Professional lobster fishers along the South East coast are reported to be pleased with the opening beach (wholesale) price of up to $70 per kilogram.
The market is paying a premium for the larger lobsters with returns as little as $40 per kilogram for the smaller catches.
These prices are comparable to a year ago and continue to reflect the absence of the once-lucrative Chinese export market.
The domestic market in Adelaide is currently charging retail customers $90 per kilogram for cooked fresh lobsters while the delicacy is back on the menus of Limestone Coast eateries.
The majority of the 160-strong Southern Zone fleet took to the water on Thursday when the 2022/23 season began.
The SE Voice understands that all 18 boats went fishing from Beachport.
A traditional Blessing of The Fleet ceremony was held at Robe last week.
The fishery remains attractive with lobster pot entitlements rumoured to be selling for more than $80,000 per pot.
