through the notoriously treacherous reef systems
- be equipped with all safety provisions
- have enough food, fresh water and fuel to last the length of the visit
- know what to do in an emergency and have a pre-prepared plan in place.
The people who live at the Abrolhos are a community of fishers and aquaculture farmers. Their camps, jetties and associated infrastructure are private property.
Please respect commercial fishers’ and aquaculture operators’ property and privacy and do not enter private fishing camps without the owner’s permission.