Five people have been rescued after running into trouble while taking advantage of the first day of Perth's abalone season.
The Roe's abalone season along the metropolitan coast and other fishing areas between Moore River and Busselton Jetty began at 7am on Sunday, and fishers were allowed just one hour.
A Surf Life Saving WA spokesman said one of the rescues involved suspected spinal injuries and lifesavers also attended to 40 preventative actions.
Several people have died while fishing for abalone in West Australian waters in previous years.
Department of Fisheries principal management officer for the South West bioregion, Martin Holtz, reminded abalone lovers to consider their safety at all times, only take abalone for themselves and make sure the shellfish were of legal size.
One $1000 fine was issued for exceeding the bag limit of 15 per fisher per day, a further nine infringements incurred fines of $200 each and 52 formal warnings were given.
Stocks of the sought-after culinary delicacy have fallen in recent years and the season is being carefully monitored to see if the total West Coast Zone limit of 20 tonnes should be reduced.
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