Lobster industry at ‘rock bottom’
February 7, 2010
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. Read more
Southend fishermen want breakwater
July 22, 2009
The Southend Fishermen’s Association is calling for steps to be taken to protect the fishing fleet anchored at the harbour.
In a letter to Wattle Range Council, the association’s secretary-treasurer Craig Clark said the mooring of boats in bad weather creates “a very real risk of injury or potential loss of life to crew members”. Read more
Anger rises over marine park boundaries
June 30, 2009
South East stakeholders will make a last ditch attempt this week to convince the State Government to scale back its sweeping marine park boundaries, in a move to lessen the impact on the multi-million-dollar commercial and recreational fishing sectors.
Local government, recreational and commercial fishers met at short notice yesterday to urgently re-examine a proposal sent to the State Government which recommended the area declared should be trimmed to 20pc of the current proposal. Read more
Rock lobster catch rates collapse
June 18, 2009
Figures released for the 2008-09 season show a dramatic drop in rock lobster catch rates compared with previous years, with fishers leaving behind six times the amount of lobsters compared with the previous season.
The season, which closed just two weeks ago, netted 360 tonnes below the 1770 total allowable catch (TAC) and has been described as the worst in the modern era of fishing. Read more
Lobster catch the worst in memory
November 11, 2008
Port MacDonnell veteran fishing leaders have described the opening of the region’s multi-million-dollar lobster industry as the worst in living memory, following catches plummeting to record low levels.
While catches have fallen by more than 40pc, the prices paid to professional fishermen this week have soared to more than $101 per kilogram at some ports. Read more
Angling club season under way
October 23, 2008
The Port MacDonnell Offshore Angling Club held its first competition for the 2008-09 fishing season recently.
With a forecast of 25 knot northerly winds and the weigh-in at noon, most fishers opted to keep in close and target snapper and gummy shark. Read more
Lobster catch rates concern fishermen
October 15, 2008
A Port MacDonnell fishing leader has warned of possible turbulent times ahead for the region’s $191m rock lobster fishery, following catch rates for the opening month slumping to the lowest ebb in living memory.
It is understood catch rates for October have plummeted by 40pc across the South East coastline, as commercial fishers struggle to fill their pots with the lucrative export. Read more
Fishermen hope for good lobster season
September 30, 2008
Port MacDonnell is a hive of activity as the largest rock lobster port in southern Australia gears up for the opening of the 2008-09 season on Wednesday.
While hopes are high of a buoyant season ahead, fishermen — who were busy fine tuning their vessels and stocking their boats with pots — conceded they were nervous about the season ahead which starts on Wednesday morning at 6am. Read more
More quota cuts may be needed
September 6, 2008
A Port MacDonnell fishing industry veteran has warned of further cuts to the region’s multi-million-dollar rock lobster fishery if catch rates and juvenile numbers continue to dive.
Port MacDonnell Professional Fisherman’s Association president John Ashby yesterday welcomed a decision by the State Government to drop the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) by 130 tonnes. Read more
Rock lobster quota reduced
September 3, 2008
The region’s multi-million-dollar rock lobster industry will have its annual catch cut for the first time since the quota system was introduced, following a downward spiral in catch rates and juvenile numbers.
Agriculture Minister Rory McEwen announced the 130 tonne cut for the new season which begins on October 1. Read more
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