The Government is currently developing a harvest strategy for the rock lobster fishery.
It will provide a clear framework for
ongoing management of the rock lobster fishery to achieve set sustainability and stakeholder objectives. Harvest strategies represent a
best-practice approach to sustainable fisheries management and are now
commonly used in all other Australian jurisdictions.
How the strategy will be developed
The Rock Lobster Harvest Strategy will be developed over 2024 and 2025 and will involve:
- Defining the existing rock lobster fishery, including areas, current sustainability assessment methods and management options.
- Identifying social, economic and cultural objectives of different stakeholders.
- Setting biological reference points and targets for each area.
- Outlining performance indicators to assess how the fishery is tracking to achieve its objectives.
Once objectives and targets for the fishery are set, the next step will be to outline what management will be required to achieve these objectives and targets.
Community consultation
Engagement, communication and consultation will occur throughout the development of the strategy both in person and online to form objectives and targets. Once the harvest strategy is drafted there will be a designated period for public comment before it is finalised.
Rock Lobster Harvest Strategy Working Group
The Rock Lobster Harvest Strategy Working Group (the Working Group) has been established to inform development of the Harvest Strategy. It includes representatives of all sectors (commercial, recreational, Aboriginal and cultural, independent science and fishery management), and will meet regularly to discuss and inform project progression and make recommendations.
Focus groups will be established as needed to provide recommendations to the Working Group.
Fisher and community consultation
Recreational, commercial and Aboriginal fishers will be engaged throughout the development of the Harvest Strategy.
In May and June 2024, a survey was available for fishers who wished to provide input on the early development of the Rock Lobster Harvest Strategy. Workshops were also hosted across the state for commercial and recreational fishers who wished to provide more detailed input on their aspirations for the future of the rock lobster fishery.
Results of the workshops and surveys will be reviewed by the Working Group to form the draft Harvest Strategy.
Once the Harvest Strategy is drafted, it will be available for a period of public consultation where there will be more opportunities to provide input.
Harvest Strategy scope
The Rock Lobster Harvest Strategy will apply to commercial and non-commercial fishing in state waters relating to the take of southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) and eastern rock lobster (Sagamariasus verreauxi).
The commercial sector includes Aboriginal people engaged in commercial fishing activities. The non-commercial sector includes Aboriginal cultural fishing, recreational fishing and charter fishing activities.
The Rock Lobster Harvest Strategy will be used to inform Total Allowable Catch (TAC) setting and fisheries management decisions.