Tuesday 24 August, 2010

Fisheries Minister Michael O’Brien has announced the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for the Southern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery will be set at 1250 tonnes for the coming season.

This follows a total catch in the 2009-10 season of 1243 tonnes.

Mr O’Brien has also resolved to remove October and May from the 2010-11 fishing season, which will now run from November 1 to April 30.

“I am concerned that the catch rate in the Southern Zone fishery has declined for the seventh year in a row,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It’s my intention to retain the TACC at 1250 tonnes for another season in 2011-12 before raising it to between 1400 and 1600 tonnes for subsequent seasons if lobster numbers recover.

“The sustainability of the fishery is the government’s upmost priority.”

Mr O’Brien said he considered advice from scientists, PIRSA Fisheries, the South East Professional Fishermen’s Association (SEPFA) and the South Australian Rock Lobster Advisory Council.

“SEPFA argued forcefully for a TACC of 1400 tonnes, but the scientific evidence was not conclusive in supporting this proposition,” he said.

“The commercial catch rate in 2009-10 was 0.6kg a pot lift, the lowest ever recorded for this fishery.

“This was the seventh consecutive season in which the catch rate declined, reflecting a 67 percent decrease from the 1.81kg/pot lift in 2003-04.

“As the catch was not constrained last season, and catch rates continued to decline, I have determined the TACC should be set at a level that will constrain the catch and protect the incoming recruitment pulse to rebuild the fishery.”

Mr O’Brien said removing October and May from the season would help the fishery to rebuild. “I’m advised that up to 50 percent of lobsters caught in October are carrying eggs, compared with just 10 percent in November,” he said.

Mr O’Brien said industry members had asked for longer-term stability in setting catch rates and the development of a harvest strategy.

“I agree with this proposal, and although future catch limits can’t be prescribed in advance, it is my intent to introduce a greater level of transparency and certainty,” he said.

“A fishery management plan will be developed this financial year.

“This will provide an opportunity to review the decision-making framework for the fishery, including the rules for increasing the TACC in the future.”

Mr O’Brien said the rock lobster industry remained a valuable contributor to the state’s economy, with a total catch value recorded in 2008-09 of $85 million.

“By acting now to rebuild the fishery we are better placed to preserve the social and economic value of the industry,” he said.

“While I understand that removing October from the fishing season may impact on the prices attained, it has potential to accelerate the recovery.

“Most states have closed fishing for rock lobster in October.

“A shorter season will also reduce the fishing effort and costs required to achieve the TACC.”

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

Mr O’Brien said closing the fishery in October and May would also apply to recreational fishermen.