Department of Fisheries WA has invited public comments on a full quota management system of the commercial West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery. Fisheries Minister Norman Moore approved the transition to quota in 2010. This new management system was proposed to make the fishery prosper despite reductions in the catch due to low juvenile lobster numbers.
Two of the Department of Fisheries’ discussion papers showcase the increased flexibility that could be possible under the new quota-based management plan for the fishery. Jo Kennedy, Manager of the West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery, said that implementing new management system means it was possible to consider relaxing or removing a variety of controls, which were essential under input controls.
According to Kennedy the fishery is already enjoying increased flexibility and now it would be decided whether greater flexibility should be provided under the new management plan. She added that the commercial rock lobster fishery has undergone significant changes over the last few years and it is important that we know what industry want before decisions are made about any more changes.
The Department of Fisheries will hold meetings in several places inviting comment on the new management plan. The harvest strategy aims to maintain rock lobster sustainability and provide industry with certainty about the factors that will be taken into account when determining how much can be caught.
