Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational...

61
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Rock Lobster Fishery Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 1 June 2003 Management Plan

Transcript of Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational...

Page 1: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

DEPARTMENT OF

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Rock LobsterFishery

Fisheries VictoriaManagement Report Series

No. 1

June 2003

Management Plan

Page 2: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Rock Lobster FisheryManagement Plan

June 2003

Page 3: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

ii

© The State of Victoria, Department of PrimaryIndustries, 2003

This publication is copyright. No part maybe reproduced by any process except inaccordance with the provisions of the CopyrightAct 1968. Reproduction and the making availableof this material for personal, in-house ornon-commercial purposes is authorised, oncondition that:• the copyright owner is acknowledged

• no official connection is claimed

• the material is made available without chargeor at cost

• the material is not subject to inaccurate,misleading or derogatory treatment.

Requests for permission to reproduce orcommunicate this material in any way notpermitted by this licence (or by the fair dealingprovisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should bedirected to the Copyright Oficer, FisheriesVictoria, P.O. Box 500, East Melbourne,Victoria, 3002

ISSN 1448-1693ISBN 1 74106 51 3

Preferred way to cite this publication:Department of Primary Industries (2003). Rocklobster fishery management plan, 2003. Compiledby the Rock Lobster and Giant Crab FisheryManagement Plan Steering Committee. FisheriesVictoria Management Report Series, No.1.

Published by the Department of PrimaryIndustries

Fisheries VictoriaPO Box 500East Melbourne Victoria 3002

Copies are also available from the website:www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistanceto you, but the State of Victoria and itsemployees do not guarantee that the publicationis without flaw of any kind or is whollyappropriate for your particular purposes andtherefore disclaims all liability for any error, lossor other consequence which may arise from yourelying on any information in this publication.

Fishing regulations are a summary of the law atthe time of publication and this brochure cannotbe used in court. Fishing laws change from timeto time. It is your responsibility to ensure thatyou are acting within the law. If you are in doubtcontact the Customer Service Centre (Telephone136 186 or www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing).

Printed on recycled paper

Page 4: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

iii

Foreword

I am pleased to be able to release thisManagement Plan for the Victorian Rock LobsterFishery. This is the first management plan for thefishery under the Fisheries Act 1995 and itformalises the co-management planning processwithin a framework of Ecologically SustainableDevelopment. This plan is part of the BracksGovernment’s vision for Victoria as a Statewhere protecting the environment and utilisingour resources sustainably is built into everythingthat we do.

Consistent with the Bracks Government’scommitment to effective communityengagement, the development of this Plan hasbeen achieved through extensive consultationwith key stakeholder groups. The planningprocess has been overseen by the Fisheries Co-Management Council, and effective stakeholderinput was achieved through a SteeringCommittee with representatives from majorgroups who were all invited to participate. Adraft Plan was released for public comment andsubmissions from the public have been takeninto consideration in the preparation of the finalPlan.

The rock lobster fishery is the second mostvaluable commercial fishery in Victoria and it isthe most significant in terms of capitalinvestment and employment. There are morefishing boats, crew and processors associatedwith the rock lobster fishery than any other Statefishery. Currently, the total annual catch islimited to 510 tonnes and landings are valued at$21 million. Post-harvest processing and liveexportation to markets in Asia greatly enhancethe value of the landings.

The fishery has a long history and makes animportant contribution to the economy andemployment of the rural coastal communities.The number of vessels operating in the fisheryhas been controlled under a system of limitedentry since 1968. However, during the lastdecade, the annual catch has increased withhigher levels of fishing effort. A number ofoutput controls were introduced in 2001, whichchanged the emphasis of fisheries managementfrom restrictions on fishing effort to a limit on

the total allowable catch. Fishery management isnow based on an integrated approach of inputand output controls including size limits, areaand seasonal closures, fishing gear specificationsand individual transferable quotas.

The social and economic values associated withdiving for rock lobsters is recognised by therecreational fishing community and contributesto the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.Although the recreational catch of rock lobstersis only estimated to be about 10-20 tonnes, manypeople spend a large amount of their leisure timesearching for rock lobsters and it is an importantaspect of recreational diving.

The purpose of this Management Plan is toensure that this fishery is managed on anecologically sustainable basis in the future. It setsout the strategies and actions for managing thefishery over the next 5 years with emphasis onmanaging the commercial and recreational catchat levels that will allow stocks to re-build,prevent overfishing, and reduce the risks oflower stock abundance in the future. It shouldnot, however, be regarded as inflexible as thePlan specifies an open process for annuallyreviewing the total annual catch limit so thatmanagement arrangements can evolve inresponse to new information, technologies and/or changing community attitudes.

To ensure that the views of the community aretaken into account in the co-managementprocess, the Bracks Government will continue toinvite the major stakeholders and the public toparticipate in the implementation andrefinement of this plan in the future. I take thisopportunity to congratulate all those involved inthe development of the Rock Lobster FisheryManagement Plan.

Bob Cameron MPMinister for Agriculture

Page 5: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

iv

Page 6: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

v

Contents

Executive Summary 1

Introduction 2

Biology of the Southern Rock Lobster 3

Commercial Fishery 3

Recreational Fishery 4

Aquaculture Industry 4

Status of the Stocks 4

Current Management Arrangements 5

Definition of a Rock Lobster 5

Size Limit 5

Closed Seasons 5

Jurisdiction 5

Management Zones 5

Commercial Fishery Management 5

Fishery access licence 5

Apollo Bay Paddock 6

Eastern Zone corridor 6

Commercial fishing gear 6

Individual transferable quota 6

Quota management system 6

Coff registers 6

Processing and marketing 6

Compliance and law enforcement 6

Recreational Fishery Management 7

Recreational fishing licence 7

Recreational fishing gear 7

Catch and possession limits 7

Co-management Arrangements 7

Environmental Issues 7

Rock lobster habitats 7

Page 7: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

vi

Marine protected areas in Victoria 7

Marine plan for South Eastern Australia 8

Objectives of the Management Plan 9

Ecologically Sustainable Development 9

Economic Efficiency 9

Separate Management in Each Zone 9

TAC Forum and Co-management 9

Assessing the Status of the Resource 9

Improved Management of Recreational Fisheries 9

Cultural Use by Indigenous Australians 9

Aquaculture 9

Fees and Levies 10

Compliance and Communication 10

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan 11

Duration of the Plan 11

Goals, Objectives and Strategies 11

Goal 1. Sustainability of the rock lobster resource 11

Goal 2. Resource access and utilisation 12

Goal 3. Effective fishery management 13

Sustainability of the Rock Lobster Resource 15

Indicators of Stock Status 15

Spawning and available biomass indicators 15

Observed indicators 15

Reference Points and Performance Measures 15

Triggers and Management Actions 19

Stock assessment and model projections 19

Co-management Process for Reviewing Management Arrangements 19

Process for setting the total allowable catch, size limits and closed season 20

Commercial Fishery Management 21

Fishing Rights, Access, Quota Ownership and Entitlements 21

Licensing Arrangements 21

Quota Holdings 22

Pot Entitlements 22

Minimum and maximum pot entitlements on a licence 22

Page 8: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

vii

National Competition Policy 22

Pot limits for the fishery 22

Changes to restrictions on quota holdings and pots 23

Relationship between quota holdings and pot entitlements 23

Allocation of additional quota above threshold levels 23

Apollo Bay Paddock 23

Eastern Zone Corridor 24

Far Eastern Zone Fishery 24

Commercial Fishery Compliance and Communication 24

Compliance Strategy 24

Communication Strategy 24

Code of Practice for Commercial Fishing 24

Arrangements for interstate landings 24

Fees and Levies 25

Recreational Fishery Management 25

Management of the Recreational Catch 25

Use of hookah and other recreational fishing methods 25

Legal minimum length, bag limits and marking 25

Code of Practice for Recreational Fishing 25

Recreational Fishery Compliance and Communication 25

Traditional Access and Use by the Indigenous Community 26

Development of Aquaculture 27

Opportunities for Rock Lobster Aquaculture 27

Rock Lobster Aquaculture Strategy 27

Ecosystem Interactions 28

Ecological Impact of Rock Lobster Fishing 28

Discarding of undersized, damaged, soft shell and berried rock lobsters 28

By-catch species 28

Species landed as by-product or used as bait 28

Biodiversity conservation 28

Protection of wildlife 29

Identification of Critical Habitats for Rock Lobsters 29

Reduction of Human Impacts on Rock Lobster Habitats 29

Other ecological issues 29

Responsibility for environmental assessment and management 30

Page 9: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

viii

Research and Development 31

Research Planning and Priorities 31

Research Funding 32

Management Plan Implementation 33

Costs of Implementation 33

Review of the Management Plan 33

Appendix 1: Ministerial Guidelines 42

Appendix 2: Fishery Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats 43

Appendix 3: Acronyms 44

Appendix 4: Definition of Terms 45

Appendix 5: Review of Interstate and International Aquaculture Policies 47

Appendix 6: Research Priorities for the Victorian Rock Lobster Resource 48

Appendix 7: References 50

Appendix 8: Submissions received during the period of public consultation 51

Appendix 9: Steering Committee Members and Affiliations 52

Page 10: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Executive Summary

Rock lobster is the second most valuablecommercial fishery in Victoria and is importantto the economies of coastal communities. TheRock Lobster Fishery Management Plan (RLFMP)specifies the policies and strategies for managingthe rock lobster fishery in Victoria for the nextfive years.

The RLFMP has been prepared under therequirements of the Fisheries Act 1995 and theMinisterial Guidelines published in theGovernment Gazette. The status of the stock andthe existing management arrangements of boththe commercial and recreational fisheries havebeen reviewed in consultation with majorstakeholders. The RLFMP has been developedwith consideration of Victorian andCommonwealth Government policies onecologically sustainable management of fisheries,by-catch, native title, and national competition.

The RLFMP establishes arrangements to managethe commercial and recreational catch at levelsthat prevents overfishing, allows stocks torebuild, and reduces the risk of lower stockabundance in the future. Specifically the RLFMPintroduces:• 20% of the unfished biomass as the biological

“bottom line” based on internationalstandards to prevent over-fishing of rocklobster stocks.

• 40% of the unfished biomass as the targetlevel for re-building the stocks.

• An open process in which the total allowablecatch (TAC) is reviewed annually.

• A total allowable catch for the recreationalsector (TARC).

The RLFMP formalises fishery managementwithin a framework of ecologically sustainabledevelopment and co-management with allrelevant stakeholders. Key aspects are:• Retention of the existing fisheries

management zones.

• Retention of the cap on the total number ofpots to meet sustainability and ecologicalconcerns.

• Retention of independently tradeable quotaunits and pots within each zone that aresubject to market forces within the industry.

• Removal of restrictions that apply to theApollo Bay Paddock 50-pot zone byNovember 2007.

• An annual meeting between licence holders,managers and fisheries officers to improvemanagement arrangements.

• Development of communication andcompliance strategies.

• Establishment of mechanisms to providebetter estimates of the recreational catch.

• Provision of opportunities for indigenouscommunities to access the resource fortraditional purposes.

• Monitoring of global rock lobster aquaculturedevelopments to assess opportunities forVictoria.

• Establishment of research priorities tounderpin efficient and effective managementof the resource.

There is a schedule and budget forimplementation of this RLFMP. Annual progressreports and review points will allow fisherymanagement strategies to be adapted to futurecircumstances and ensure that sustainability andinter-generational equity of this marine resourceis achieved.

1

Page 11: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Introduction

The purpose of the Rock Lobster FisheryManagement Plan (RLFMP) is to specify thepolicies and strategies for managing the rocklobster fishery in consultation with industry,recreational, indigenous and environmentalorganisations. The RLFMP formalises fisherymanagement for the next 5 years within aframework of ecologically sustainabledevelopment (ESD).

The recognised peak bodies nominated in theFisheries Act 1995 were invited to join the steeringcommittee and to make submissions. All werekept fully informed of the planning process andwritten submissions were taken intoconsideration after a period of public consultation.

The main aims of the RLFMP are to manage thecommercial and recreational catch at levels thatwill allow the stock to re-build, prevent

overfishing and reduce the risk of lowerabundance in the future. This will provide amore secure basis for this highly valued seafoodindustry that contributes to the Victorian economyand employment in coastal communities.

The RLFMP has three goals:• Sustainability of the rock lobster resource.

• Resource access and utilisation.

• Effective fishery management.

The guidelines for the development of theRLFMP were published in the GovernmentGazette and are shown in Appendix 1. Ananalysis of the fishery’s strengths, weaknesses,opportunities and threats (SWOT) used in thedevelopment of the RLFMP is provided inAppendix 2.

Figure 1: Rock Lobster Management Zones and the locations of the main ports of landing

2

Page 12: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

the west (90mm CL), but at the same age. Thegrowth rate of both sexes increases along thecoast from west to east.

