Fisheries Minister Norman Moore today rejected calls for rock lobster fishers to receive compensation in the wake of recent changes to regulations governing the industry.
“Although I am concerned about the possible adverse fallout of recent changes to rock lobster fishing laws and sympathise with individuals who may be affected, the difficult decisions were made to protect the long-term future of the fishery,” Mr Moore said.
“Some fishermen have argued that changing the rules after the start of the season has caused them problems.
“Two points need to be made here. Firstly I introduced tougher restrictions before the start of the season. Fishermen were aware that measures were coming.
“Most lobster fishermen had ample opportunity to factor in a potentially reduced catch for the season and plan accordingly.
“Secondly, the restrictions were designed to reduce the overall catch to 7,800 tonnes. Figures from the Department of Fisheries show this season’s catch is well on track to exceed 9,000 tonnes.
“This means fishermen are actually catching as much as they did before the restrictions were imposed and subsequently, I find it difficult to believe the industry as a whole is currently suffering hardship.
“This is a highly efficient industry, fishermen are able to catch the same number of lobsters, even with restrictions in place, because of the very high level of technology and the skills of the individuals involved.
“The State Government will not offer compensation as this is an issue of sustainability. The low puerulus numbers that we refer to (juvenile lobster numbers) and on which I have based my recent decisions, are an indicator of a rock lobster drought in three to four years time – not this season.
“Many rock lobster fishers – including industry groups such as the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee and the Western Rock Lobster Council – support the direction taken by the State Government.
“They recognise the need to protect the fishery in the long-term interests of the industry and the environment.
“It is easy, populist politics for Labor to call for compensation at the same time as it ignores that most fishermen have done reasonably well this season and understand the importance of the changes to ensure the long term sustainability of their industry.”
