Acting Fisheries Minister Simon O’Brien has announced that there would be some ease in the existing tough rules put in place to protect the long-term sustainability of Western Australia’s rock lobster industry. He said recent reductions in pot numbers, the imposition of a four-day fishing week and size restrictions had achieved the State Government’s goal of reducing this season’s predicted lobster catch of 9,200 tonnes to below the target of 7,800 tonnes.
He also told that in line with Fisheries Minister Norman Moore’s promise to review the new measures if they proved to be successful. He told that lobster fishers will be given an extra day each week to operate. It is informed that the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee (RLIAC) has reviewed the latest catch predictions for this season and recommended that commercial fishers return to fishing on Mondays in May and June – allowing five days of fishing each week.
O’Brien also said that commercial rock lobster fishing can recommence on Mondays, from May 4 for the remainder of the season. He expect that this will enable fishers to capitalise on the increase in market price which is usually achieved towards the end of the season. He warned that lobster fishers should not take the easing of restrictions as a sign that the fishery was in good shape.
Moore has indicated that puerulus numbers and the overall state of the fishery will continue to be closely monitored and he will respond quickly if worrying trends re-emerge. This could mean that rolling interventions to responsibly protect the fishery may be required on a more regular basis in order to ensure the long-term environmental and economic viability of the fishery is protected.
It is no denying fact that the commercial rock lobster industry is facing some difficult years ahead and adaptive and flexible management strategies need to be considered for future seasons to manage catches and address seasonal catch peaks. According to O’Brien the RLIAC is developing draft management recommendations for the 2009-10 season, which will form the basis for industry consultation.
