- Western rock lobster charter tours to lift regional tourism opportunities
- Licensed charter operators from Kalbarri to Augusta can fish for more rock lobster from 1 December
- More opportunities to catch local rock lobster ahead of summer
The Cook Government is boosting regional tourism with new rock lobster charter fishing arrangements following a successful four-year trial.
The decision to make the temporary arrangements permanent from 1 December this year follows the trial's outstanding local and international interest, strong sustainability outcomes and significant support from local businesses and communities.
The arrangements have generated significant sector innovation in utilising one of our State's most iconic and unique seafood resources including catch-and-cook, on-board dining experiences and a host of new marine tourism experiences.
An initial trial, which commenced in 2019, provided a limited number of operators the chance to fish under new arrangements including an increased number of pots and boat limits to enhance tourism and regional business opportunities.
The trial significantly increased participation in rock lobster tours, including by interstate and international visitors, from about 5,000 to more than 13,000 between 2019 and 2023.
The outcomes also indicate that these new arrangements are highly sustainable, with less than 20 tonnes caught by charter operators of a total annual lobster sustainable catch of nearly 10,000 tonnes.
Geraldton and the Abrolhos Islands were the most popular destinations for tours followed by Two Rocks, Dongara, Kalbarri and Mandurah unlocking tourism growth opportunities for these regional areas.
Under the new rules, all charter operators in the West Coast region will be permitted to have 12 pots on board, increased from six pots, along with an increased boat limit from 24 to 80 rock lobster. The existing individual daily bag limit of eight lobsters (maximum) still applies.
The increased boat limit now also applies to dive-based rock lobster charter operators with restrictions to protect exiting recreational values in the waters of the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve.
Charter operators will also be permitted to set pots in the West Coast region prior to a tour provided they are not pulling the pots or landing rock lobster before the tour starts.
Charter catches of rock lobster will continue to be managed within the recreational sector's allocation of 500 tonnes in line with the West Coast Rock Lobster Resource Harvest Strategy.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"Western rock lobster is iconic to WA and the Cook Government is pleased to be able to provide more opportunities for people to catch and enjoy this local seafood delicacy as part of an awesome charter experience.
"The changes to the fishing rules mean charter businesses can provide a unique lobster tourism experience from the 'pot to the plate' which will be a great drawcard to grow tourism in the regions, support local businesses and create new jobs.
"Charter passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy lobster on board as well as take a few home to enjoy with family and friends.
"With the recent announcement of lobster trade set to resume with China, these new arrangements will provide more opportunities to access and enjoy our rock lobster locally."
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We know tourists are chasing unique experiences when they travel and catching fresh western rock lobster off our beautiful coastline adds to that growing list of reasons to travel to Western Australia.
"This is a fantastic result for local tourism and will no doubt support local jobs and businesses while further enhancing the tourism experience for the hundreds of thousands of visitors to our State each year."
