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Lobster industry at ‘rock bottom’

Posted on February 7, 2010, 8:08am and updated on February 9, 2010 at 8:12 am

The South East’s multi-million-dollar rock lobster industry is experiencing its worst catch rates in more than 30 years and fishing stalwarts fear the fishery could reach “rock bottom”.

Catch rates have continued to plummet this season by 15pc and fishers fear the industry will not reach its quota of 1400 tonnes this season, despite being scaled back because of the alarming downward trend.

It is understood the falling catch rates have seen millions of dollars eroded from coastal communities, including Mount Gambier.

Port MacDonnell Professional Fisherman’s Association president John Ashby claimed the season had yet to turn around and the emerging signs were worrying for the sector.

“If this trend continues, fishermen are on track to catch only 1200 tonne. You would have to go back to the 1970s to find those sorts of low catch rates,” Mr Ashby said.

He said the most worrying factor for the industry was that fishers were now catching more smaller-sized lobster and were reliant on stock coming through, rather than mature lobster.

“This won’t leave much in reserves,” Mr Ashby said.

While conceding some fishermen were witnessing a significant number of small rock lobsters, he warned that the 2003-04 season recorded the highest moulting on record and these would soon be depleted because of the lack of larger lobster.

“I do fear the industry is in trouble and I am extremely worried about the industry. The industry seems to be in self denial,” Mr Ashby said.

The fishing leader warned the industry could have to make some tough decisions for next season if the trend did not swing around.

“If the industry doesn’t make a decision, the government will make it for them,” Mr Ashby said.

He said coastal communities would start to feel the economic impact on the slowdown, as well as exporters that relied on stock coming through their factories.

The Port MacDonnell industry stalwart also claimed the value of fishermen’s investments, such as pots, were also dropping.

“Pots are now selling for under $30,000; before they were selling for $50,000,” he said.

Mr Ashby said the Port MacDonnell association called for the months of October and May to be shut to protect the breeding season.

“We didn’t get any support for that,” he said.

Meanwhile, South East Professional Fisherman’s Association president Joel Redman confirmed catch rates had fallen below last year’s level.

“Industry is committed to addressing the catch rates that have been dropping for the third year running,” Mr Redman said.

While the catch rates were too low, he said there were a high number of pre-recruits that was a promising sign for the industry.

“But that doesn’t fix the immediate problem,” Mr Redman said.

To add to the concern, he said prices had dropped by 25pc compared with last season.

He said industry representatives had meet with SARDI scientists over the performance of the fishery.

“No decision will be made until the end of the season,” Mr Redman said.

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