Adult rock lobsters are carnivorous and feedmostly at night on a variety of bottom dwellinginvertebrates such as molluscs, crustaceans andechinoderms. Major predators include octopusand various large fish and sharks.

Commercial FisheryThe rock lobster fishery is Victoria’s second mostvaluable commercial fishery. Before theintroduction of quota, the commercial sectorcaught 584 tonnes in 2000/01, valued at $21.3million. During the last decade, catches haveincreased from 386 to 584 tonnes with increasedfishing effort. Over the same period, thecommercial value of the fishery has more thandoubled. Post-harvest processing, marketing andlive exportation have considerably enhanced thevalue of the fishery. More than half the catch isexported alive to international markets, mostly inAsia. The remainder is sold on interstate anddomestic markets.

Rock lobsters have been harvested undermanagement for more than 100 years. Thenumber of vessels operating in the fishery wascapped under a system of limited entry in 1968.During 2001, management of the commercialfishery moved to output controls, changing theemphasis from restricting fishing effort tolimiting the catch. The commercial fishery isnow primarily managed through a limitednumber of commercial access licences allocatedbetween two separate zones, a total allowablecommercial catch (TACC) divided intoindividual transferable quota units (ITQs) and aquota management system (QMS).

Other management measures include legalminimum lengths (LML), closed seasons,restricted pot numbers and fishing gearregulations that define the size of rock lobsterpots and escape gaps. Following the introductionof quota management, the annual TAC in 2001/02 was limited to 510 tonnes (see Table 1). Thecommercial fleet in 2001/02 consisted of 139 rocklobster access licence holders operating mainlyfrom twelve coastal ports. The most importantports are shown in Figure 1.

Lobster fishers also catch other species such asoctopus, leather jackets and wrasse. In 2001/2002,51 tonnes of these species were recorded onfishing returns as by-product.

To assist the reader, a list of acronyms andabbreviations that are used throughout the text isprovided in Appendix 3 and terms are defined inAppendix 4. A review of the internationalscientific literature on rock lobster aquaculture issummarised in Appendix 5. Research prioritiesand references are listed in Appendix 6 and 7.Submissions received during the publicconsultation period are acknowledged inAppendix 8 and the membership of the steeringcommittee is given in Appendix 9.

Biology of the Southern RockLobsterSouthern rock lobsters (Jasus edwardsii) are foundon coastal reefs to depths of 200m and aredistributed from the south-west coast of WesternAustralia to the south coast of New South Wales,including Tasmania. They are also found in thecoastal waters of New Zealand.

In Victoria, the abundance of rock lobstersdecreases from west to east reflecting adecreasing area of rocky reef habitat. Thedistribution of southern rock lobsters are similarto giant crabs (Pseudocarcinus gigas), which arealso taken by the fishery. Rock lobsters areabundant from the shoreline to depths up to200m, whereas giant crabs are most abundant onsoft sediments in deeper water between 150 and350m.

The life cycle of the rock lobster is extremelycomplex. Fertilised eggs are carried under thetail of the female for approximately three monthsbefore being released, typically betweenSeptember and November. Once released, rocklobster larvae (called phyllosoma) undergo 11developmental stages over a period of 1-2 yearswhile being carried on ocean currents. The finalstage of the lobsters’ larval development is a tiny25mm long puerulus. At this point, the puerulussettle on reefs generally at depths of less than40m where they grow into juvenile lobsters.

Rock lobsters grow by moulting their carapace.The frequency of the moulting cycle declineswith age from five moults a year for juveniles toonce a year for large adults. Males grow fasterand larger than females reaching 160 mm incarapace length (CL) after 10 years. Femalesgenerally reach 120mm CL in the same period.Female rock lobsters generally mature at a largersize in the east (112mm CL) compared to those in

3

Page 13: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

4

Table 1: Quota units, TAC and number of accesslicence holders and pots for each zone in 2001/02

Zone No of Quota TAC No ofRLFAL Units (tonnes) Pots

West 85 4000 450 5162

East 54 1000 60 2081

Total 139 5000 510 7243

Recreational FisheryThe actual recreational catch of rock lobsters isunknown but is estimated to be about 10 to 20tonnes a year. The catch is mostly taken inshallow water of less than 20m in depth and isbased on the capture of rock lobsters by handwhile diving and to a lesser extent by the use ofhoop nets. Divers operate from shore or boat,mostly using SCUBA, but hookah andsnorkelling equipment is also used. Hookahdiving is common in the Eastern Zone betweenPort Phillip Bay and the NSW border. Hoopnetting is more common off western Victoria.Management arrangements for the recreationalfishery include recreational fishing licences(RFL), fishing gear restrictions, a daily bag limitof two rock lobsters per day, a total possessionlimit of four rock lobsters per person and thesame closed seasons and LMLs as thecommercial fishery.

Aquaculture IndustryIn 1998, the Fisheries Research and DevelopmentCorporation (FRDC) established the RockLobster Enhancement and Aquaculture Sub-Program (RLEAS) to coordinate rock lobsteraquaculture research in Australia. There iscurrently no commercial rock lobsteraquaculture in Victoria.

Infrastructure supporting mussel and abaloneproduction has developed in several locationswith a cultivation area of 260 hectares in 2000/01.There were 39 licence holders and 136 employeesinvolved in both hatchery and grow-out ofmussel and abalone in 2000/01. Those engaged inaquaculture require a specific licence.

Status of the StocksRock lobsters in the Eastern Zone are moreheavily exploited than in the Western Zone.Catch rates declined continuously from the 1950suntil the early 1990s in the Western Zone anduntil the mid-1990s in the Eastern Zone.Subsequent catch rates have been relativelystable in the Western Zone and have increasedsteadily in the Eastern Zone.

Stock assessments 1 are based on a sophisticatedlength-structured model 2 that is fitted to data oncatches in weight and number, catch rates andthe sizes of lobsters in the catch. It includesbiological information such as growth,reproductive characteristics and mortalities. Themodel enables projections of future stockbiomass and allows the impacts of future catcheson the resource to be assessed. There isconfidence in these projections because themodel describes the fishery well. The modellingshows that the biomass above the LML (theavailable biomass) in 2002 is 25% and 15% of1951 levels in the Western and Eastern Zones,respectively.

The assessment conducted in 2002 incorporatesthe impacts of marine protected areas (MPAs) inVictoria. The stock, referred to as the availablebiomass, will re-build at the current TACs.Spawning biomass in the Western Zone isestimated at over 50% of the level in 1951, but itis much lower in the Eastern Zone at 17%.However, the spawning biomass in the EasternZone will increase at the current TAC.

1 Hobday, D.K. and Smith, D. (2003)2 Hobday, D.K. and Punt, A.E. (2001).

Page 14: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Definition of a Rock LobsterIn the Fisheries Act 1995, rock lobster is defined asan animal of the genus Jasus. The majority ofrock lobster caught in Victoria is the southernrock lobster, Jasus edwardsii. However, smallnumbers of eastern rock lobster, Jasus verreauxiare caught in eastern Victoria, particularly to theeast of Cape Conran. The same managementarrangements apply to both species in Victoria.

Size LimitThe size limit of rock lobsters is defined by thecarapace length (CL) and measured from thefront edge of the groove between the largeantennae to the nearest part of the rear edge ofthe carapace. The LML is 110mm CL for malesand 105mm CL for females.

Closed SeasonsThe closed season is a period during which it isprohibited to take or attempt to take or topossess rock lobster in, on or adjacent to Victorianwaters. There are several reasons for the closedseason, but primarily it is to protect femalesduring their spawning season. The closed seasonfor females is between 1 June to 15 November.

The closed season for male rock lobsters isbetween 1 September to 15 November. Thisprovides protection during the male moultingperiod when growth occurs and when manyhave soft shells.

The take or possession of soft-shelled rocklobster or female rock lobster in berry (with eggs)and the removal of the eggs, spawn, setae orfibres from females is prohibited in Victoria.

JurisdictionThe Victorian Government has jurisdictionover the commercial rock lobster fishery inCommonwealth waters adjacent to Victoriaunder an Offshore Constitutional SettlementArrangement (OCS) with the CommonwealthGovernment. Other States have similar OCSarrangements.

Rock lobster stocks are managed separately byeach state but co-operative managementarrangements have been established to ensurethat the stocks in each jurisdiction are fished ona sustainable basis.

There are regular meetings for industry, researchand management from Victoria, Tasmania andSouth Australia including the southern Australiafisheries managers workshops and the marineand coastal committee meetings of theMinisterial Council on natural resourcemanagement.

Fisheries management agencies in the otherstates were invited to comment on the draft rocklobster fishery management plan. FisheriesVictoria is committed to this collaborativeapproach to co-operative research andmanagement of shared stocks.

Management ZonesThe commercial fishery is divided into Westernand Eastern Zones by longitude 143o40’E justeast of Cape Otway (Figure 1). The Western Zone(WZ) extends west to the South Australianborder at longitude 140o57.9’E and southwards tolatitude 40oS. The Eastern Zone (EZ) extends eastto the NSW border at latitude 39 o 12’S.

Rock lobster fishing is excluded from MPAs andfrom around oilrigs and declared protectedshipwrecks. Rock lobster fishing in specifiedbays and inlets is only permitted to holders ofboth a Rock Lobster Fishery Access Licence(RLFAL) and Port Phillip and Western Port BayAccess Licence.

Commercial Fishery Management

Fishery access licenceThere is a limited number of RLFALs in eachzone (Table 1). In 2002, there were 139 licences, ofwhich 85 were Western Zone licences and 54were Eastern Zone licences. The RLFAL entitlesthe holder to use rock lobster pots to take rocklobster and fish for sale. A licence holder mayemploy an operator to work the licence.

Current Management Arrangements

5

Page 15: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Apollo Bay PaddockThe “Apollo Bay Paddock” is also known as the“50 pot zone” and is part of the Western Zonethat lies between longitude 143o10’E and 143o40’E(Figure 1). This 30 nautical mile wide areaextends south to latitude 40oS and is immediatelyto the west of Apollo Bay and includes giant crabfishing grounds. The number of pots that can beused in this area is limited to 50 per licence.

Eastern Zone corridorThe Eastern Zone Corridor is part of the EasternZone between longitude 143o40’E and 144oE tothe east of Apollo Bay and west of Lorne. This20 nautical mile wide area extends south tolatitude 39o12’S. Conditions on 10 Western Zonelicences allow operators to use up to 20 potsfrom their entitlement to catch rock lobster andfish in this area.

Commercial fishing gearRock lobsters are caught with baited pots thatare generally set and retrieved once each day.Commonly used baits include barracouta,Australian salmon, mackerel, carp and someimported species. Each pot is set individuallyand has a surface buoy with the vesselidentification mark. Circulating tanks, seawatersprays or wells in boats are used for keeping rocklobsters alive.

The size of a rock lobster pot is restricted to lessthan 150cm in length and width and 120cm inheight. A pot can have only one entrance and onechamber. Each pot must have at least one escapegap to allow undersized lobsters to escape.

Rock lobster pots are transferable betweenlicences within each zone. In the Western Zone,there is no maximum for the number of pots on alicence however, the average number used in2002 was 65 pots per licence. In the EasternZone, there is a maximum limit of 60 pots.However, the average number used in 2002 was40 pots per licence.

Individual transferable quotaQuota management was introduced to the rocklobster fishery in November 2001. ITQ units wereallocated to licence holders on the basis of acombination of pot entitlements and catchhistory as recommended by an independentAllocation Advisory Panel. The maximumnumber of quota units that may be held by an

access licence holder is 150 units in the WesternZone and 75 units in the Eastern Zone. Pots andquota units can be traded independently. TheTACC is set annually for a quota period from 1April to 31 March the following year.

Quota management systemThe quota management system (QMS) is basedon telephone and written records. The numberof rock lobsters caught are recorded in the dailycatch record book and then reported bytelephone using the interactive voice responsesystem (IVR) within a specified minimum periodprior to entering one of the 25 specified ports ormooring areas in Victoria. Licence holders mayalso apply for authorisation to land catches atPort MacDonnell, South Australia and Eden,New South Wales.

After landing, the catch must be weighed andreported through the IVR within 20 minutes.Catch disposal records must be completedbefore any rock lobster is sold or leaves the placeof landing. Catches, boats, coffs and completeddocumentation are inspected regularly byFisheries Officers. Daily catch records aresubmitted to the Department of PrimaryIndustries (DPI) each month.

Coff registersA “coff” is a sea cage used to store rock lobstersalive. Licence holders may be authorised to usecoffs. Licence holders using coffs are required tokeep a register of the number, time, date andtransfer of rock lobsters.

Processing and marketingThere is no requirement for a processing licenceor catch records in the marketing sector inVictoria. However, the signed catch disposalrecords with confirmation numbers must remainwith the rock lobster as they are transferred fromlanding to where they are sold.

