Lobster prices crashed last week to a 20-year low of only $30 per kilogram.

The collapse in the beach (wholesale) price prompted a number of the Southern Zone’s 180 licence holders to pull their pots from the seas and await better returns.

The price has recovered in recent days with lobsters currently fetching between $35-$45.

It is almost a year since an embargo ended the industry’s lucrative trade with China.

Fishers have taken to social and mainstream media to air their frustrations as a $30 figure is regarded by them as unsustainable.

One has told The SE Voice that a halt to fishing will save on bait, fuel and labour costs but there were still such fixed expenses as boat maintenance, licence fees, insurance and mooring fees.

Retail outlets in Adelaide and this region are currently charging customers $65 per kilogram.

The current market is understood to have been discussed when the South East Professional Fishermen’s Association met at a hotel in Millicent on Monday night.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin has moved to reassure the industry that he is working with fishers to address the situation.

“I want to assure the readers of The SE Voice that I am acutely aware of the issues facing the local rock lobster fishery,” he said.

“I am continuing to work with South Eastern Professional Fishermen’s Association regarding the impact the current situation is having on our local community.”