Management package for rock lobster fishery to remain unchanged

11/11/94

Fisheries Minister Monty House said today the management package for the west coast rock lobster fishery would remain unchanged when the season officially opened on November 15.

This season, the management package aims to retain a further 500 tonnes or about one million rock lobsters towards the breeding stock.

Mr House reaffirmed the two-year management package while meeting with professional fishermen in Dongara today.

Research had indicated that the rock lobster management package introduced last year was successfully meeting its conservation objectives.

"After discussions with the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee and meetings with fishermen along the coast, most fishermen clearly understand the need for effective conservation measures if the fishery is to maintain its commercial value in the longer term," Mr House said.

"It is important that we build on the success of last season, while continuing to meet export and domestic market requirements," he said.

Another objective is to shift a significant proportion of the pre-moulting 'white' lobsters through to the post-moulting 'red' lobster stage to provide a more even distribution of catch during the season and a potentially higher price for the product.

The 1994-95 management measures include:

·       all setose and tarspot (pregnant) females must be returned to the water;

·       the temporary 18 per cent pot reduction for commercial fishermen in all zones continues;

·       the minimum gauge size increases from 76 mm to 77 mm from the start of the season (November 15 to the end of January).  The minimum size returns to 76 mm for the remainder of the season;

·       a maximum legal carapace size of 115 mm for female lobsters landed from Wedge Island south to Cape Leeuwin and 105 mm for anchorages north of Wedge Island;

·       pot escape gaps remain at 54 mm; and -

·       rock lobster boats must nominate for the Big Bank season (February 10 to 28) and are not allowed to operate in other areas during that period.

Despite the management package remaining the same, there have been some industry adjustments.

Mr House advised fishermen that towed underwater television devices were illegal.

"Devices such as towed underwater cameras which could be used to increase the rock lobster fishing efficiency of boats remain prohibited," Mr House said.

"The industry agree that towed TV cameras would detract from the conservation measures of the management package, particularly during the lobster's migratory runs."

Mr House said on advice from RLIAC he had also agreed to amend the rules on pot transfers to constrain total pot holdings to the maximum holding set down by the rules on boat replacement.  The maximum limit of 150 pots per boat would apply.

Media contact:  Will Henwood (09) 481 2044