Compliance and law enforcementFisheries officers have the power to inspect rocklobster catches and fishing gear to verify thesizes exceed the LMLs, the number and weightof rock lobsters reported using the IVR, dailycatch records, coff registers, catch disposalrecords and compliance with pot constructionand escape gaps.

6

Page 16: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

7

Recreational Fishery Management

Recreational fishing licenceThe RFL covers all forms of recreational fishingin all of Victoria’s freshwater, estuarine, andmarine waters. A RFL is required to take rocklobster by any prescribed fishing method.Exceptions include people aged less than 18years and over 70 years of age, the holders of aVictorian Seniors Card and various categories ofpensioners and veterans.

The number of RFLs is unlimited and thenumber of people who fish for rock lobsterscannot be determined from the current licensingsystem, which limits the potential to conductsurveys and to estimate recreational catches.

Recreational fishing gearRock lobster may only be taken by hand or bythe use of up to two recreational hoop nets. Thenumber of hoop nets in use is currentlyunknown. Hoop nets must be tagged andlabelled above the surface of the water. It isillegal to use or possess a snare, gaff, hook orother device designed for or capable of takingrock lobster. The use of a spear or speargun totake rock lobster is prohibited.

Catch and possession limitsCatch and possession limits apply to all personsother than those engaged in commercial fishingactivities. There is a bag limit of two rocklobsters per day and a possession limit of fourrock lobsters. Divers are required to measurerock lobster prior to bringing them to the surface.All rock lobsters taken by recreational fishersmust be tail-clipped or hole punched within fiveminutes of landing on a boat or onshore.

Co-management ArrangementsThe Fisheries Act 1995 established co-managementarrangements for fisheries in Victoria. As part ofthe co-management process, the Ministerreceives advice by consulting with:• Peak bodies: Seafood Industry Victoria, the

Victorian Aquaculture Council, VRFish andthe Victorian National Parks Association.

• Fisheries Co-Management Council (FCC) andits Fishery Committees. The most relevant arethe Commercial Rock Lobster and Giant CrabFishery Committee (CRLGCFC) and theRecreational Marine Committee (RMC).

• Government agencies principally FisheriesVictoria, Department of Primary Industries(DPI).

Environmental Issues

Rock lobster habitatsThe sustainable harvest of rock lobsters isdependent on maintaining the ecologicalintegrity of the reef habitats and adjacent marinecommunities along the Victorian coast. Thegeological substrate and relief of coastal reefsvaries along the coast and with depththroughout Victorian waters. Rocky habitats withan abundance of crevices, such as limestone,sandstone or basalt reefs provide shelter forpuerulus, juveniles and adults.

The associated flora and fauna of reef habitats ishighly diverse. Shallower reefs are oftendominated by algae, such as kelp, and inhabitedby grazing animals such as abalone and seaurchins. In deeper water, reef communities aremostly dominated by sessile invertebrate speciessuch as sponges. There is little information onthe ecological relationships between rocklobsters and other species that inhabit reefecosystems in southern Australia.

Responsibility for the management of theVictorian coast lies with several Victorian andCommonwealth Departments. The mainGovernment agencies are the DPI, Department ofSustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria,Environmental Protection Authority, coastalboards and local authorities.

Environmental threats to marine habitats thatmay impact the rock lobster fishery include:• Ocean outfalls,

• Infestation by exotic species,

• Pipeline construction,

• Multi-species effects of fishing,

• Algal blooms induced by nutrient run-off,

• Petroleum production and exploration.

Marine protected areas in VictoriaA system of marine national parks andsanctuaries has been established in Victoriacovering approximately 6% of coastal waters toprotect important habitats and species. Withinthese areas, all forms of commercial andrecreational fishing are or will be prohibitedunder the National Parks (Amendment) Act 2002.

There will be two stages of implementation.Fishing will be allowed in three marine nationalparks (Discovery Bay, Twelve Apostles and CapeHowe) and one marine sanctuary (Point Cook)

Page 17: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

(Point Cook) until 1 April 2004. Consequently,there will be a progressive reduction incommercial and recreational rock lobster fishinggrounds in both zones. In the Western Zone,there are two Marine National Parks and threeMarine Sanctuaries. In the Eastern Zone, thereare seven Marine National Parks and five MarineSanctuaries. Parks Victoria is responsible formanagement of these parks and sanctuaries.

Marine plan for South Eastern AustraliaAs part of the Australian Government’s OceansPolicy, regional marine plans will be prepared atthe large ecosystem level. A component of theseplans will be MPAs. The first plan beingdeveloped is for the South-East Marine Regionthat extends from Bermagui in New South Walesto Cape Jervis in South Australia covering watersfrom 3 to 200 nautical miles. The importance ofthe fishing industry in the South East MarineRegion is widely recognised and the combinedvalue of the rock lobster fisheries from all stateswas estimated at more than $100 million in 1999.This represents a third of the total value of allState and Commonwealth fisheries in the region.

8

Page 18: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Objectives of the Management Plan

A requirement of the Fisheries Act 1995 is that amanagement plan must include the objectives ofthe plan.

Ecologically SustainableDevelopmentThe prime objective for the RLFMP is toformalise management of the rock lobster fisherywithin an ESD framework that is consistent withthe Fisheries Act 1995. To this end, the RLFMPspecifies fishery objectives, indicators, referencepoints, triggers and management actions.

The Commonwealth Guidelines for theecologically sustainable management of fisheriesand the strategic and export requirements underthe Environmental Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999 have been taken intoaccount in the preparation of the RLFMP. Asubmission addressing the CommonwealthGuidelines has been prepared as a separatespecific report to Environment Australia (EA).

Economic EfficiencyThe RLFMP builds on the existing regime of ITQmanagement for the commercial fishery, a formof management that encourages economicefficiency. The RLFMP addresses issues relatingto pot limits in the fishery under an ITQ systemand the relationship between pot entitlements ona RLFAL and the number of ITQ units held onthat licence. The RLFMP is consistent with theVictorian Government Response to the NationalCompetition Policy (NCP) Review of the FisheriesAct 1995.

Separate Management in EachZoneThe RLFMP clearly identifies the managementarrangements for each management zone. TheRLFMP reviews the management sub-zones inthe Western and Eastern Zones and considers thepossible creation of a separate ‘Far EasternZone’. Linkages with the giant crab fishery arealso clearly articulated.

TAC Forum and Co-managementThe RLFMP clarifies co-management roles forTAC-setting through the establishment of anopen TAC Forum and an annual meetingbetween RLFAL holders, managers and fisheriesofficers. Reporting arrangements of the groupsinvolved in co-management are defined.

Assessing the Status of theResourceAn important objective of the RLFMP is toprovide a formal process for assessing the statusof the resource that leads to the TAC-settingprocess. The Marine and Freshwater ResourcesInstitute (MAFRI) undertakes the assessment ofthe rock lobster fishery. The results are publishedand presented to all stakeholders at annual StockAssessment Group workshops. The RLFMPidentifies the model and risk assessments asmajor inputs to the TAC-setting process togetherwith other fishery monitoring and the views ofstakeholders. The RLFMP outlines the processfor annual review of the TAC. The RLFMP alsoidentifies future monitoring and research needs.

Improved Management ofRecreational FisheriesThe RLFMP clarifies and strengthensmanagement arrangements for the recreationalsector, including the gear used for recreationalpurposes.

Cultural Use by IndigenousAustraliansThe RLFMP reflects the Victorian Government’scurrent policy on resource access by indigenousAustralians.

AquacultureThe RLFMP reviews interstate and overseaspolicies and examines the potential foraquaculture of rock lobsters. It outlines a processto assist future development.

9

Page 19: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Fees and LeviesThe RLFMP rationalises the basis for collectingfees and levies. The RLFMP recognises that theintroduction of quotas will have implications forthe collection of fees.

Compliance and CommunicationThe RLFMP identifies the need to developcommunication and compliance strategies. Italso addresses the issue of interstate landings ofrock lobsters taken in Victorian waters.

Goal 2. Resource access and utilisation

10

Page 20: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

11

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Duration of the PlanThe RLFMP provides a basis for management ofthe fishery for a period of five years from 2003 to2008. This includes a period for review andpreparation of the next plan. Should there be aneed for the Minister to amend the plan prior toits review, notice of this intention will bepublished in the Government Gazette and therewill be formal consultation with stakeholders.

Goals, Objectives and StrategiesThe rock lobster fishery management goals,objectives and strategies are consistent with theFisheries Act 1995, the ESD framework of the

Standing Committee on Fisheries andAquaculture, the sustainability guidelines of theCommonwealth Government as well as otherVictorian and Commonwealth legislation andpolicies. The highest priority of this integratedplan is to ensure the sustainability of the rocklobster resource and the integrity of the marineecosystem that supports it.

Goal 1. Sustainability of the rocklobster resource• Re-build the stock biomass

• Maintain the ecological integrity of marineecosystems

Table 2. Summary of objectives and strategies for Goal 1

Objectives Strategies

1a) Re-build the rock lobster biomassManage the fisheries within • Maintain the spawning biomass in the Western Zone above 40%the TAC of 1951 levels

• Ensure the spawning biomass in the Eastern Zone exceeds 20% of1951 levels by 2007/08

• Annually review and set the TAC in each zone• Review the LML, bag limits, closed seasons and areas, and fishing

methods

Minimise discard mortality • Quantify discards of berried, damaged and undersized rockestimate mortality and lobsters

• Review seasonal closures and develop a code of practice fordiscarding rock lobsters

Obtain sound scientific • Conduct research and fishery monitoringknowledge of the stock status • Undertake annual stock assessments

1b) Maintain the ecological integrity of marine ecosystems• Maintain or reduce the total number of pots used by the fleet• Continue to use escape gaps in pots• Develop codes of practice for minimising interactions with

protected species of wildlife• Implement a monitoring program to record bycatch and

interactions with protected species of wildlife

• Obtain data to describe critical rock lobster habitats, monitor theecological effects of fishing and other impacts on the ecosystem

• Identify the ecological risks to rock lobster stocks and habitats

Minimise wildlife interactionsand ecological effects of rocklobster fishing

Assess ecological risks offishing and major threatsto rock lobster habitats

Page 21: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

12

Goal 2. Resource access and utilisation• Promote commercial use for economic

prosperity

• Provide recreational opportunities

Table 3. Summary of objectives and strategies for Goal 2

Objectives Strategies

2a) Promote commercial use for economic prosperityManage the commercial fishery • Set the TAC to achieve stable or increasing commercial catcheswithin the TAC • Review LMLs

• Develop and monitor indicators and reference points for socialand economic aspects of the fishery

• Enhance commercial fishing access

Obtain export accreditation • Meet Commonwealth guidelines for ecologically sustainable fishing

Maintain seafood supplies • Promote the rock lobster fishing industry as seafood suppliersand contributors to the rural economy

• Ensure food health standards are maintained and implement theVictorian seafood strategy

• Improve utilisation and marketing of by-catch and by-productspecies

Encourage competition and • Implement the Victorian Government’s response to NCP withinmarket forces the context of ESD

• Maintain licensing arrangements that allow access licences, potentitlements and quota units within each zone to beindependently tradeable

• Minimise restrictions on pot entitlements consistent with ESD• Remove the regulations relating to the Apollo Bay Paddock 50 pot

zone by November 2007• Consider tendering additional temporary quota units when the

available biomass exceeds 40% of the 1951 stock

Identify aquaculture • Monitor and review national and international research findingsopportunities • Encourage the fishing and aquaculture industry to participate in

research and development

2b) Provide recreational opportunitiesMaintain resource access for • Improve recreational access by re-building the stocksdivers and non-divers • Continue to allow active recreational fishing methods

• Encourage non-consumptive use through a code of practice andaccess for divers to no-take areas

Manage the recreational catch • Retain the daily bag limit of two rock lobsters per personwithin the TARC • Review and adjust the LMLs, bag limits, closed seasons and areas,

and fishing methods as required

Quantify the recreational catch • Develop licensing arrangements and a database that are suitable for recreational fishing surveys to provide better estimates of the catch

• Undertake regular surveys to estimate the recreational catch andeffort in both zones

• Provide opportunities for indigenouscommunities to access the resource fortraditional purposes

• Ensure equity for future generations

Page 22: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Table 3. (continued)

Objectives Strategies

2c) Provide opportunities for indigenous communities to access the resource for traditional purposes• Provide equitable representation for the indigenous community

in co-management• Issue General Fisheries Permits for cultural and ceremonial

purposes• Provide fisheries management advice in relation to mediation of

native title claims

2d) Ensure equity for future generationsTo re-build the stocks to 40% • Manage the fisheries within the TAC to prevent overfishingof the 1951 biomass • Monitor rock lobster stocks on the fishing grounds and in MPAs

to assess their contribution in re-building the resource

To conserve marine ecosystems • Use environmentally benign fishing methods and maintaineffective working relationships with other Government agencies

