Proposed rule changes for recreational Western Rock Lobster
Submitted by TerryF on Thu, 2009-10-01 16:09
Recfishwest response to proposed management changes:-
All this is published on the RFW website at http://www.recfishwest.org.au/RockLobsterConsultation2009.htm
TerryF
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Beavering away in the background.......
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Proposed rule changes for recreational Western Rock Lobster
Consultation on rule changes proposed for management of recreational Western Rock Lobster, September 2009.
The Minister for Fisheries issued a media release http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx?ItemId=132527 advising of management changes in commercial Western Rock Lobster fishing.
The Minister wrote to Recfishwest, letter received 24 Sept, asking for a response from Recfishwest by 30 September. Recfishwest was asked to provide comments on proposals for rule changes recreational catch of Western Rock Lobster (WRL) from late 2009.
Minister's letter to Recfishwest.
Quote:
Mr Craig Leatt-Hayter
Chairman, Recfishwest, PO Box34, NORTH BEACH WA 6920
Dear Mr Leatt-Hayter
RECREATIONAL ROCK LOBSTER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
As you would be aware, the western rock lobster fishery has experienced extremely low levels of pre-juvenile rock lobster (puerulus) settlement over recent years, which has led to concerns about the fishery's sustainability.
In response to these concerns, a number of management measures were introduced for the commercial fishing sector during the 2008/09 season. These measures were primarily aimed at reducing effort and providing additional protection for the rock lobster breeding stock.
Having recently considered the latest stock assessment information and advice from the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee, I have approved a number of additional management changes for the 2009/10 commercial rock lobster season. These changes include further reductions in fishing effort and changes to maximum and minimum size limits for the commercial sector.
Given the significance of this issue, I am now seeking the views of Recfishwest on the appropriateness of the recreational sector contributing to the sustainable management of the fishery and adopting several of these measures. More specifically, I am seeking the views of Recfishwest on the appropriateness of the following proposals:
1. 77mm minimum legal size limit all season (currently 77mm from 15 November to 31 January, then 76mm from 1 February to 30 June);
2. 95mm maximum legal size limit for female rock lobsters between North-West Cape and Green Head (currently 105mm);
3. 105mm maximum legal size limit for female rock lobsters between Green Head and Cape Leeuwin (currently 115mm); and
4. 55mm escape gap size from the 2010/11 season (currently 54mm).
I acknowledge that the recreational sector is currently fishing within its allocated catch share of 5 per cent of the western rock lobster resource. However, I am of the view that these proposals are unlikely to result in a material change in sectoral catch shares. Rather, these proposals are specifically aimed at addressing sustainability concerns by providing increased protection for the breeding stock and minimising the capture of undersize rock lobsters.
Furthermore, I can assure you that Government remains fully committed to Integrated Fisheries Management (IFM) and all issues affecting catch shares will be considered through the formal IFM implementation process for the western rock lobster resource.
In keeping with this commitment, I have decided not to progress with the previously announced change to the start date for the recreational rock lobster season. The commencement date for the 2009/10 recreational rock lobster season will remain at 15 November 2009.
Given the need to finalise the management arrangements prior to the start of the 2009/10 recreational rock lobster season in a timely manner, I would appreciate Recfishwest's views on the proposals outlined above by 30 September.
Yours sincerely
NORMAN MOORE MLC
MINISTER FOR FISHERIES
23 SEP 2009
Recfishwest response to proposed management changes:-
Quote:
Hon Norman Moore MLC
Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Fisheries; Electoral Affairs
4th floor London House,
216 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000
Dear Minister
RE RECREATIONAL ROCK LOBSTER MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Thank you for your letter requesting Recfishwest's views on the appropriateness of the recreational sector undergoing tighter management in light of the concerns in the commercial rock lobster fishery.
Recfishwest believes that these recommendations are not consistent with Integrated Fisheries Management. The recreational sector is currently fishing well below its formal allocation of 5% and is extremely unlikely to take 275 tonnes in the coming season if the commercial fishery is restricted to 5,500 tonnes.
The recreational sector took a bag limit reduction at the start of the 2008/09 season from 8 to 6, representing a cut of 25%. Despite not catching our allocated share we accepted this reduction in the best interest of the sustainability of the fishery.
Given the small catch of the recreational fishery the benefits from implementing these proposed management changes would be minimal. Bringing in these changes for the recreational fishery would incur significant administrative, education and compliance costs for a marginal stock benefit. Recfishwest is of the view the costs of these initiatives would be better focussed towards the west coast demersal scalefish fishery where a significant sustainability concern exists within the recreational fishery.
We believe any changes with such short notice for the recreational sector would cause significant compliance difficulties. Recfishwest has been informed by the tackle industry that there are only a couple of manufacturers of rock lobster gauges, with one of the most popular also incorporating a 54mm escape gap gauge. We have been informed that it would be impossible to accommodate a change in escape gaps on stocked or already sold pots in time for the start of the recreational season.
