Western Australian is set to increase catch limits for deep sea crab and rock lobster, following a successful rebuild of stocks in the region.
The South Coast Crustacean Managed Fishery (SCCMF) extends from Augusta to the South Australian border and includes fishing for crystal crab, giant crab, champagne crab, southern rock lobster and western rock lobster.
A quota system has been in place for some years and the latest stock assessment from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development shows that all stocks are now at sustainable levels.
“This is positive news for the SCCMF and for seafood consumers, as a result of industry and the Cook Government working together to achieve positive fisheries management outcomes,” said Fisheries Minister, Don Punch.
“The changes will allow the industry to increase domestic supply and explore export market opportunities.”
Recommendations have been made to increase catch limits for deep sea crab and lobster in three zones beginning on 1 July.
In zone one (Augusta) fishing for giant crab will increase from 1,505kg to 1,900kg and fishing for southern rock lobsters will more than double from 700kg to 2,000kg.
In zone two (Albany) limits will increase for crystal crab from 6,000kg to 7,500kg and in zone four (Inshore Bight Zone) fishing for crystal crab and giant crab will increase significantly with both going from 430kg to 2,000kg.
The fishery also recently received Commonwealth Government export approval in recognition of the strong fisheries management, science and compliance programmes to deliver positive and acceptable environmental outcomes from the fishery.
