- Cook Government to increase commercial catch limits for deep sea crab and rock lobster on the south coast from 1 July 2024
- Sustainable fisheries management supporting industry and domestic seafood supply
- World Oceans Day on June 8 recognises the importance of working together to maintain healthy fisheries
The Cook Government is set to increase commercial catch limits for deep sea crab and rock lobster on the south coast of Western Australia, thanks to effective fisheries management supporting fisheries sustainability.
The South Coast Crustacean Managed Fishery (SCCMF) extends from Augusta to the South Australian border and includes fishing for crystal crab, giant crab, champagne crab, southern rock lobster and western rock lobster.
The State Government has worked collaboratively with industry over recent years to implement a quota management system and an improved science program to rebuild deep sea crab and rock lobster stocks on the south coast.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's latest scientific stock assessment or 'health check' for the fishery showed that all stocks have recovered to sustainable levels and that there was an opportunity to increase catch limits for some stocks.
The latest science was reviewed against the harvest strategy and in consultation with industry, recommendations have been made for catch limits to be increased for deep sea crab and lobster in three zones within the fishery from 1 July.
In zone one (Augusta) fishing for giant crab will increase from 1,505 kg to 1,900 kg and fishing for southern rock lobsters will more than double from 700 kg to 2,000 kg.
In zone two (Albany) limits will increase for crystal crab from 6,000 kg to 7,500 kg and in zone four (Inshore Bight Zone) fishing for crystal crab and giant crab will increase significantly with both going from 430 kg to 2,000 kg.
The fishery also recently received Commonwealth Government export approval in recognition of the strong fisheries management, science and compliance programs to deliver positive and acceptable environmental outcomes from the fishery.
The Department will continue to undertake regular stock assessments to monitor the sustainability of the fishery.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"This is positive news for the South Coast Crustacean Managed Fishery and for seafood consumers, as a result of industry and the Cook Government working together to achieve positive fisheries management outcomes.
"The changes will allow the industry to increase domestic supply and explore export market opportunities.
"Ahead of World Oceans Day tomorrow, it is important to recognise that sustainable management of our fisheries supported by world leading science is vital.
"It is important government and industry continue to work together to support sustainability outcomes underpin the State's local seafood supply and thousands of regional jobs all around Western Australia."
