Frequently Asked Questions

THE WEBSITE OF THE WESTERN ROCK LOBSTER COUNCIL

Is the Western Rock Lobster Fishery Sustainable?

Yes.  The Fishery was the first in the world to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as being an environmentally sustainable fishery.  The fishery is carefully monitored to ensure there is adequate breeding stock to maintain the fishery at a level that allows lobster to be harvested without causing a decline in the number of animals left to produce the next generation.

What is the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Accreditation?

The Marine Stewardship Council is an independent, global, non-profit organisation whose role is to recognise, via a certification programme, well managed fisheries and to harness consumer preference for seafood products bearing the MSC label of approval. There are 11 fisheries worldwide currently MSC certified with about an additional 30 currently undergoing MSC assessment for certification. The WA Rock Lobster fishery was MSC certified in March 2000 and was the first in the world to receive MSC recognition.

More information on the MSC is available from their web site (www.msc.org).

How big is the Western Rock Lobster Fishery?

The fishery extends from Shark Bay in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south.  The fishery is divided into three zones (A Zone- around the Abrolhos Islands, B Zone- from the Northern Boundary to the 30th parallel, and C Zone- from the 30th parallel to the Southern Boundary).  The area extends for approximately 60km offshore. 

What is the value of the industry?

The Western Rock Lobster fishery is worth between $200-600million a year.  This is the most valuable single species fishery in Australia, with an average catch of 11,000 tonnes a year. 

When is the fishing season?

The Western Rock Lobster season opens on the 15th of November each year and is fished until 30th of June the following year.  The Abrolhos Islands are open for fishing from the 15th of March to the 30th of June each year.  Fishermen with A zone licences are required to fish outside the Abrolhos Island waters until the start of the "Islands Season" in March. 

How is the industry controlled?

Commercial fishing for Western Rock Lobster is limited by the number of licences and pots that are allowed to be used in fishery.  This is called "input control".  There are currently 56,780 active pots in the whole fishery, distributed over 594 boats.  There are also controls on the times fishing is allowed, the size and breeding status of lobsters allowed to be caught and the size and type of pots used.  This all forms part of the Management Package which regulates the industry. 

Why do we see less lobsters around from year to year if the industry is sustainable?

The Western Rock Lobster fishery is heavily influenced by the Leeuwin Current which assists in the return of lobster offspring to the coast.  In some years, the Leeuwin Current may be stronger or weaker resulting in more or less lobster larvae (called puerulus) being returned to the coast.

How do you know how much lobster you can catch?

The fishery has the longest running management system of all Australian Fisheries and has data dating back to the 1960's.  The Department of Fisheries collects information on the number of puerulus (lobster larvae) that are returned to the coast each season, and uses scientific equations to determine the recruitment of new lobsters into the coastal populations.  This information is then used to predict the catches approximately four years in advance. 

Are lobsters and crayfish the same thing?

The Western Rock Lobster is from the species Panulirus cygnus, which is a clawless marine crustacean, and is also known locally as "crayfish" and "spiny lobster".  The name Western Rock Lobster is used in the seafood industry for marketing purposes and to ensure the common names of Australian fish and seafood products are consistent. 

What happens to most of the lobsters that are caught commercially?

Western Rock Lobsters are caught and transported live to processing factories up and down the coast, where the majority of them are exported live to Asia, (in particular Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan).  A significant portion are also exported to the United States and Europe as Frozen Lobster Tails. 

Is there much by-catch as a result of lobster fishing?

The nature of the pots and the way they are baited, set and pulled ensures that there is very little to no by-catch.  Octopus are occasionally found in pots and are used commercially, and other small fish and sea life that may become trapped in the pots is released live.