According to Green the government wants to ensure the industry viable in the future and so the decisions need to be made now because of declining fish stocks. He said that harvesting levels had shown decreasing numbers over several seasons. “If we take the measures now it would provide sustainable fishery for generations to come, says Green.
Green informed that the total allowable catch for the commercial sector will be 1103.24 tonnes next season, 220 tonnes less than the current season while the catch for recreational fishers will remain at 170 tonnes. It is true that the rock lobster industry has faced many difficulties in recent months. He also said that management of the recreational sector also needed to be considered in light of broader concerns for the fishery.
Green said that they have a responsibility to make sure our rock lobster stocks are managed sustainably. He added that problems with key markets in China were an added challenge for the industry and had been factored into his decision but underlying issues in the fishery could not be ignored.
