According to a report after considering the latest official figures which shows higher than expected catches in the B and C zone of the fishery the government has agreed to close lobster fishery. He informed that commercial rock lobster fishers, particularly in the fishery’s B zone, had greatly exceeded the expected catch.
The main reason for such closure is to limit the commercial rock lobster catch this season to 5,500 tonnes. He also told that he would adjust management arrangements for the fishery if that was necessary. It is said that the industry members have since expressed concern that if the current high catch rate continues, the industry will achieve its first half season targets early and this will result in all or part of the fishery having to close over the Chinese New Year period.
The Minister said his latest decision meant commercial rock lobster fishers must ensure they stop fishing in the fishery’s B and C zones by midnight December 24. Commercial lobster fishing could resume in B zone, which stretches from Jurien to Exmouth, early morning on January 11 and in C zone, which includes Jurien, the Perth metropolitan coast and South-West water to Leeuwin, from early January 4.
A quota management system allows fishers to choose when and how they fish within catch limits, alleviating the Government’s need to micro manage the fishery via pot and fish day restrictions.
