Western Rock Lobster Sustainability

This is the largest single species fishery in Australia with an average catch of 11,000 tonnes of lobster, valued at about $350 million. It was the first fishery to achieve Marine Stewardship Council certification (which recognizes sustainability) for the research and management.
Project and activity description:

Research into and monitoring of the biological and fishery aspects of the Western Rock Lobster Managed Fishery.

The project provides:

* formal stock assessment advice to managers, fishers and general public;
* technical advice to the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee, Western Rock Lobster Council and other bodies and individuals with respect to the sustainability of the fishery; and
* normal vessel-based, breeding stock and log book and recruitment monitoring of the fishery.

ESD advice will relate to MSC certification and to the impacts of fishing activities on Abrolhos marine habitats. There will be an assessment of succession on and productivity of artificial limestone reefs from dredge spoil from Geraldton harbour redevelopment.

Dissemination of information will occur through popular articles in Western Fisheries (the Department of Fisheries magazine), ProWest (the WA Fishing Industry Council magazine) and Commercial Fisheries Production Bulletins. Research data will be presented for peer review at specialist conferences and workshops (intra- and interstate and international) and through publication of refereed papers in international scientific journals.

The project has been established for many years and involves extensive liaison with industry.

Time: Ongoing