Limestone Coast commercial rock lobster fishers will have greater flexibility to access international markets, following changes to seasonal closures in the region’s two Southern Rock Lobster fishing zones.
Premier Peter Malinauskas last week announced the changes to fishers at the 2023 Trans-Tasman Lobster Conference – held in Adelaide for the first time since 2007.
In the Northern Zone the changes will make the current temporary arrangement enabling fishing to occur all year round, permanent with the new formal arrangement to come into effect from September 1, 2024, while the Southern Zone will have an earlier commencement to the fishing season, from September 1, 2023.
The seasonal start for Southern Zone has traditionally been October 1.
This will provide fishers with additional time to catch their allocated quota and better align catch timings and supply with export market demand.
The rock lobster fishery industry contributes over 30% ($158.5m) to South Australia’s seafood gross state product and produces more than 1300 jobs through direct and flow-on business impacts – many of those in regional South Australia.
The Premier will lead a business delegation to China in September, where he will advocate for the easing of trade restrictions impacting the export of the state’s live rock lobster to China (previously this made up to 95% of the state’s rock lobster export market).
In the face of Chinese trade sanctions and the COVID pandemic, the State Government eased pressure on the industry by fulfilling its election commitment to reduce licence fees by 50% for rock lobster licence holders in 2022/23.
These new regulation amendments, requested by industry, will provide further support.
South Australian Rock Lobster fishing is divided into two zones, Southern, between the mouth of the Murray River and the Victorian border and Northern, between the mouth of the Murray River and the Western Australian border.
Advice from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) indicates the change in season length does not pose a threat to stock sustainability as both the Southern Zone and Northern Zone Rock Lobster fisheries are managed under a Total Allowable Commercial Catch, meaning no more Rock Lobster will be taken as a result of these changes, than is currently the case.
Premier Malinauskas said the state’s rock lobster industry was a significant part of SA’s global identity as a destination for premium seafood and produce.
“These sensible changes to support the industry are backed by the science and allow for greater flexibility and market access, whilst maintaining the sustainability of rock lobster,” he said.
“I look forward to advocating on behalf of our state’s producers including the rock lobster industry whilst in China.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the extended season would bring benefits to fishers.
“Living in the South East, an area synonymous with rock lobster, I understand the importance of supporting this critical industry, which provides good jobs, boosts our economy and bolsters our state’s reputation as a premium supplier of seafood and fresh produce,” she said.
“Continuing to work closely with the Southern and Northern Zone Rock Lobster sectors, we can ensure good outcomes that further build on the resilience the industry has shown over the past few years.”