• Establish effective compliance strategies to prevent fishing inMPAs

Goal 3. Effective fishery management• Monitor fisheries performance and

implement management arrangements

• Promote stakeholder participation in decisionmaking

• Ensure compliance with legislation

• Provide a public information service

Table 4. Summary of objectives and strategies for Goal 3

Objectives Strategies

3a) Monitor fisheries performance and implement management arrangementsContinue high quality • Review priorities and provide funding for research and fisherymonitoring, research and monitoringassessment • Improve data collection methods for by-catch, by-product and

interactions with marine wildlife, such as entanglements ofcetaceans

• Encourage industry to provide accurate records and assist inresearch programs

• Develop licensing arrangements and a database that are suitablefor recreational fishing surveys to provide better estimates of thecatch

• Estimate the illegal catch• Participate in research on by-catch species, exotic species,

endangered species of marine wildlife

Develop timely and cost • Amend legislation according to the RLFMP and prepareeffective management regulation impact statements arrangements • Establish compliance arrangements for inter state landings

• Review management based on the stock assessment, TAC Forumand trigger points, and decision rules assessment

• Prepare quota orders, renew licences with quota notices• Continue to improve methods of reporting to the QMS• Complete the consultation and planning review process during

the last year of the RLFMP

13

Page 23: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

14

Table 4. (continued)

Objectives Strategies

3b) Promote stakeholder participation in decision makingProvide opportunities for • Ensure the co-management process is effective and transparentstakeholder participation • Involve stakeholders in stock assessment workshops and

research• Establish the TAC Forum with equitable representation of

stakeholders• Establish an annual management meeting for industry, managers

and fisheries officers

Encourage development of • Encourage the fishing industry and the recreational sector tocodes of practice develop codes of practice that complements fishery and wildlife

management, reduces the risks of spreading or introducingexotic species, and minimises interactions with protected speciesincluding cetaceans

Raise community support for • Encourage the community to report offencescompliance with the law • Seek permission from all licence holders to publish lists of potand research entitlements and quota holdings

• Encourage industry and recreational sector to participate inresearch and to attend stock assessment meetings, the TACForum and management meetings

• Effectively disseminate research results by providing informationon research progress and stock assessment

3c) Ensure compliance with legislationEnforce the law and minimise • Develop and implement compliance strategies for the commercialillegal catches and recreational fisheries

• Frequent inspections of catches, records, coffs and landings.• Quantify and categorise the illegal catch• Gather intelligence and undertake investigations• Apprehend and prosecute offenders• Prepare annual reports on compliance levels and law

enforcement activities

Raise public awareness of • Develop and implement an effective information andfisheries regulations and communication strategypenalties • Publish information from court cases involving fisheries offences,

convictions and fines

3d) Provide a public information service• Produce and disseminate high quality information on fisheries

management and research and effectively disseminate using theDPI website and a variety of other media

Page 24: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Sustainability of the Rock Lobster Resource

Indicators of Stock Status

Spawning and available biomassindicatorsRock lobster spawning biomass will be theprincipal biological indicator for assessingsustainability (Table 5 and Figures 2 and 3). Theprincipal social and economic indicator will bethe number of rock lobsters in the stock abovethe LML that are available to be caught by thefishery (the available biomass).

The estimated available biomass in 1951 (B1951

) isused as a proxy for the unfished biomass (B

0).

The biomass can not be reliably estimated priorto 1951 because this was the first year thatreliable fishing effort data was collected tocompliment catch records.

These indicators of stock abundance wereselected because they are easily understood andbased on assessment models and the datacollected by the monitoring program prior to2002. These stock biomass indicators are “model-dependent” and cannot be measured directly,but biomass trends can be verified using otherobserved indicators of stock status.

Observed indicatorsThe following indicators will be used to verifythe model and provide information for TAC-setting and other management measures:

Standardised catch ratesThere is a close relationship between rock lobsterbiomass and commercial catch rates measured asthe number or weight of rock lobsters per potlift. Standardisation of catch rates involvesadjustments to fishing effort that take intoaccount the progressive advances in fishingtechnology and changes in fishing practices overtime. Although catch rate data are incorporatedin the model, trends in standardised catch ratesmay be used directly in the TAC review.

Puerulus settlement and pre-recruit abundanceThe abundance of puerulus and pre-recruits canprovide an “early warning” of changes inrecruitment.

Mean size of rock lobsters in commercial andrecreational catchesChanges in the mean size of landed rock lobstersmay indicate trends in mortality and/orrecruitment or changes in fishing practices.

Relationship of catch and TACIn TAC-managed fisheries, catch versus TAC isoften used as an indicator. However, quotatrading, markets and fishing practices mayinfluence the catch relative to the TAC quiteindependently of the stock status.

Reference Points and PerformanceMeasuresThe stocks will be maintained above well definedand appropriate minimum biologicallyacceptable levels, particularly the limit referencepoint. Consistent with national and internationalexperience of rock lobster fisheries, the limitreference point is set at 20% of B

1951, for spawning

and available biomass. The target reference pointis 40% of B

1951. The reference points refer to

spawning and available biomass indicators only.

Fishery management performance will bemeasured by monitoring the status of thespawning and available biomass in each zonerelative to the reference points, based on five-year projections. Because the limit referencepoint reflects the conservation “bottom line”and is set at a lower biomass level than thetarget, there is a need for greater confidence thatthe outcome will be achieved. Consequently, theperformance measure for the limit referencepoint is a high probability (75%) of the biomassbeing greater than 20% of B

1951 (Table 5).

A lower

level of probability (50%) is appropriate forthe performance measure for the targetreference point.

15

Page 25: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Tabl

e 5.

Su

mm

ary

of s

tock

in

dica

tors

, re

fere

nce

poi

nts

, pe

rfor

man

ce m

easu

res,

tri

gger

s an

d m

anag

emen

t ac

tion

s w

ith

resp

ect

to c

han

ges

in T

AC

Sto

ckL

imit

Tar

get

Per

form

ance

Mea

sure

Man

agem

ent

Tri

gg

erM

anag

emen

tIn

dic

ato

rR

efer

ence

Po

int

Ref

eren

ce P

oin

tA

ctio

n

Sp

awn

ing

bio

mas

s(M

od

eld

eriv

ed)

75%

pro

bab

ilit

y o

fb

ein

g g

reat

er t

han

20%

of

B1

95

1

50%

pro

bab

ilit

y o

fb

ein

g a

t 40

% o

fB

19

51

Ea

ster

n Z

on

eT

he

spaw

nin

g b

iom

ass

is a

bo

ve

20%

of

B1

95

1 w

ith

a 7

5% p

rob

abil

ity,

wit

hin

fiv

e yea

rs

If p

roje

ctio

ns

ind

icat

e th

at t

he

lim

itre

fere

nce

po

int

wil

l n

ot

be

reac

hed

by 2

007/

08

Red

uce

TA

C

Wh

en t

he

lim

it r

efer

ence

po

int

has

bee

n e

xcee

ded

an

d 5

yea

r p

roje

ctio

ns

ind

icat

e an

up

war

d t

ren

d

Rev

iew

TA

C

Wes

tern

Zo

ne

Sp

awn

ing

bio

mas

s is

at

or

abo

ve

40%

of

spaw

nin

g b

iom

ass

in 1

951

wit

h a

50%

pro

bab

ilit

y

Sp

awn

ing

bio

mas

s fa

lls

bel

ow

40%

of

spaw

nin

g b

iom

ass

in 1

951

wit

h a

gre

ater

th

an 5

0% p

rob

abil

ity

Red

uce

TA

C

Av

aila

ble

bio

mas

s(M

od

eld

eriv

ed)

75%

pro

bab

ilit

y o

fb

ein

g g

reat

er t

han

20%

of

B1

95

1

50%

pro

bab

ilit

y o

fb

ein

g g

reat

er t

han

40%

of

B1

95

1

Ea

ster

n Z

on

eU

pw

ard

tre

nd

in

av

aila

ble

bio

mas

sp

roje

ctio

ns

Av

aila

ble

bio

mas

s n

ot

incr

easi

ng

or

do

wn

war

d t

ren

d i

n 5

-yea

rp

roje

ctio

ns

Rev

iew

TA

C

Wes

tern

Zo

ne

Up

war

d t

ren

d i

n a

vai

lab

le b

iom

ass

pro

ject

ion

s

Av

aila

ble

bio

mas

s n

ot

incr

easi

ng

or

do

wn

war

d t

ren

d i

n 5

-yea

rp

roje

ctio

ns

Rev

iew

TA

C

Incr

easi

ng

tre

nd

in

5-y

ear

pro

ject

ion

sH

old

th

e 20

02T

AC

fo

r 3

yea

rs(u

nti

l 20

05/0

6),

then

rev

iew

Stan

dar

dis

edca

tch

rat

es(O

bse

rved

)

N

on

e

N

on

eE

ast

ern

Zo

ne

Up

war

d t

ren

d i

n s

tan

dar

dis

edca

tch

rat

e

Incr

ease

in

sta

nd

ard

ised

cat

chra

te t

o >

0.5

kg

/po

tlif

tR

evie

w T

AC

Dec

reas

ing

tre

nd

in

sta

nd

ard

ised

catc

h r

ate

Rev

iew

TA

C

Wes

tern

Zo

ne

Up

war

d t

ren

d i

n s

tan

dar

dis

edca

tch

rat

e

Incr

ease

in

sta

nd

ard

ised

cat

ch r

ate

to >

0.7

kg

/po

tlif

tR

evie

w T

AC

Dec

reas

ing

tre

nd

in

stan

dar

dis

ed c

atch

rat

eR

evie

w T

AC

Not

e:‘R

evie

w T

AC

’ m

ean

s co

nsi

der

the

man

agem

ent

impl

icat

ion

s of

mai

nta

inin

g, i

ncr

easi

ng

or d

ecre

asin

g th

e TA

C.

Var

iati

on o

f in

put

con

trol

s w

ill

also

be

con

side

red.

16

Page 26: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Figure 2. Predicted trends in spawning biomass (upper) and available biomass (lower) for rock lobsters in theWestern Zone between 1951 and 2014, expressed as a percentage of the biomass in each year, relative to the 1951

biomass. Projections are based on a fixed TACC of 450t.

17

Page 27: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Figure 3. Predicted trends in spawning biomass (upper) and available biomass (lower) for rock lobsters in theEastern Zone between 1951 and 2014, expressed as a percentage of the biomass in each year, relative to the 1951

biomass. Projections are based on 60 t fixed TACC .

18

Page 28: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

As well as indicators and reference points, theRLFMP specifies required trends in indicators,and the timeframe for recovery (Table 5). Thesevary between zones reflecting the status of theresource. For example, in the Western Zone theaim is to maintain the spawning biomass at orabove 40% of B

1951 with a 50% probability. In the

Eastern Zone the aim is to re-build the spawningbiomass with a 75% probability of being greaterthan 20% of B

1951 by 2007/08. In both zones, the

aim is to maintain the upward trend in availablebiomass in order to re-build the stock.

Triggers and Management ActionsWhere performance measures increase or fall toa pre-determined level, the RLFMP identifiesspecific management triggers relevant to eachindicator and performance measure (Table 5).Pre-determined management actions, also called“Decision Rules”, stipulate the requiredresponse, giving clear directions to the TACForum (see below). For instance, after a 3 yearconsecutive upward trend in the five yearprojections of available biomass, an increase inthe TAC will be considered. If there is noincrease or a declining trend in the five yearprojections of the available biomass in theWestern Zone, then a decrease in the TAC will beconsidered as part of the TAC review.

Trends in stock indicators and modelprojections, together with the views ofstakeholders, will be considered in makingrecommendations and decisions on theappropriate level of management response.

Stock assessment and model projectionsThe current stock assessment 3 is based on asophisticated length-structured model 4 thatutilises data on catches in weight and number,catch rates, the sizes of lobsters in the catch andbiological information such as growth,reproductive characteristics and mortalities.

Data sets used in the assessment include: areliable and long time series of commercial catchand effort data that have been collected since1951; size frequency of males and females incommercial catches that have been collectedsystematically since 1963; preliminary estimates

of the recreational catch 1996-98; more than 3500tag recaptures, larval settlement and pre-recruitmonitoring data since 1994.

The model enables projections of future stockbiomass and allows the impacts of future catcheson the resource to be assessed. The model hasbeen adapted to enable the impacts of theintroduction of MPAs in Victoria to beincorporated into the assessments.

Figures 2 and 3 show examples of model outputsfor the Western and Eastern Zones, respectively.Each figure shows the trajectory of spawningbiomass and available biomass from 1951 to thepresent with 15-year projections to 2017. Theprojections are based on fixed TACCs of 450tonnes in the Western Zone and 60 tonnes in theEastern Zone. In the example shown, it isassumed that future recreational catches willremain constant.

