Acting Fisheries Minister Simon O’Brien today announced an easing of tough new measures put in place to protect the long-term sustainability of Western Australia’s rock lobster industry.

Mr O’Brien said recent reductions in pot numbers, the imposition of a four-day fishing week and size restrictions had achieved the State Government’s goal of reducing this season’s predicted lobster catch of 9,200 tonnes to below the target of 7,800 tonnes.

“In line with Fisheries Minister Norman Moore’s promise to review the new measures if they proved to be successful, I am announcing that lobster fishers will be given an extra day each week to operate,” he said.

“The Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee (RLIAC) has reviewed the latest catch predictions for this season and recommended that commercial fishers return to fishing on Mondays in May and June - allowing five days of fishing each week.

“Commercial rock lobster fishing can recommence on Mondays, from May 4 for the remainder of the season and I expect that this will enable fishers to capitalise on the increase in market price which is usually achieved towards the end of the season.”

The Acting Minister warned that lobster fishers should not take the easing of restrictions as a sign that the fishery was in good shape.

“With the lowest puerulus (juvenile rock lobster) settlement on record this year, urgent steps had to be taken to bolster levels of breeding lobsters as well as to ensure carry-over stocks are available for poor seasons expected in the next few years,” he said.

“This situation has not changed and the fishery remains in a precarious position.

“Mr Moore has indicated that puerulus numbers and the overall state of the fishery will continue to be closely monitored and he will respond quickly if worrying trends re-emerge.

“This could mean that rolling interventions to responsibly protect the fishery may be required on a more regular basis in order to ensure the long-term environmental and economic viability of the fishery is protected.

“Mr Moore is keen for everyone involved in the commercial rock lobster industry to understand this situation.

“The recent tough decisions were based on the best available research and advice which indicated that unless the fishery was protected there would be no viable, long-term industry.

“The commercial rock lobster industry is facing some difficult years ahead and adaptive and flexible management strategies need to be considered for future seasons to manage catches and address seasonal catch peaks.

“The RLIAC is developing draft management recommendations for the 2009-10 season, which will form the basis for industry consultation.”

Mr O’Brien said Department of Fisheries’ researchers were working on a range of projects aimed at finding the cause of the low puerulus settlement and investigating if environmental or other factors had impacted on the survival of juvenile rock lobsters.

“The projects include oceanographic modelling, to determine the importance of particular parts of the breeding stock to future puerulus abundance and a fishery independent survey, developed in response to concerns about the possible status of the breeding stock in the northern sectors of the fishery,” he said.