As per the announcement the arrangements include reductions in pot usage, restrictions on days when fishing is allowed and minimum and maximum size changes, and are intended to achieve an overall catch of 5,500 tonnes. Moore explained that under the fishery’s current input-based management system it is extremely difficult to manage an exact catch figure. He added that the catch range around this target is likely to range between 4,950 and 6,050 tonnes.
According to Moore the catch target was set to protect the sustainability of the western rock lobster fishery, smooth the catch and reduce the economic impact of the record low puerulus count in the past three years. He told that poor puerulus settlement in recent years means the number of lobsters available to the fishery is expected to be significantly reduced in seasons 2010-11 and 2011-12.
Moore further informed that to assist this, separate catch targets and likely ranges will apply to the three fishing zones and for the first and second halves of the season. The catch will be monitored on a weekly basis during the season with a formal review scheduled for January 2010. Moore said that any action will focus on varying the number of days available for fishing in a particular zone, to ensure the catch targets are achieved.
The Minster said that in developing these management arrangements, I have considered advice from the Western Rock Lobster Council, the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee and the Department of Fisheries.