The assessment takes into account theimplementation of MPAs in each zone andallows for a 10% migration of lobsters from theMPAs. The target and limit reference points areshown in each figure. The 95% confidenceintervals get wider with increasing time into thefuture, reflecting the decrease in certaintybeyond the range of the data used in the model.

Co-management Process forReviewing ManagementArrangementsThe foundations of co-management in Victoriawere established by the Fisheries Act 1995. Thisconcept allows for a greater level of stakeholderinput into the decision making process. Inaddition to the existing co-managementarrangements, a TAC Forum will be establishedto provide all stakeholders with the opportunityto have input into the TAC-setting process. TheTAC Forum will consist of an independent chairand members of the Fisheries Co – ManagementCouncil’s Commercial Rock Lobster and GiantCrab Fishery Committee (CRLGCFC) andRecreational Marine Committee (RMC),representatives of peak bodies, observers andDPI staff (policy, compliance, and research).There will also be an annual meeting to improvefishery management, education and compliancestrategies.

3 Hobday, D.K. and Smith, D. (2003)4 Hobday, D.K. and Punt, A.E. (2001).

19

Page 29: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Process for setting the total allowablecatch, size limits and closed seasonFollowing the annual stock assessmentworkshop, the TAC Forum will provide annualTAC recommendations and other advice to theDPI, and the FCC through the Commercial RockLobster and Giant Crab Fishery Committee andthe Marine Recreational Committee (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Co-management process for advice, consultation and decision making in relation to annual TAC setting

After considering the TAC recommendation, theDPI will prepare management advice includingsize limits, closed seasons and draft quota ordersfor the Minister. There will be a further formalconsultation between the Minister, the FCC andthe peak bodies before the Minister makes thedecision. The final quota order will be signed intime for licence renewals for the next quota period.

Peak Bodies

Co-ManagementCouncil

Commercial Rock Lobster& Giant Crab Fishery

Committee

Marine RecreationalCommittee

TAC Forum

Total Allowable Catch& Related Issues

Marine & FreshwaterResources Institute

Stock Assessment

Executive DirectorFisheries Victoria

Draft Quota Order &Management Advice

Minister’s Decision

Final Quota Order

Consultation

TACRecommendation

ScientificAdvice

Advice

Scientific Advice

Minister

February

January

December

November

October

20

Page 30: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Commercial Fishery Management

The commercial fishery in each zone will bemanaged within the TACC, which is divided intoITQ units. The TACC is divided amongst 4000quota units in the Western Zone and 1000 quotaunits in the Eastern Zone.

The TACC will be set for the southern rocklobster, Jasus edwardsii, and will not include thecatches of the eastern rock lobster, Jasus verreauxi.Monitoring of by-product will be improved andcatches of eastern rock lobster will be recordedseparately on fishing returns. If the annual catchof eastern rock lobster exceeds one tonne, amanagement review will be triggered. Ifnecessary, specific controls to manage the easternrock lobster catch will be added as licenceconditions on the Eastern Zone RLFAL. FisheriesVictoria will continue to collaborate with NSWFisheries on co-operative management of easternrock lobster stocks.

The LML will be reviewed as part of the TACCsetting process to manage the available andspawning biomass in each zone taking intoaccount the differences in size at onset ofmaturity and growth. There is potential for alower size limit in the Western Zone because thesize at onset of maturity is lower than the LML.

Input controls that are consistent with theprinciples of ESD will remain including fishingseasons, definitions of fishing gear and the totalnumbers of pots in each zone of the fishery.

Fishing Rights, Access, QuotaOwnership and EntitlementsRock lobsters are owned by the Crown withownership passing to the licence or permitholder when they are taken from waters underVictorian jurisdiction in accordance with theconditions of the licence or permit. In each zone,the RLFAL holders with rock lobster quota arepermitted to use their pot entitlements to takerock lobsters within their quota allocation. Rocklobster fishing entitlements are based on thelegal ownership of RLFAL holders to quotaholdings and pot entitlements as defined in theFisheries Act 1995. RLFALs, quota holdings andpot entitlements are linked but may be traded

independently within each zone of the fishery.The ownership of quota units in the rock lobsterfishery will remain with RLFAL holders.

Licensing ArrangementsThe RLFAL will specify the licence holder,operator, boat, pot entitlement and zone. Themaximum number of access licences issued willbe 85 in the Western Zone and 54 in the EasternZone (Table 6). Licences will not be replacedwhen cancelled by a Court or removed from thefishery through mechanisms such as non-renewal or amalgamation. Access licences willcontinue to be fully transferable.

Table 6. Summary of Licensing Arrangements

Licences Western EasternZone Zone

Maximum number 85 54of licences

Maximum number no noof licences on a boat maximum maximum

PotsTotal number of pots 5147 2021in April 2003

Maximum pots on no noa licence maximum maximum

Maximum pots on 140 120a boat

Minimum pots on no noa licence minimum minimum

Minimum pots to 20 15activate licence

QuotaMaximum quota no noholding maximum maximum

Minimum quota 10 units 5 unitsholding

RLFALs expire on 31 March each year. Licencesmust be renewed before this date if the licenceholder wishes to commence fishing at the start ofa new quota period on 1 April. Licence holderswill not receive a quota notice for a new quota

21

Page 31: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

period until their licence is renewed. RLFALswill be issued for a year, but options for five-yearlicences will be considered after furtherconsultation.

A licence holder may apply to vary theconditions on the access licence relating to theoperators, boat and pot entitlements. Theregulations will be amended to allow up to twooperators to be named on a RLFAL so that eitherperson may operate the licence. The same boatmay be specified on more than one access licencefor the same zone, but not for different zones.This will allow multiple licences to be operatedfrom one boat within a zone. Although thefishing capacity of the fleet will continue to becontained by the total pot limit in each zone,pots may be permanently transferred betweenRLFAL licences within each zone. In addition,arrangements for temporary transfers of pots forone licensing year will be introduced.

Quota HoldingsEach year when a licence is renewed, a quotanotice is issued with the ITQ units owned by eachlicence holder. Only RLFAL holders are entitledto own ITQ units. A licence holder may apply totransfer ITQ units to the holder of anotherRLFAL within the same zone. ITQ units may betransferred permanently, or for a quota period.There will be no maximum amount of ITQ unitsthat can be held on a licence in either zone. Theminimum holdings of ten ITQ units in the WesternZone and five ITQ units in the Eastern Zone willbe retained to contain quota management costsassociated with compliance (Table 6).

Pot EntitlementsThe total number of pots on licences in April2003 is 5147 in the Western Zone and 2021 in theEastern Zone. The use of these pots representsthe environmental “footprint” of the fishery. Inorder to minimise the “footprint” and to beconsistent with the principles of ESD, the limiton the total number of pots that can be used ineach zone of the fishery will be retained. Thiswill address concerns about potential wastage ofthe resource caused by octopus predation of rocklobsters in pots that are not lifted each day. Italso recognises that a larger number of pots inthe fishery would increase the possibility ofinteraction with marine wildlife.

Minimum and maximum potentitlements on a licenceThere will be a change to the minimum numberof pots that are required on a licence. Licenceholders will be able to own quota without pots,but to operate in the fishery, active licences musthave a minimum of 20 pots in the Western Zoneand 15 pots in the Eastern Zone (Table 6).

There will be no maximum number of pots thatmay be held on a licence in either zone. This isconsidered to be an unnecessary restriction asthere is no limit on the number of licences that aperson can own or the number of licences that canbe attached to one boat. However, the maximumnumber of pots that can be worked from one boatwill be 140 and 120 pots in the Western andEastern Zone, respectively. This reflects themaximum number of pots used in 2002, which ismuch greater than the average for the fleet.

National Competition PolicyFollowing the NCP review of the Fisheries Act1995, several recommendations for the rocklobster fishery were accepted by the VictorianGovernment. The planned introduction of ITQmanagement was found to be consistent withNCP recommendations as a means of achievinga sustainable catch and correcting for excessfishing effort. The removal of pot restrictions perboat was recommended in the Governmentresponse to NCP to allow economies of scale andentry of small-scale operators taking into accountcompliance costs. A process of public auction,tender or ballot was recommended in theGovernment response to NCP in order to adoptan efficient and transparent process for theallocation of extra quota above threshold limits.

Pot limits for the fisheryFor sound economic, ecological and biologicalreasons, the total number of pots used in thefishery will not be increased. This will help toachieve a sustainable catch, correct for excessfishing effort and prevent an increase inpotential hazards for boats and wildlife. It willalso reduce the risks associated with theunrestricted use of pots during winter such asoverfishing of males, imbalanced sex ratios andimpaired reproduction. From an environmentalpoint of view, the advantages of not using morefishing gear to take the commercial catch iswidely recognised as an important principle ofESD. The need to minimise by-catch and wildlifeinteractions and environmental effects of fishingwill be addressed by containing the fishingcapacity of the fleet.

22

Page 32: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

23

There is also concern that the removal ofrestrictions on the fishing capacity of the fleetmay lead to inefficiency. This may occur becauseof economic incentives for individuals to uselarge numbers of pots that will result inenvironmental and economic losses to thefishery as a whole. Larger pot numbers may beused to monopolise prime fishing grounds andthis could lead to gear interactions and createinput inefficiency. Furthermore, this may alsocause higher mortality of rock lobsters fromoctopus predation if all pots are not lifted daily.

Pot entitlements are also recognised as valuableassets that are freely traded according tocompetitive market forces amongst licenceholders in each zone. There is a very strongconsensus within the fishing industry that thetotal number of pots used in the fishery shouldnot be allowed to increase and that potentitlements on licences should be retained.

Changes to restrictions on quotaholdings and potsManagement arrangements will be changed toaccommodate the Government’s response to NCP.Restrictions will be removed on maximum quotaholdings, maximum and minimum numbers ofpots on a licence, and multiple licences on aboat. The 50-pot limit in the Apollo Bay Paddockwill be withdrawn by November 2007.

In order to minimise compliance costs, there willbe a minimum of ten and five quota units in theWestern and Eastern Zone, respectively.Compliance costs are directly related to thenumber of active licences. The minimumnumber of quota units will discourage inactivelicences, particularly in the Eastern Zone, frombecoming active using very small quotaholdings. There will also be a minimum of 20pots in the Western Zone and 15 pots in theEastern Zone for active licences.

Relationship between quota holdingsand pot entitlementsQuota units and pot entitlements on accesslicences will remain as separate, independentlytradeable commodities within the fishery. Thiswill enable the industry to restructure in anefficient manner. It will also allow greaterflexibility for licence holders.

Allocation of additional quota abovethreshold levelsAllocation of new quota units will only beconsidered when there is a 75% probability of thestocks remaining above the target reference

point (40% of the 1951 available biomass) for 3years. Any new quota units will be temporaryand valid for a single quota year, and can only beheld by an existing RLFAL holder.

Apollo Bay PaddockA review of management arrangements for theApollo Bay Paddock 50-pot zone was specificallyidentified in the Minister’s Guidelines and theGovernments response to the NCP. Theregulations relating to the 50-pot limit in theApollo Bay Paddock are regarded as anti-competitive according to the NCP. However, ifthese regulations were immediately removed,local catch rates and stock abundance woulddecline as operators with larger pot entitlementsmoved on to this prime fishing ground. Therecent establishment of MPAs nearby is alsoexpected to translocate fishing pressure into theApollo Bay Paddock. The combined impactswould disadvantage the local fleet that is stilladjusting to the changes associated with theintroduction of quota management.

Although it is recognised that the independentquota allocation panel took into considerationthe lower numbers of pots used by Apollo BayRLFAL holders in the past there are compellingbiological, social and economic reasons forallowing a period for adjustment. A transitionperiod will provide more time for Apollo Bayand Port Campbell operators to buy more pots orquota and become more competitive as theyhave had little incentive to invest in additionalpots in the past.

The Apollo Bay Paddock 50 pot zone has ahigher abundance of rock lobsters than adjacentfishing grounds. Providing more time for thestocks to re-build will reduce the incentive for aconcentration of fishing activity in the ApolloBay Paddock when the regulations are removed.

In order to take these special circumstances intoaccount, the following strategies will be adoptedto remove the regulations relating to the ApolloBay Paddock:• The 50-pot limit will be withdrawn by 15

November 2007.

• Until the 15 November 2007, licence holderswill be restricted to 50 pots on each licence.

• Prior to 15 November 2007 licence holderswill be able to use up to two licences on aboat and will be allowed to use 50 pots fromeach licence on a boat.

Page 33: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

• Waters greater than 150m depth will beexcluded from the Apollo Bay Paddock 50 potzone (see Figure 1).

There will also be no restriction on the numbersof giant crab pots that may be carried on a boatthrough the Apollo Bay Paddock provided thepot limit per boat is not exceeded.

