Recreational Rock Lobster Catch App Trial

​Purpose of the trial

  • Real-time catch data will help manage the fishery effectively, especially for the East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone.

  • It is a cost-effective way to monitor individual season limits (ISL).

  • Fishers want to be more involved in fisheries management by providing catch data and observations.

  • In the future, the app could be used to make transit reports, record lobster measurements or citizen science observations.

Go to the Rock Lobster Catch App Trial 2022-23 page​ to download the app.

Will the app replace the current IMAS rock lobster survey? ​

Using an app to estimate catch is a largely untested approach that needs careful research and review. A high degree of confidence in the data is needed before catch apps can either replace or complement existing survey methods.

IMAS currently conducts an annual survey of randomly selected licence holders to estimate the recreational catch. Interviewers contact fishers regularly to collect statistically robust catch information. Read about the current methodology at: Recreational Rock Lobster & Abalone Fisheries: 2020-21 Catch Estimates​.

If you are part of the IMAS Rock Lobster and Abalone Survey you can still use the app, but please continue reporting your catch details to the IMAS interviewers. We are interested in feedback about both systems.​​

The app trial formed part of a 2021 IMAS recreational catch monitoring research project. This project also considered catch tags – read more at Recreational Fisheries Research page. ​

Why a catch app instead of tags? ​

The app is being developed over other options because it is cost-effective and provides real-time data with little effort required by fishers.

Tags have been considered but they need a distribution system, and tag loss and plastic pollution can present problems.

 Information Paper - Recreational Rock Lobster catch tags (PDF 588Kb)



    Contact

    Recreational Fishing Enquiries
    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St
    Hobart TAS 7000
    Phone: 03 6165 3233, 1300 720 647
    Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Hotline

    Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

    0427 655 557

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    Contact us

    Recreational Fishing

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    Hobart TAS 7000

    Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

    Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Commercial Fisheries

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    GPO Box 44

    Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

    Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Commercial Fisheries Licensing

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    GPO Box 44

    Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

    Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au