Seasonal restrictions to fish rock lobster in Western Australia will be lifted next month meaning lobsters could be legally caught all year.
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This will bring recreational fishery in line with commercial operations.
The change opens the door to winter rock lobster fishing at key holiday destinations, such as Rottnest Island, the Abrolhos Islands and the Cape to Cape region.
As part of the recreational sector’s responsibility to reduce the risk of pot rope entanglements with migrating humpback whales, recreational lobster fishers will be asked to adopt a new approach to their fishing state-wide.
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Rec fishers on both the south and west coasts will now have the same night fishing curfew, be restricted to two floats and required to ensure the top half of their pot ropes are held vertically in the water column, when using more than 20 metres of rope.
The announcement builds on other recent changes to make rock lobster fishing more accessible, such as simplifying the rules throughout the season and across WA.
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly said the decision anticipated winter tourism, “to the benefit of businesses in our coastal communities”.
“The season extension is testament to WA’s successful integrated fisheries management strategies, which ensure we have fish for the future and that our marine environment is ecologically sustainable,” he said.
“The WA Government has worked closely with Recfishwest on this season extension to create safe, winter fishing opportunities, while taking steps to mitigate risks of entanglements with migrating whales.
“The public is reminded that fishing in winter weather can be dangerous, and to take extra precautions and prepare well to ensure a safe fishing experience.”
For more information visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website: www.fish.wa.gov.au.