These strategies will allow giant crab accesslicence holders to transport their pots across theApollo Bay Paddock and use their full potentitlements in waters deeper than 150m.Eventually, Western Zone licence holders will beable to use their full pot entitlement throughoutthe Western Zone after these regulations arewithdrawn.

Eastern Zone CorridorLicence conditions relating to the Eastern ZoneCorridor will be removed when these licencesare transferred. However, the only licence holderwith a recent rock lobster catch history in theEastern Zone Corridor will continue to beallowed to take rock lobster in this area. Theremaining licence holders with conditions thatpermit fishing in the Eastern Zone Corridor willnot be allowed to take rock lobsters but willcontinue to be allowed to take fish with fish trapsin this area until their licences are transferred.

Far Eastern Zone FisheryThe Far Eastern Zone will not be established dueto the fact that there is no longer any support forthis proposal. There is strong opposition fromthe industry resulting from the fact thatboundary changes would adversely affect quotatrading and licence values.

Commercial Fishery Complianceand Communication

Compliance StrategyFisheries Victoria, in consultation with the peakbodies, will develop a compliance strategy forthe rock lobster fishery during 2003/04. Thecompliance strategy will include:• A schedule of management actions for

implementation.

• Performance measures.

• A monitoring and review process to ensurethat the objectives of the compliance strategyare achieved.

The priorities for the compliance strategy will beto ensure that:• The catches taken in Victorian waters are

within the quota holding for each RLFAL sothat the total catch from each zone does notexceed the commercial TAC.

• Rock lobster pots used by operators complywith regulations and pot entitlements.

• Compliance with legal minimum lengths, baglimits and possession limits.

• The taking of rock lobsters for sale by peoplewithout a RLFAL and quota is reduced.

• Rock lobsters are not taken from MarineProtected Areas.

Communication StrategyFisheries Victoria, in consultation with peakbodies, will develop a communication strategyfor the rock lobster fishery during 2003/04. Thestrategy will include:• A schedule of management actions for

implementation.

• Performance measures.

• A monitoring and review process to ensurethat the objectives of the education strategyare achieved.

Priorities will include :• Holding an annual meeting for RLFAL

holders, fisheries officers and managers toassist research, management, compliance andcommunication.

• Community awareness about offences.

• Public access to information on fisheriesmanagement and research through the DPIwebsite and other media.

Code of Practice for Commercial FishingIn order to encourage all aspects of commercialfishery management, a code of practice will bedeveloped by CRLGCFC to minimise fishingimpacts on the ecosystem and wildlifeinteractions and to enhance stock conservation,research and compliance. Implementation andextension of this code of practice will be a highpriority for FCC and SIV.

Arrangements for interstate landingsPreviously, rock lobster catches from Victorianwaters could be landed in Port MacDonnell (SA)and in Eden (NSW), but not in Tasmania.Following discussions with Tasmanianauthorities, new arrangements will be requestedduring the period of the RLFMP to allow withprior notice, the landing of rock lobsters caughtin Victorian waters at specific Tasmanian ports,

24

Page 34: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

including Currie, King Island. The additional costof management arrangements incurred to enforceVictorian legislation relating to landings at portsin other states will be recovered from the operator.

Fees and LeviesThe Victorian Government and the FCC isreviewing policies on cost recovery for fisheriesmanagement in Victoria. Subject to Governmentpolicy, it is likely that there will be progressiveintroduction of cost recovery that is consistentwith the NCP response. Fees will continue to becharged to cover the administrative costs forlicence transfer and variations.

RLFAL holders will continue to contribute to thecost of management, compliance and researchthrough an annual levy when licences arerenewed. The basis for the levy will be changedhowever, to be consistent with quotamanagement. Currently, the levy for RLFALsconsists of a fixed amount for each licence and avariable amount based on the number of pots.The variable amount will be changed to reflectthe number of quota units and pots on thelicence. Two thirds of the variable component ofthe levy will be based on quota units and onethird on the pot entitlement.

Recreational Fishery ManagementThis management plan recognises the principleof resource allocation and establishes a quota forthe recreational fishery. A TARC will beintroduced and set at 5% and 10% of the TAC inthe Western Zone and Eastern Zone, respectively.This will allow the recreational catch to beincreased or decreased equitably.

Management of the RecreationalCatchThe TARC, which represents an upper limit, willbe the reference point to trigger a managementreview. The TARC requires improved knowledgeof the recreational catch. RFL endorsement orother agreed methods of improved monitoringand estimation of the recreational catch will beestablished as a matter of high priority.

The current management regime and the currentregulations applying to the recreational fisherywill remain. The fishery will continue to bemanaged with daily bag limits, fishing gearcontrols and seasonal closures. In general,regulations in relation to the stock that apply tothe commercial sector will apply equally to the

recreational sector. Proposals to changes in theregulation regime applying to the recreationalfishery will occur through an open andtransparent consultative process betweenFCC, the DPI, Fisheries Victoria and recognisedpeak bodies.

Use of hookah and other recreationalfishing methodsThere will be no change to recreational fishingmethods for taking rock lobster, which will onlybe based on active fishing methods. Recreationallicence holders will continue to be allowed to usetwo hoop nets per person, hookah divingequipment, SCUBA and snorkel gear to take rocklobster by hand. The current prohibition on theuse of snares and blunt hooks in the recreationalrock lobster fishery will be reviewed whenreliable estimates of the recreational catch havebeen obtained.

Legal minimum length, bag limits andmarkingIn general, the LML will remain consistent withthe commercial sector unless all relevantstakeholders are consulted and it is determinedthat it is in the interest of the fishery to dootherwise. Daily bag limit and possession limitswill apply. There will be no change in theregulations that require all rock lobster taken byrecreational fishers to be effectively markedwithin five minutes of landing rock lobster in aboat or on shore.

Code of Practice for RecreationalFishingIn order to encourage all aspects of recreationalfishery management, a code of practice forrecreational fishing will be developed by theMarine Recreational Committee of the FCC,VRFish and the Victorian Scuba DiversFederation to enhance stock conservation,research and compliance.

Recreational Fishery Complianceand CommunicationThe compliance and communication strategieswill aim to improve compliance with bag limits;size limits and marking of rock lobsters byregularly checking popular diving sites,particularly on weekends. Compliance withregulations relating to fishing gear, particularlyin regard to the number of hoop nets per person,will be improved through implementation of thecompliance and communication strategies.

25

Page 35: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Traditional Access and Use by theIndigenous Community

Native title is based on the laws and customs ofindigenous people and is recognised by thecommon law of Australia. Under theCommonwealth Native Title Act 1993, indigenouspeople can claim native title on Crown land andwaters in their traditional lands and waters. TheVictorian Government is committed to buildinga new understanding between Victoria’sAboriginal people and the wider community.The Government is working towardsreconciliation through its Indigenous PartnershipStrategy. The Victorian Government hasindicated that its policy will be to mediate nativetitle claims.

For specified cultural and ceremonial purposes,members of the indigenous community may beissued with general fisheries permits that allowrock lobsters to be taken beyond the recreationalbag limit. These strategies will provide resourceaccess and allow traditional use of rock lobstersby the indigenous community.

26

Page 36: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Development of Aquaculture

The potential for rock lobster aquaculture isbased on the high price and large domestic andexport markets for live and processed product.The conclusion of the interstate and internationalreview (Appendix 5) found that there were fourmain approaches to rock lobster aquacultureincluding closed culture, on-growing of wildcaught puerulus, on-growing of fishery caughtlobsters and wild stock enhancement.

Rock lobster aquaculture of faster growingtropical species has been demonstrated to becommercially viable in other countries wherelabour costs are low and puerulus can beeconomically harvested in the wild.

Aquaculture techniques for southern rock lobsterpropagation and production have not yet beendeveloped. The results of large scale industrialtrials in New Zealand using southern rocklobster have clearly shown that the harvest andon-growing of puerulus from the wild is noteconomically viable using presently availabletechnology. Hatchery production is not yettechnically feasible and further research isneeded to successfully develop commercial rocklobster aquaculture in Victoria.

Opportunities for Rock LobsterAquacultureIn Australia, FRDC established the Rock LobsterEnhancement and Aquaculture Sub-Program(RLEAS) in July 1998 to develop a cohesive andnationally coordinated approach to the researchand development issues for all commercialspecies of rock lobster. The objective of theprogram is to provide technology for use inAustralian rock lobster enhancement andaquaculture systems so they can beinternationally competitive and can operate inharmony with the wild fisheries. More than $8million has already been committed to researchand development in Australia so far however,considerable technical and logistical difficultieshave yet to be overcome.

The technology is intended to encourage thedevelopment of a viable rock lobster aquaculture

industry in Australia, but with specificconsideration and contingency for:• Protection of the wild fishery in terms of

economic and social viability.

• Neutral or positive impact on the wild fisheryin terms of stock numbers while maintaininggenetic integrity.

• Commercial viability of closing the life cycleof rock lobsters.

The RLEAS Steering Committee recentlyreviewed the research and developmentpriorities. It was concluded that the long-termfuture for rock lobster aquaculture depends onthe development of propagation techniques thatwill enable the hatchery production and culturefrom eggs to juvenile rock lobsters. Lowerpriorities were assigned to on-growing ofpuerulus and wild fishery enhancement.

Rock Lobster Aquaculture StrategyDuring this management plan, internationaldevelopments in rock lobster aquacultureresearch will be monitored and reviewed again.The DPI aquaculture extension officers, VAC andFRDC RLEAS will disseminate information onrock lobster aquaculture to industry members. Ifthere is a significant advance in technology, areport on the developments will be prepared forthe DPI and stakeholders. In such an event,opportunities for aquaculture research anddevelopment projects would be considered andrecommended by a working group with equalrepresentation from the DPI and members of thefishing and aquaculture industry. Approvals forresearch and development permit applicationswill take into consideration the need forenvironmentally sound and economically viablerock lobster aquaculture. The issue of researchpermits would only allow the harvest ofpuerulus from the sea in such a way that therewould be no negative impact on wild stocks.

Aquaculture research and development throughthe FRDC Sub-program into propagationtechniques and broodstock manipulation will beencouraged as a high priority. Techniques forwild stock enhancement and the use of artificialreefs will also be evaluated.

27

Page 37: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Ecosystem Interactions

Ecological Impact of Rock LobsterFishingOne of the fundamental principles of ESD is thatfisheries management should minimise theimpact of fishing on the structure, productivity,function and biological diversity of theecosystem. Rock lobster pots are believed to haveminimal direct effects on the seabed. Forexample, each year the entire fleet of potscontacts less than 0.0017% of the total area ofseabed at less than 150m depth.

Discarding of undersized, damaged,soft shell and berried rock lobstersDirect impacts of fishing through mortality ofdiscarded rock lobsters will be assessed byimplementing a monitoring program so thatthese effects can be taken into account in stockassessments.

Escape gaps will continue to be used in pots tominimise the by-catch of undersized rocklobsters. In order to minimise discardingmortality of those that are caught in pots,undersized rock lobsters and crabs are quicklyreturned to the sea alive near the habitats wherethey were caught. The closed season providesprotection for female rock lobsters and giantcrabs in berry.

Table 7. The main species and total catch (tonnes) ofby-product in each zone reported on commercial

fishing returns during 2000/01

Species Western Eastern VictoriaZone Zone

Octopus 19.5 3.0 22.5

Leatherjacket 6.0 4.5 10.5

Cod 2.9 0.0 2.9unspecified

Wrasse 2.2 2.7 4.9unspecified

Snapper 1.6 0.6 2.2

Other 5.2 2.5 7.7(25 species)

Total 37.4 13.3 50.7

By-catch speciesFishery interactions with by-catch species arebelieved to be low because the majority ofspecies, such as hermit crabs, are caught andreleased alive. However, a system of by-catchmonitoring, including independent validation,will be introduced by 2004. The data collectedwill then be available for ecological riskassessments. Fishing effects on by-catch specieswill be minimised through codes of practice.

Species landed as by-product orused as baitTwenty-three tonnes of octopus and 28 tonnes offish were retained as by-product in 2000/01.There are about 30 fish species landed as by-product, but it is mostly composed ofleatherjackets (Table 7). Crabs (giant crabPseudocarcinus gigas, sand crab Ovalipesaustraliensis and velvet crab Nectocarcinustuberculosis) are also caught in lobster pots andlanded. Giant crabs above the legal minimumlength are retained by those with access to andquota for the giant crab fishery.

The catch of eastern rock lobster, Jasus verreauxi,is unknown but considered to be less than 0.5 t.Catches will be reported on fishing returnsseparately as a by-product. Direct impacts offishing and indirect ecological effects on reefcommunities from the mortality of by-productspecies will be assessed by implementing amonitoring program. The data collected willthen be available for ecological risk assessments.

