Tasmanian rock lobster fisherman are worried New Zealand could capitalise on Australia''s predicted rock lobster shortage next month.
After seven years of declining catch rates, the South Australian government has banned fishing during October, and has capped quotas at 1,250 tonnes until stocks recover.
CEO of the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fisherman's Association, Rodney Treloggen, said traditionally, Tasmanian fishers do not fish in October, and with South Australia not in market either, it could lead to shortage of stock supplying Asian markets.
"The big problem is that New Zealand sits over there, one of our major competitors, they will be taking full advantage of Australian South Rock Lobster not being in that market," he said.
[Source: ABC Online]
