54 people rescued as Australian abalone season opens in treacherous conditions

One man is in a critical condition after nearly drowning, and 53 others were rescued on a frenzied opening day of Western Australia's (WA) abalone season.

Treacherous conditions and a swell of up to 2.5 meters caused havoc among thousands of divers in search of the aquatic delicacy.

WA law permits recreational fishing of abalone, which can sell for up to 100 U.S. dollars per kilogram, for one hour, between 7am and 8am, on the first Sunday of each month from November to March with a maximum of 75 abalone per person for the season.

A spokesperson for Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital told Fairfax Media that the man remained in a critical condition on Monday morning and was in intensive care.

Karl Langdon, a sports' presenter for Perth radio station 6PR, witnessed the incident at Mettam's Pool, 20 kilometers northwest of Perth's CBD.

"He's been caught in one of the holes here under the reef which is something that's quite common in these sorts of conditions," Langdon told Fairfax on Monday.

A police spokesperson told News Limited on Monday that members of the public pulled the man from the water, where he had become trapped in a reef, and performed CPR on him until an ambulance arrived.

The 54 rescues performed on Sunday were more than the 42 rescues in the previous three seasons combined despite authorities warning the 17,000 license-holders to avoid the water in rough conditions.

Eight people were issued fines by WA police for exceeding the quota of 15 abalone per day per person.

Three people have died fishing for the delicacy since 2012. Endit