Biodiversity conservationThere is no available evidence that wouldsupport the listing of rock lobsters or any of theknown by-catch or by-product species as athreatened species in Victoria under the Flora andFauna Guarantee Act 1988. The managementregime will monitor by-catch and by-productspecies in order to assess the effects of thefishery on the biodiversity values in the coastalwaters of Victoria so as to minimise theenvironmental impacts.

28

Page 38: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Protection of wildlifeProtected wildlife species that inhabit Victorianwaters include dolphins and whales (SouthernRight Whales Eubalaena australis, Blue WhalesBalaenoptera musculus, and Humpback Whales),the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) andAustralian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillusdoriferus).

Both the Southern Right Whale and the Bluewhale are listed as “Endangered” under theCommonwealth Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and listed as“Critically endangered” in Victoria. The Floraand Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 lists the SouthernRight Whale.

Interaction between rock lobster fishing gear andprotected species of wildlife is extremely rare inVictoria. There have been no confirmed reportsof mortality of whales or dolphins attributed torock lobster fishing gear in Victorian waters.Leatherback turtles very occasionally becomeentangled in ropes. These are mostly releasedalive and only one or two are known to havedied in living memory.

Potential direct impacts on marine mammalsand turtles from entanglement in potlines will becontained by preventing an increase in fishingcapacity and by implementing codes of practiceto assist wildlife protection. In order to collectmore information on the interactions betweenfisheries and marine wildlife, a new monitoringprogram will be implemented. Penalties forfailing to report interactions with protectedspecies will also be reviewed.

There are occasional interactions with the largeand expanding seal population in Victorianwaters. The population forages throughout BassStrait at depths of less than 100m, particularly tothe west of Wilson’s Promontory, where there aremany colonies and haul-out sites. Theconservation status of Australian fur seals isconsidered to be low risk but dependent onsecure foraging environments and protection ofbreeding sites.

Seal mortality rates in pots are low and estimatedto be less than one seal per 100 thousand potlifts.Recent innovations in fishing practices reducethe loss of bait and makes pots less attractive toseals. Some operators have developed benign

seal exclusion devices and other operators usecarp for bait that is less attractive to seals.During the RLFMP, these industry initiatives toimprove wildlife protection will be encouragedand incorporated in a code of practice.

Identification of Critical Habitatsfor Rock LobstersAlthough it is well known that rock lobsters arepredominantly a reef dwelling species, there isvery little information on the habitatrequirements and ecological relationships ofjuvenile or adults with other species in Victorianwaters. Further research and monitoring willenhance scientific knowledge of reef habitatstatus and species interactions.

Reduction of Human Impacts onRock Lobster HabitatsSome of the risks to the ecological integrity ofreef communities have been identified below inTable 8. In order to minimise or mitigate harmfulactivities and avoid long-term degradation ofreef ecosystems, all threatening processes will berecognised in an ecological risk assessment. Rocklobster habitat assessments for shallow anddeepwater reefs will be conducted to evaluatethe threatening processes. However, morescientific knowledge is needed about thecomplexities of the ecological interactionsbetween rock lobsters and other exploited reefspecies, particularly abalone and sea urchin. Thestructure and function of communities on fishedreefs will be compared to those reefs in MPAs.

Other ecological issuesIn order to minimise the ecological threatscaused by the introduction of exotic species, thepolicies of the Victorian and CommonwealthGovernments will be implemented as they aredeveloped. Industry initiatives to utilise endemicfish from Australia for bait will help to preventthe introduction and translocation of exoticspecies. This will be encouraged andincorporated in a code of practice.

29

Page 39: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

30

Responsibility for environmentalassessment and managementThere are many Victorian and Commonwealthagencies that are responsible for monitoring,assessment and management of the marineenvironment. All relevant Government policiesand strategies, such as threat abatement plans,threatened species recovery plans, NationalAction Plans, by-catch action strategies will beconsidered and fishery managementarrangements altered as necessary.

The process for incorporating policies andstrategies from other Government agencies willinvolve consultation during the annual forum

and meetings of the committees of the FisheriesCo-Management Council, peak bodies andFisheries Victoria.

Fisheries Victoria will also makerecommendations to the appropriategovernment agency in relation to environmentalmanagement and ecological integrity of rocklobster habitats. Improvements will be achievedthrough the development of joint strategies andby maintaining close working relationshipsbetween the relevant agencies.

Table 8. Some risks to the ecological integrity of reef communities

Ecological impact Examples of threatening processes Management Action

Physical damage ordisturbance of reefs

Mortality of rocklobsters and otherspecies

Channel deepening

Submarine cables or pipe laying

Oil industry construction

Input into preparation of EnvironmentalImpact Statement

Development of ecological indicators,performance measures, triggers anddecision rules

Trawl or scallop fishing near reefs Development of a fishing code ofpractice

Discards of undersized, damaged,softshell and berried rock lobsters

Seismic surveys

Research, monitoring and by-catchassessment

Input into preparation of theEnvironmental Impact Statement

Temporary ecosystemchange

Excessive fishing of reef speciessuch as rock lobster, abalone andsea urchins

Research, monitoring and ecological riskassessment

Development of ecological indicators,performance measures, triggers anddecision rules

Permanent ecosystemchange

Introduction or translocation ofexotic marine species and diseases

Research, monitoring and ecological riskassessment including types of bait used

Input into ballast water protocols

Development of ecological indicators,performance measures, triggers anddecision rules and emergency responses

Environmentalpollution

Effects of nutrient inputs and algalblooms from rivers and oceanoutfalls

Pollution from shipping

Collaboration with the VictorianEnvironmental Protection Agency

Development of ecological indicators,performance measures, triggers anddecision rules, and emergency responses

Page 40: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Research and Development

Research and development is a vital componentof rock lobster fishery management andaquaculture development. There has beenconsiderable investment in research on rocklobster in Australia and New Zealand at anumber of research institutes and universities.International workshops on lobster biology andmanagement are held every three yearsproviding benchmarks for scientificadvancement and opportunities for sharedknowledge and research collaboration. Giventhis background the rock lobster resource byfisheries standards, is well monitored andunderstood.

The main focus for research and developmentduring the next five years will be to provide theinformation required for implementingGovernment ESD policies for fisheries andaquaculture in Victoria. To meet this need,information is required in the followingcategories:

Fisheries biology and assessmentThe aim is to improve the understanding ofstock dynamics and evaluation of alternativemanagement measures. This includes:• Development of better indicators of stock

status including fishery independent surveysand more robust estimates of the recreationalcatch.

• Further development and refinement of stockassessment models.

Ecological studiesThe aim is to gain an understanding of therelationship between rock lobster stocks and theecosystem with regard to reef habitats and theimpact of fishing. This includes:• Development of robust sustainability

indicators.

• Understanding the interactions of rock lobsterwith other species and the impacts of harveston these relationships.

Social and economic evaluationThe aim is to obtain information on the socialand economic consequences of trends in thefishery and the implications of managementactions. This includes:• Economic assessment and monitoring of the

fishery.

• More information on the social and economicaspects of the catching, post harvest andrecreational sectors.

• Evaluation of management measures toensure optimal utilisation.

AquacultureThe aim is to monitor the development oftechniques for rock lobster aquaculture and toassess opportunities for applications in Victoria.

Research Planning and PrioritiesIdentifying research needs and priorities is adynamic process that requires clear mechanismsto ensure that research meets the needs ofmanagement and stakeholders.

It is appropriate that the Rock Lobster FisheryAssessment Group (RLFAG) guide researchpriorities for the commercial and recreationalsector. Priorities for aquaculture research will beidentified in conjunction with the FCCAquaculture Committee, the VAC and the FRDCRLEAS. These groups will liaise with the FCCResearch Committee that is responsible forproviding advice on research and developmentissues, strategic research planning and advice toFRDC on funding research and development inVictoria.

The FCC Research Committee has developed afive-year research plan and a review process.This will involve close liaison between the FCCResearch Committee the RLFAG, CRLGCFC,and MRC. The future research needs andpriorities shown in Appendix 6 are based onthose identified by the FCC Research Committee.

31

Page 41: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Research FundingThe DPI and FRDC have provided most of theresearch funding for rock lobster research inVictoria. Revenue derived from recreationallicences represents a potential funding source.Private investment in research and developmentby companies interested in aquaculture andcooperative research with the fishing industryand the recreational sector are supplementarysources of funding that will be encouraged.

The FCC Research Committee will makerecommendations to FRDC based on projectproposals submitted by research providers. TheDPI will make decisions on budget allocationsfor rock lobster research and monitoringprograms.

Support for research proposals by the RLFAGand aquaculture committees will enhance theprospects of research funding allocations.

32

Page 42: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Management Plan Implementation

The RLFMP describes new arrangements for themanagement of rock lobster stocks in Victorianwaters, with emphasis on:• Ecological sustainability and resource

utilisation by the commercial fishing industry.

• Development of aquaculture.

• Access for the recreational and indigenouscommunities, with due regard for the rightsof future generations.

The RLFMP will have effect following theMinister’s declaration by a notice published inthe Government Gazette. In further support of theRLFMP it will be necessary to amend the FisheriesAct 1995 and associated regulations. Ongoingimplementation will require actions by theGovernment with respect to certain policymatters, by the DPI with respect to day-to-daymanagement and by the other stakeholders.

An annual progress report of RLFMPimplementation will be prepared providingdetails of improved management arrangements,stock assessments, research and monitoring,

education and compliance strategies. TheRLFMP, stock assessments and implementationprogress will be made available to the publicthrough the internet and published reports.

Costs of ImplementationEstimates by Fisheries Victoria of theestablishment and recurrent costs for theimplementation of the RLFMP are listed againstthe identified strategies in Table 9. These costswill be met through budget allocations to DPIand implementation of cost recovery policiesestablished by Government.

Review of the Management PlanThe review of the RLFMP and preparation of anew plan will commence in 2007 and willexamine all aspects of fisheries managementagainst the defined goals, performanceindicators and reference points. Should there bea need for the Minister to amend the plan priorto its review notice of this intention will bepublished in the Government Gazette.

33

Page 43: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Tabl

e 9.

Res

pon

sibi

lity

, C

osts

an

d S

ched

ule

for

Im

plem

enta

tion

of

the

Roc

k L

obst

er F

ishe

ry M

anag

emen

t P

lan

Go

als

Str

ateg

yR

equ

ired

Man

agem

ent

Act

ion

Sch

edu

leR

esp

on

sib

ilit

yE

stim

ated

Co

st&

Ob

ject

ives

x $,

000

Go

al 1

. S

ust

ain

abil

ity

of

the

Ro

ck L

ob

ster

Res

ou

rce

1a)

Re-

bu

ild

th

e b

iom

ass

Man

age

the

fish

erie

s w

ith

inth

e T

AC

Set

th

e T

AC

an

d r

evie

w t

he

leg

al m

inim

um

len

gth

to

mai

nta

in t

he

spaw

nin

gb

iom

ass

in t

he

Wes

tern

an

dE

aste

rn Z

on

e ab

ov

e 40

% a

nd

20%

of

1951

lev

els,

resp

ecti

vel

y

Ho

ld T

AC

Fo

rum

, an

nu

al r

evie

w T

AC

in

eac

hzo

ne

and

in

pu

t co

ntr

ols

, fa

cili

tate

con

sult

atio

n p

roce

ss,

enco

ura

ge

stak

eho

lder

par

tici

pat

ion

, p

rep

are

dra

ft q

uo

ta o

rder

s,fi

nal

qu

ota

ord

ers

and

qu

ota

no

tice

s

An

nu

alF

V &

pea

k b

od

ies

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Rev

iew

th

e le

gal

min

imu

mle

ng

th,

bag

lim

its,

clo

sed

seas

on

s an

d a

reas

, an

d f

ish

ing

met

ho

ds

Fac

ilit

ate

con

sult

atio

n p

roce

ss,

pre

par

e R

IS,

chan

ge

reg

ula

tio

ns

as r

equ

ired

, im

ple

men

tp

ub

lici

ty a

nd

ed

uca

tio

n s

trat

egy,

im

ple

men

tco

mp

lian

ce s

trat

egy

An

nu

alF

V &

pea

k b

od

ies

15

Min

imis

ed

isca

rdm

ort

alit

y

Qu

anti

fy d

isca

rds

of

ber

ried

,d

amag

ed a

nd

un

der

size

d r

ock

lob

ster

s an

d e

stim

ate

mo

rtal

ity

Est

abli

sh a

tar

get

ed r

esea

rch

pro

gra

m f

or

the

com

mer

cial

an

d r

ecre

atio

nal

fis

her

ies

Co

mm

ence

2004

/05

MA

FR

I24

0

Rev

iew

sea

son

al c

losu

res

and

dev

elo

p a

co

de

of

pra

ctic

e fo

rd

isca

rdin

g r

ock

lo

bst

ers

Fac

ilit

ate

con

sult

atio

n p

roce

ss a

nd

ass

ist

wit

h t

he

dev

elo

pm

ent

of

cod

es o

f p

ract

ice

Co

mp

lete

d20

05/0

6F

CC

, SIV

,F

VW

ith

in p

rog

ram

bu

dg

et

Ob

tain

so

un

dsc

ien

tifi

ck

no

wle

dg

e o

fth

e st

ock

stat

us

Co

nd

uct

res

earc

h a

nd

fis

her

ym

on

ito

rin

gR

evie

w a

nd

all

oca

te f

un

din

g f

or

rese

arch

an

dm

on

ito

rin

g,

imp

lem

ent

rese

arch

pla

n,

pre

par

e an

d d

istr

ibu

te r

epo

rts,

an

dim

ple

men

t p

ub

lici

ty a

nd

ed

uca

tio

n s

trat

egy

An

nu

alM

AF

RI

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Co

nd

uct

an

nu

al f

ish

ery

ind

epen

den

t m

on

ito

rin

gsu

rvey

s

Co

nti

nu

e fi

xed

sit

e m

on

ito

rin

g p

rog

ram

in

bo

th z

on

esA

nn

ual

MA

FR

IW

ith

in p

rog

ram

bu

dg

et

Un

der

tak

e an

nu

al s

tock

asse

ssm

ents

Ho

ld a

nn

ual

sto

ck a

sses

smen

t w

ork

sho

p,

enco

ura

ge

stak

eho

lder

par

tici

pat

ion

, p

rep

are

and

dis

trib

ute

rep

ort

s, a

nd

im

ple

men

tp

ub

lici

ty a

nd

ed

uca

tio

n s

trat

egy

An

nu

alM

AF

RI

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

34

Page 44: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

35

Min

imis

ew

ild

life

inte

ract

ion

s

Tab

le 9

. (c

onti

nu

ed)

