Rock lobster regions
Rock lobster
rules, including closures, and possession and size limits are applied on a zone or regional basis. Use the maps below to check what rules apply where you are fishing.
If you are going to be moving between areas, make sure to check
transiting requirements and whether or not you have to make a transit report.
Bag and possession limit regions
Bag, boat, and possession limits are different depending on whether you are in the Eastern, Western or Northern Bass Strait Rock Lobster regions. See the map below, or visit
Rock Lobster Rules for more information.
Rock lobster possession limits
Eastern Region: State waters and islands eastward of Point Sorell and Whale Head (southern-most point). This region includes the East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone (ECSRZ) which is waters between Eddystone Point and Tasman Head on Bruny Island.
Western Region: State waters and islands westward of Point Sorell and Whale Head.
The line separating the regions applies to State waters. It does not extend through mainland Tasmania.
Northern Bass Strait: Waters north of latitude 39°33'. This area is north of King and Flinders Islands and includes the Kent Hogan Group and Deal Island. The catch limits are lower in this region to reduce compliance risks in close proximity to Victoria.
Size limit and tail-marking zones
Rock lobster size limits and tail-marking requirements are different depending on whether you are in the Northern or Southern Rock Lobster Zone. See maps below, or visit
measuring, marking and sexing rock lobster for more information.
Rock lobster regional size limits map
Tail marking map rock lobster
Important: The Southern Zone
includes Frederick Henry and Norfolk Bays and Storm Bay
East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone
The East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone (ECSRZ) is the area between Eddystone Point and Tasman Head on Bruny Island. It opens for rock lobster fishing later than other state waters (see
Fishing Seasons for current season dates).
You cannot possess pots, rings or lobsters in any part of the East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone until that area opens,
except in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and River Derwent waters. Read about transiting during a closed season.
This extended closure was introduced as part of the
East Coast Stock Rebuilding Strategy to rebuild rock lobster stocks in this area.
See maps below for boundary information.
The East Coast Rock Lobster Stock Rebuilding Zone is the area between Eddystone Point above St Helens and Tasman Head on Bruny Island.
ECSRZ boundaries
Tasman Head / D'Entrecasteaux Channel - ECSRZ boundary
Eddystone Point - ECSRZ Boundary
The ECSRZ boundary line at Eddystone Point is through the Eddystone Point Lighthouse at 40° 59' 35" S. The Eddystone Point boat ramp is
outside the ECSRZ.
No Rock Lobster Pot Areas
There are restrictions on the taking of rock lobster in marine nature reserves and fishery research areas. For more information and maps, see the
Marine Reserves and
Fisheries Research Areas pages on this website.
The use of rock lobster pots is prohibited in:
- The D'Entrecasteaux Channel,
- River Derwent,
- Georges Bay, and;
- King Island.
However, rock lobster rings can be used in these areas. Further detail and area maps below.
D'Entrecasteaux Channel
The southern boundary is a line from Scotts Pt to the northern tip of Partridge island and then from the southern tip of Partridge Island south to Labillardiere Peninsula on Bruny Island and a northern boundary being a line from Dennes Pt to Piersons Pt.
River Derwent
The River Derwent upstream from an imaginary straight line drawn from Dennes Point to Cape Direction.
Georges Bay
West of the line of longitude of the end at the training wall situated at the entrance to Georges Bay.
King Island
Waters within 300 metres from the Blow Hole on the Eastern side of King Island.