Proposals by the Western Australian Government (WAG) to own a substantial share of the western rock lobster fishery have been met with opposition from the industry, which sees wider implications for the state’s entire fishing sector.
Promising early catches, strong prices and the imminent Free Trade Agreement with China has the Australian Southern Rock Lobster Industry well placed for significant export growth into Asia.
Western Rock Lobster is supporting new technology designed to reduce whale entanglements for commercial and recreational fishers along the Western Australian coast. The introduction of whale tracking buoys is a joint initiative by the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, the Department of Biodiversity; Conservation and Attractions and Western Rock Lobster.
New South Wales takes a hard line on illegal fishing, and arrests were made and a vehicle seized in an operation designed to target illegal lobster fishing and sales of poached lobster. The vehicle used to transport the lobsters could be forfeited. This follows operations last year that resulted in jail terms and fines running into millions.
Having recently secured 60% EMFF funding via the MMO, the Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB), it has appointed freelance food writer, fisheries journalist and seafood sustainability consultant Mike Warner to oversee a two year project.
From Sunday 1st October fishermen will no longer be able to land egg-bearing 'berried' lobsters and crawfish in English waters, a move designed to protect these animals and the sustainability of the fishery.
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) has proposed new rules aimed at strengthening the lobster population in Swedish waters. The new rules are expected to enter into force this autumn.
Solent Engineering has added to its range with a 1.25 tonne hauler that the company’s Dave Middleton says bridges a gap in the company’s already extensive range. Based in southern England, Solent Engineering has built up a solid reputation for the quality of its fishing hardware.
Proposals protecting lobsters and crawfish to support the sustainability of England’s £103 million shellfish industry have been set out by Fisheries Minister George Eustice.
Caught red-handed by fisheries officers with undersized lobsters, fisherman Richard Matthews had no choice but to plead guilty when his case came before magistrates at Norwich in England.