Information for commercial rock lobster fishers
Read about current management and reporting requirements and find approved landing area maps.
Learn moreThe West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery (WCRLMF) targets the western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) between Northwest Cape and Cape Leeuwin, using baited traps (pots). It is Western Australia’s most valuable fishery and has historically been Australia’s most valuable single species wild capture fishery.
In 2000, the WCRLMF was the first in the world to be accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as an ecologically sustainable fishery. In 2022, it was recertified for the 5th time.
Commercial fishing management measures include:
- areas closed to fishing
- lobster size limits
- protection for females in breeding condition
- controls on the type of gear used
- an annual limit on the catch for the whole fishery, known as the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC).
Following poor recruitment into the fishery between 2007-2009, the WCRLMF transitioned to a quota system. Allocation of catch was based on the relative entitlement to use pots held by each licensed fisher and the relevant share of the total allowable catch set for the various zones where the fishers were licensed to operate. The quota can vary between seasons depending on factors like the success of puerulus settlement and available lobster biomass.
The fishery operates under a 12-month fishing season, which combined with individual catch limits, gives fishers more flexibility to fish when the market price for lobsters is high.
The WCRLMF is divided into 3 zones:
A – Abrolhos Islands
B – north of latitude 30oS
C – south of latitude 30oS
This prevents concentrated fishing in some areas and has allowed for management that addresses zone-specific issues.
Reports
The most recent commercial catch and effort information is reported in the Status reports of the fisheries and aquatic resources of Western Australia. This publication should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report.
Research
Extensive research supports the management of rock lobster fishing. Data is collected on both commercial and recreational catches and fishing activity. In addition, independent monitoring is carried out on breeding stock, juvenile stock, puerulus settlement and environmental factors that may affect breeding success and survival.
These programs enable researchers to estimate catches up to 4 years ahead and assess the impacts of changes in fishing technology and practice.
Commercial fishing is monitored through:
- compulsory Catch and Disposal Records (CDR) forms from fishers and processors
- onboard commercial monitoring by departmental staff
- a range of independent surveys.
These sources of information are used for modelling and stock assessment. There are also a range of other research projects which are undertaken to improve the understanding of lobster biology, behaviour and ecology which assist in the sustainable management of this resource.
Research projects
- A study of the ecosystem effects of lobster fishing in deep water as part of an environmental management strategy.
- Development of a fisheries-independent shallow water survey to track juvenile lobster survival.
- Marine habitat mapping using remote-sensing (for example, satellite) of near-shore areas.
- A program to collate all historic research conducted on the Western rock lobster and publish this in an easy to digest format. This information will then be used by stakeholders to identify research priorities and subsequent research projects.
- A program to oversee all whale related research that can better inform management decisions surround reducing interactions with whales.