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Northern Zone Rock Lobster catch remains at 310 tonnes

Tuesday 24 August, 2010

Fisheries Minister Michael O’Brien has announced the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for the 2010-11 fishing season for the Northern Zone rock lobster fishery will remain at 310 tonnes.

This follows a total catch of 310 tonnes caught during the 2009-10 fishing season.

Mr O’Brien welcomed the collaborative approach between the commercial fishing industry, PIRSA Fisheries and SARDI Aquatic Sciences in developing a recommendation on the TACC.

“It has been pleasing to see the cooperative approach that has been a feature of this year’s process,” Mr O’Brien said.

“While the 310 tonne TACC was caught earlier than expected during the 2009-10 season, the fishery is still in an historically low position.

“There is therefore general agreement that the TACC should remain at 310 tonnes in order to protect the rock lobster stocks.

“While we saw improved catch rates during 2009-10, research indicates there will be lower recruitment into the fishery during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 fishing seasons, so in anticipation of this it’s important that we set an appropriate TACC to ensure the future sustainability of the fishery.”

Mr O’Brien said the decision followed extensive consultation with industry.

“A Rock Lobster Steering Committee, made up of an independent chair and scientist, as well as industry experts, was formed to provide guidance on the TACC allocation process for the coming season,” Mr O’Brien said.

“A Northern Zone Rock Lobster Working Group, comprising representatives from PIRSA Fisheries, SARDI Aquatic Sciences, the SA Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association and the SA Rock Lobster Advisory Council was also formed to provide advice to the steering committee.

“It was after considering the advice put forward during this process, I determined the TACC should remain at 310 tonnes.

“I’d like to thank all the respective stakeholders for their input and I commend them for their commitment to working together.”

Mr O’Brien said he expected a new management plan to be developed for the fishery during the current financial year, guided by the steering committee, to develop a revised harvest strategy for the fishery.

“This will include the opportunity to review the decision-making framework for the fishery and include rules for increasing the TACC in the future, should fish stocks recover to a suitable degree,” Mr O’Brien said.

Licence holders will be formally notified of the decision by letter.