Western Australia’s rock lobster fishery is celebrating 22 years of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification following the announcement of its fifth successful assessment, on 29 November 2022.
In 2000, WA’s western rock lobster fishery became the first fishery in the world to achieve the independent sustainability certification standard for sustainable fishing.
“The western rock lobster fishery is world famous for its level of research and sustainability” said Dr Simon de Lestang, Principal Research Scientist, Fisheries at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
“This fishery has proven time and time again it’s one of the world’s best managed fisheries, both economically and ecologically.”
Since its first certification in 2000, the fishery has moved to quota which has seen several environmental benefits, including the building of stocks to record levels, reductions in whale interactions, improved management of bycatch, and major reductions in the fuel and bait used to catch an increasing number of lobsters.
Matt Taylor, CEO of the Western Rock Lobster Council said the fact that the western rock lobster fishery has retained certification for 22 years speaks to an enduring partnership between industry and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
“This recertification is an important milestone for the fishery and is a clear demonstration of WRL’s sustainability credentials and commitment to sustainable practices.
“As long as we have secure access to the resource and we are wise about how we catch, the western rock lobster fishery will continue to deliver benefits to the people of Western Australia for generations to come,” Taylor said.
Anne Gabriel, MSC Program Manager for Oceania congratulated the fishery on its re-certification.
“The western rock lobster fishery is undoubtedly an iconic world leader in sustainability. The western rock lobster fishery continues to thrive with positive ecological and management performances,” she said.
“This recertification is an important milestone for the fishery and is a clear demonstration of WRL sustainability credentials and commitment to sustainable practices.
Western rock lobster is Australia’s most valuable single-species wild capture fishery, contributing over $400 million to WA’s economy annually pre-Covid.
Driven by family-owned local businesses, the industry remains a key regional employer generating around 1,850 direct and indirect full-time jobs in the fishing, processing, transport, boat building, and tourism industries.
