The press communiqué of the authorities states that the government has approved the quota system for commercial rock lobster fishery. Fisheries Minister Norman Moore informed that the West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery will operate under a quota system when the season begins in mid-November. He added that the Department of Fisheries had worked closely with the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) to thrash out the details of implementing a quota system in time for the 2010-11 season.
As per the minister this quota-based system will minimize the need for the State Government to micro-manage the rock lobster fishery within a season. It will also help improve the economic return for commercial fishers, opines the Minister. The release reveals that the change to existing rules is very minimal but one important change is that the next season will be extended by two months, to run from November 15 this year to August 31 in 2011 for all zones.
There will be flexibility under new quota system to allow fishers more freedom. The Minister said that the government is ready to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability and economic viability of the fishery. He also informed that the Department of Fisheries will continue to provide more information and consultation for the industry, as the new management arrangements are introduced.
