Fisheries Minister Norman Moore has suspended commercial rock lobster fishing over Christmas after the latest official figures showed higher than expected catches in the B and C zone of the fishery.

Mr Moore said yesterday commercial rock lobster fishers, particularly in the fishery’s B zone, had greatly exceeded the expected catch.

He said his decision to close the fishery followed advice from commercial rock lobster fishers and processors and supported his earlier decision to limit the commercial rock lobster catch this season to 5,500 tonnes.

“I indicated at the beginning of this season that I would adjust management arrangements for the fishery if that was necessary,” Mr Moore said.

”Industry members have since expressed concern that if the current high catch rate continues, the industry will achieve its first half season targets early and this will result in all or part of the fishery having to close over the Chinese New Year period.

“This is the time of year which traditionally attracts higher prices. In making these management changes I have also considered the sort of action that is practical to implement at very short notice.”

The Minister said his latest decision meant commercial rock lobster fishers must ensure they stop fishing in the fishery’s B and C zones by midnight December 24 (Christmas Eve).

Commercial lobster fishing could resume in B zone, which stretches from Jurien to Exmouth, early morning on January 11 and in C zone, which includes Jurien, the Perth metropolitan coast and South-West water to Leeuwin, from early January 4.

Further possible management changes to B and C zones are due for consideration at a formal review early in January.

Mr Moore based his decision on extensive advice from the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) and the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee (RLIAC).

“WAFIC has indicated that it would support extending the B Zone closure until January 25,” he said.

“I have referred this matter to the RLIAC for advice and will announce my decision in early 2010.”

The Minister said the changes gave industry an opportunity to obtain the best return for the catch by allowing them to access both the pre-Christmas and Chinese New Year markets.

Mr Moore also said he had signed off on an industry consultation plan to move the rock lobster sector towards a quota managed fishery.

A quota management system allows fishers to choose when and how they fish within catch limits, alleviating the Government’s need to micro manage the fishery via pot and fish day restrictions.

Dismissing calls for a royal commission into the commercial rock lobster fishing system, the Minister said he had released a paper detailing key proposals on a quota managed system and a possible implementation framework. He will be seeking feedback in the next six months before a final decision is made.

“It is interesting that (former Fisheries Minister) Jon Ford has suddenly discovered the concept of a fishing quota management system when the idea obviously held little appeal during his time as Minister for Fisheries,” Mr Moore said.

“I told industry before the start of the season that an adaptive management approach would be used to manage the fishery this season. I cannot rule out more changes if they are required to meet the management objectives.”

The changes do not affect recreational rock lobster fishing.

Minister's office - 9422 3000