More than 100,000 rock lobsters are expected to be moved from Tasmania’s southwest to the east coast with a $300,000 extension to the successful East Coast Rock Lobster Translocation program.
This is part of the Hodgman Majority Liberal Government’s $26.15 million plan to support Tasmania’s world class wild catch and farmed seafood sector.
The Translocation Program supports the East Coast Rock Lobster Stock Rebuilding Strategy to increase stock levels on the east coast.
We are committed to rebuilding a sustainable rock lobster fishery for the benefit of both the commercial and recreational rock lobster sectors.
The increased number of rock lobster stocks is also a key part of the strategy helping to manage the long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus).
I would like to acknowledge both the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association (TRLFA), and the Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish) for their support, as it is essential to the future sustainability of the fishery.
A coordination committee oversees the translocation operation, consisting of representatives from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE), the TRLFA, TARFish, and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
Today also marks the opening of the east coast stock rebuilding zone (ECSRZ) for the recreational fishing sector, with the commercial sector scheduled to open on 11 December.
The benefits of a sustainable fishery are shared by all who have access to the Tasmanian rock lobster fishery.
