Archived page, Consultation on proposals for management of recreational Western Rock Lobster, 2009.

Recfishwest has been requested to provide comments on proposals to for the management of recreational catch of Western Rock Lobster (WRL) from late 2009.

Following a media release by the Minister for Fisheries advising of management changes in commercial Western Rock Lobster fishing rules, the Minister wrote to Recfishwest.

Minister's letter to Recfishwest.

Mr Craig Leatt-Hayter
Chairman, Recfishwest
PO Box34
NORTH BEACH WA 6920

Dear Mr Leatt-Hayter

RECREATIONAL ROCK LOBSTER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

As you would be aware, the western rock lobster fishery has experienced extremely low levels of pre-juvenile rock lobster (puerulus) settlement over recent years, which has led to concerns about the fishery's sustainability.

In response to these concerns, a number of management measures were introduced for the commercial fishing sector during the 2008/09 season. These measures were primarily aimed at reducing effort and providing additional protection for the rock lobster breeding stock.

Having recently considered the latest stock assessment information and advice from the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee, I have approved a number of additional management changes for the 2009/10 commercial rock lobster season. These changes include further reductions in fishing effort and changes to maximum and minimum size limits for the commercial sector.

Given the significance of this issue, I am now seeking the views of Recfishwest on the appropriateness of the recreational sector contributing to the sustainable management of the fishery and adopting several of these measures. More specifically, I am seeking the views of Recfishwest on the appropriateness of the following proposals:

1.   77mm minimum legal size limit all season (currently 77mm from 15 November to 31 January, then 76mm from 1 February to 30 June);

2.   95mm maximum legal size limit for female rock lobsters between North-West Cape and Green Head (currently 105mm);

3.   105mm maximum legal size limit for female rock lobsters between Green Head and Cape Leeuwin (currently 115mm); and

4.   55mm escape gap size from the 2010/11 season (currently 54mm).

I acknowledge that the recreational sector is currently fishing within its allocated catch share of 5 per cent of the western rock lobster resource. However, I am of the view that these proposals are unlikely to result in a material change in sectoral catch shares. Rather, these proposals are specifically aimed at addressing sustainability concerns by providing increased protection for the breeding stock and minimising the capture of undersize rock lobsters.

Furthermore, I can assure you that Government remains fuliy committed to Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM) and all issues affecting catch shares will be considered through the formal IFM implementation process for the western rock lobster resource.

In keeping with this commitment, I have decided not to progress with the previously announced change to the start date for the recreational rock lobster season. The commencement date for the 2009/10 recreational rock lobster season will remain at 15 November 2009.

Given the need to finalise the management arrangements prior to the start of the 2009/10 recreational rock lobster season in a timely manner, I would appreciate Recfishwest's views on the proposals outlined above by 30 September.

Yours sincerely

NORMAN MOORE MLC
MINISTER FOR FISHERIES
23 SEP 2009

Recfishwest response to proposed management changes

Hon Norman Moore MLC
Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Fisheries; Electoral Affairs
4th floor London House,
216 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000

Dear Minister

RE RECREATIONAL ROCK LOBSTER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Thank you for your letter requesting Recfishwest's views on the appropriateness of the recreational sector undergoing tighter management in light of the concerns in the commercial rock lobster fishery.

Recfishwest believes that these recommendations are not consistent with Integrated Fisheries Management. The recreational sector is currently fishing well below its formal allocation of 5% and is extremely unlikely to take 275 tonnes in the coming season if the commercial fishery is restricted to 5,500 tonnes.

The recreational sector took a bag limit reduction at the start of the 2008/09 season from 8 to 6, representing a cut of 25%. Despite not catching our allocated share we accepted this reduction in the best interest of the sustainability of the fishery.

Given the small catch of the recreational fishery the benefits from implementing these proposed management changes would be minimal. Bringing in these changes for the recreational fishery would incur significant administrative, education and compliance costs for a marginal stock benefit. Recfishwest is of the view the costs of these initiatives would be better focussed towards the west coast demersal scalefish fishery where a significant sustainability concern exists within the recreational fishery.

We believe any changes with such short notice for the recreational sector would cause significant compliance difficulties. Recfishwest has been informed by the tackle industry that there are only a couple of manufacturers of rock lobster gauges, with one of the most popular also incorporating a 54mm escape gap gauge. We have been informed that it would be impossible to accommodate a change in escape gaps on stocked or already sold pots in time for the start of the recreational season.

Recfishwest is pleased to hear your commitment to the Integrated Fisheries Management process and decision not to adjust the start date for the recreational rock lobster season. This period is critical for the recreational fishery to have first access to the 'whites'.

Recfishwest believes that serious consideration should be given to prohibiting commercial rock lobster fishing within 3 km of the coast during the period 15 November to 1 February in at least a significant part of C Zone. This would reduce resource sharing conflicts and reduce the commercial exploitation of 'whites' lobsters in C Zone. As part of the integrated process the recreational sector could look to implement these changes for the 2010/11 season.

Please feel free to contact our office directly on 9246 3366 if you have any queries on this matter.

Yours sincerely

Craig Leatt-Hayter
Chairman
30 September 2009

CC Doug Bathgate, Chair, Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee
Ron Edwards, Chair, Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee



This page prepared on 1 October 2009.