Recfishwest is pleased to hear your commitment to the Integrated Fisheries Management process and decision not to adjust the start date for the recreational rock lobster season. This period is critical for the recreational fishery to have first access to the 'whites'.
Recfishwest believes that serious consideration should be given to prohibiting commercial rock lobster fishing within 3 km of the coast during the period 15 November to 1 February in at least a significant part of C Zone. This would reduce resource sharing conflicts and reduce the commercial exploitation of 'whites' lobsters in C Zone. As part of the integrated process the recreational sector could look to implement these changes for the 2010/11 season.
Please feel free to contact our office directly on 9246 3366 if you have any queries on this matter.
Yours sincerely
Craig Leatt-Hayter
Chairman
30 September 2009
CC Doug Bathgate, Chair, Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee
Ron Edwards, Chair, Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee
All this is published on the RFW website at http://www.recfishwest.org.au/RockLobsterConsultation2009.htm
TerryF
=====
Beavering away in the background.......
You need Recfishwest to look after your recreational fishing future.
Who else has time, knowledge, professional approach, realistic alternatives, willingness and contacts?
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
"Given the small catch of
"Given the small catch of the recreational fishery the benefits from implementing these proposed management changes would be minimal. Bringing in these changes for the recreational fishery would incur significant administrative, education and compliance costs for a marginal stock benefit. Recfishwest is of the view the costs of these initiatives would be better focussed towards the west coast demersal scalefish fishery where a significant sustainability concern exists within the recreational fishery."
Thumbs up. We also had a reduction in the allowable boat limit as well as the 25% reduction, didnt we?
Recfishwest believes that serious consideration should be given to prohibiting commercial rock lobster fishing within 3 km of the coast during the period 15 November to 1 February in at least a significant part of C Zone. This would reduce resource sharing conflicts and reduce the commercial exploitation of 'whites' lobsters in C Zone. As part of the integrated process the recreational sector could look to implement these changes for the 2010/11 season.
This is an interesting one. I suspect that commercial fishermen wouldnt be all that happy with it, and might argue that they allready have reductions, so why cant they fish wherever they want. Can you elaborate any more on this Terry?
Do commercial fishermen get a lot of crays within the 3km range? I looked it up, and C-zone does cover a bit of area including most of the 'cray towns' north of Perth, so I suspect theres a fair few cray fishermen that might be annoyed by that.
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Its been long floated to
Its been long floated to give the pros sthe deepwater fishery and leave the shallows for the reces. I doubt we will ever get that one over them though =)
D_DOUSH
Posts: 497
Date Joined: 23/12/07
Last year we fished inside
Last year we fished inside the 3km zone from the start of the pro season till about the 15 dec, then from about feb all the way through till the end. They have bucklies chance of getting that one through, otherwise we might not bother even starting till mid dec. I would say aprox 30-40% of our crays came from inside that zone. However we do fish alot closer than most boats.
Salmo
Posts: 913
Date Joined: 15/08/05
Chasing the whites
Hey D...how does the beach price of whites compare with reds....do the whites handle ok??? no lost legs etc.....
There were rumours a month or so back was that there was still frozen crayfish in storage, price was low too....all to do with the economic downturn
as I said 'rumour'.... but a concern if true.
Like other recs who watch (the moon) for the whites walk out to deeper water (which once they do-most if not all rec's cant access)....it quiet frustrating watching the pros stinging a continuous line of pots around the reef just west off Burns Rock the day before.....
I gather if you guys spend a lot of time inside you must catch a few eh....
Probably why the rec's have to settle with small bags most of the time
Not having a go bro....repect your views.....just telling it how I see it
D_DOUSH
Posts: 497
Date Joined: 23/12/07
Nah mate i see where ya
Nah mate i see where ya coming from use to be a rec myself.
Regarding the beach prices from last year ill give ya a quick run down,
Price started at $40/kg on opening day (the 27th for us if i remember when the recs were in on the 15th). Stayed there for a few days and then went to about $30ish after a week and then to mid $20's when the whites were in full swing inside. During deep water start of jan price dropped to $18/kg and thats when we were having our big days, any where from 600kg to 1.4tonne on a couple of days. moved back inside at the start of feb and price when mid $20's and pretty much stayed that way for the rest of the season.
Regarding how the whites handle, when we are in deep water catching big numbers the crays are majority sized, one day when we caught 1.4tonne i think i gauged one undersize and probally threw back 300kg of setose. So they do handle alright but they sit on deck in crates for most of the day as there is no way our boat can store 1 tonne of crays in cray tanks so they are not suitable for live export. thats y the price drops dramatically, over surply of inferior crays. Hope that helps
Darren