Go

als

Str

ateg

yR

equ

ired

Man

agem

ent

Act

ion

Sch

edu

leR

esp

on

sib

ilit

yE

stim

ated

Co

st&

Ob

ject

ives

x $,

000

Go

al 1

. S

ust

ain

abil

ity

of

the

Ro

ck L

ob

ster

Res

ou

rce

1b)

Mai

nta

in t

he

eco

log

ical

in

teg

rity

of

mar

ine

eco

syst

ems

Mai

nta

in o

r re

du

ce t

he

tota

ln

um

ber

of

po

ts u

sed

by t

he

flee

t. I

den

tify

an

d q

uan

tify

inte

ract

ion

s b

etw

een

fis

her

yan

d p

rote

cted

sp

ecie

s o

fw

ild

life

Mo

nit

or

po

t n

um

ber

s, i

mp

lem

ent

am

on

ito

rin

g p

rog

ram

to

co

llec

t d

ata

on

fish

ery i

nte

ract

ion

s w

ith

pro

tect

ed s

pec

ies

of

wil

dli

fe

Ho

ld a

man

agem

ent

wo

rksh

op

wit

hco

nse

rvat

ion

gro

up

s, i

nd

ust

ry,

fish

erie

so

ffic

ers

and

man

ager

s to

dev

elo

p w

ays

tore

du

ce f

ish

ery-w

ild

life

in

tera

ctio

ns.

Fac

ilit

ate

con

sult

atio

n p

roce

ss a

nd

ass

ist

wit

h t

he

dev

elo

pm

ent

of

cod

es o

f p

ract

ice

An

nu

ally

fro

m20

03/0

4

Co

mp

lete

2005

/06

FV

, F

CC

, SIV

FV

, F

CC

, SIV

, E

A

65

Ass

ess

eco

log

ical

ris

ks

of

fish

ing

an

did

enti

fy m

ajo

rth

reat

s to

ro

cklo

bst

er h

abit

ats

Co

nti

nu

e to

use

esc

ape

gap

sin

po

ts a

nd

im

ple

men

t a

byca

tch

mo

nit

ori

ng

pro

gra

m

Det

erm

ine

and

qu

anti

fy b

y-c

atch

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

MA

FR

I10

0

Ob

tain

dat

a to

des

crib

e cr

itic

alro

ck l

ob

ster

hab

itat

s, m

on

ito

rth

e ec

olo

gic

al e

ffec

ts o

f fi

shin

gan

d o

ther

im

pac

ts o

n t

he

eco

syst

em

Co

nd

uct

hig

h p

rio

rity

res

earc

h t

o d

escr

ibe

crit

ical

hab

itat

s an

d s

pec

ies

inte

ract

ion

sC

om

ple

te20

05/0

6M

AF

RI

250

Un

der

tak

e an

eco

log

ical

ris

kas

sess

men

tH

old

hab

itat

ass

essm

ent

wo

rksh

op

s ev

ery 3

yea

rs a

nd

pre

par

e h

abit

at a

sses

smen

t re

po

rts.

Iden

tify

th

e ec

olo

gic

al r

isk

s to

ro

ck l

ob

ster

sto

cks,

hab

itat

s an

d e

cosy

stem

s

Iden

tify

eco

log

ical

in

form

atio

n g

aps

Dev

elo

p e

cosy

stem

per

form

ance

in

dic

ato

rs,

trig

ger

s an

d d

ecis

ion

ru

les

Co

mp

lete

2004

/05

Co

mm

ence

2005

/06

MA

FR

I

MA

FR

I

FV

, D

SE

60

Page 45: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Tab

le 9

. (c

onti

nu

ed)

Go

als

Str

ateg

yR

equ

ired

Man

agem

ent

Act

ion

Sch

edu

leR

esp

on

sib

ilit

yE

stim

ated

Co

st&

Ob

ject

ives

x $,

000

Go

al 2

. R

eso

urc

e A

cces

s an

d U

tili

sati

on

2a)

Pro

mo

te c

om

mer

cial

use

fo

r ec

on

om

ic p

rosp

erit

y

Man

age

the

com

mer

cial

fish

ery w

ith

inth

e T

AC

Set

th

e T

AC

to

ach

iev

e st

able

or

incr

easi

ng

co

mm

erci

alca

tch

es,

rev

iew

LM

L,

dev

elo

pin

dic

ato

rs a

nd

ref

eren

ce p

oin

tsfo

r so

cial

an

d e

con

om

icas

pec

ts o

f th

e fi

sher

y

Ho

ld T

AC

Fo

rum

, re

vie

w T

AC

s in

eac

h z

on

ean

d i

np

ut

con

tro

ls,

faci

lita

te c

on

sult

atio

np

roce

ss,

enco

ura

ge

stak

eho

lder

par

tici

pat

ion

,p

rep

are

dra

ft q

uo

ta o

rder

s, f

inal

qu

ota

ord

ers

and

qu

ota

no

tice

s

An

nu

alF

V &

pea

k b

od

ies

Incl

ud

ed a

bo

ve

En

han

ce c

om

mer

cial

fis

hin

gac

cess

Imp

rov

e p

rov

isio

ns

for

fish

ery a

cces

s li

cen

ces

Wit

hd

raw

50

po

t li

mit

in

th

e A

po

llo

Bay

Pad

do

ck

An

nu

al

Co

mp

lete

2007

/08

FV

& R

LFA

Lh

old

ers

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Ob

tain

exp

ort

accr

edit

atio

nM

eet

Co

mm

on

wea

lth

gu

idel

ines

fo

r ec

olo

gic

ally

sust

ain

able

fis

hin

g

Ho

ld b

rief

ing

mee

tin

gs

and

pre

par

esu

bm

issi

on

to

En

vir

on

men

t A

ust

rali

a C

om

ple

te20

03/0

4F

V25

Mai

nta

inse

afo

od

sup

pli

es

Pro

mo

te t

he

rock

lo

bst

erin

du

stry

, en

sure

fo

od

hea

lth

stan

dar

ds

and

im

pro

ve

uti

lisa

tio

n a

nd

mar

ket

ing

of

by-p

rod

uct

sp

ecie

s

Dev

elo

p a

nd

im

ple

men

t th

e V

icto

rian

sea

foo

dst

rate

gy.

Im

ple

men

t ex

ten

sio

n,

edu

cati

on

an

dp

ub

lici

ty s

trat

egy

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

FC

C,

SIV

, F

VW

ith

in p

rog

ram

bu

dg

et

En

cou

rag

eco

mp

etit

ion

an

dm

ark

et f

orc

esw

ith

in t

he

ESD

con

text

by

imp

lem

enti

ng

the

Vic

tori

anG

ov

ern

men

t’s

resp

on

se t

o N

CP

Mai

nta

in l

icen

sin

gar

ran

gem

ents

th

at a

llo

w a

cces

sli

cen

ces,

po

t en

titl

emen

ts a

nd

qu

ota

wit

hin

eac

h z

on

e to

be

ind

epen

den

tly t

rad

eab

le

Man

agem

ent

of

lice

nsi

ng

arr

ang

emen

ts,

dev

elo

pm

ent

of

arra

ng

emen

ts f

or

tem

po

rary

tran

sfer

of

po

ts

Co

mp

lete

2003

/04

FV

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Min

imis

e re

stri

ctio

ns

on

po

ten

titl

emen

tsA

lter

th

e re

gu

lati

on

s as

soci

ated

wit

h m

inim

um

and

max

imu

m p

ot

nu

mb

ers

and

rem

ov

e th

ere

gu

lati

on

s re

lati

ng

to

th

e A

po

llo

Bay

Pad

do

ck50

po

t zo

ne

by N

ov

emb

er 2

007

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

Co

mp

lete

2006

/07

FV

5

36

Page 46: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

37

Tab

le 9

. (c

onti

nu

ed)

Go

als

Str

ateg

yR

equ

ired

Man

agem

ent

Act

ion

Sch

edu

leR

esp

on

sib

ilit

yE

stim

ated

Co

st&

Ob

ject

ives

x $,

000

Go

al 2

. R

eso

urc

e A

cces

s an

d U

tili

sati

on

2a)

Pro

mo

te c

om

mer

cial

use

fo

r ec

on

om

ic p

rosp

erit

y

Mo

nit

or

and

rev

iew

nat

ion

alan

d i

nte

rnat

ion

al r

esea

rch

fin

din

gs

Iden

tify

aqu

acu

ltu

reo

pp

ort

un

itie

s

Pre

par

e a

lite

ratu

re r

evie

w;

liai

se w

ith

RL

EA

San

d i

mp

lem

ent

pu

bli

city

an

d e

du

cati

on

stra

teg

y. E

nco

ura

ge

the

fish

ing

an

daq

uac

ult

ure

in

du

stry

to

par

tici

pat

e in

rese

arch

an

d d

evel

op

men

t

Ev

ery t

hre

ey

ears

fro

m20

02/0

3

FV

, F

RD

C,

RL

EA

S,

VA

CW

ith

in p

rog

ram

bu

dg

et

2b)

Pro

vid

e re

crea

tio

nal

op

po

rtu

nit

ies

Mai

nta

inre

sou

rce

acce

ssfo

r d

iver

s an

dn

on

-div

ers

Imp

rov

e re

crea

tio

nal

acc

ess

by r

e-b

uil

din

g t

he

sto

cks

Ho

ld T

AC

Fo

rum

, fa

cili

tate

co

nsu

ltat

ion

pro

cess

, an

d e

nco

ura

ge

stak

eho

lder

par

tici

pat

ion

An

nu

alV

RF

ish

, SD

FV

, F

VIn

clu

ded

ab

ov

e

Co

nti

nu

e to

all

ow

act

ive

recr

eati

on

al f

ish

ing

met

ho

ds

Dev

elo

p a

nd

im

ple

men

t a

cod

e o

f p

ract

ice

that

is

con

sist

ent

wit

h E

SD

On

-go

ing

FV

, V

RF

ish

, SD

FV

,F

CC

No

co

st

En

cou

rag

e n

on

-co

nsu

mp

tiv

eu

se t

hro

ug

h a

cces

s fo

r d

iver

sto

no

-tak

e ar

eas

Lia

ise

wit

h P

ark

s V

icto

ria

and

im

ple

men

tp

ub

lici

ty a

nd

ed

uca

tio

n s

trat

egy

On

-go

ing

DSE

, P

ark

sV

icto

ria,

VR

Fis

h,

SD

FV

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Man

age

the

recr

eati

on

alca

tch

wit

hin

the

TA

C

Qu

anti

fy t

he

recr

eati

on

alca

tch

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

Co

mp

lete

2004

/05

Dev

elo

p l

icen

sin

g a

rran

gem

ents

an

d a

dat

abas

e th

at w

ill

enab

le c

ost

eff

ecti

ve

surv

eys

and

cat

ch e

stim

atio

n

FV

, V

Rfi

sh,

SD

FV

100

Un

der

tak

e an

nu

al s

urv

eys

to e

stim

ate

the

recr

eati

on

al c

atch

Co

mm

ence

2005

/06

MA

FR

I50

0

Rev

iew

th

e d

aily

bag

lim

itan

d a

dju

st t

he

leg

alm

inim

um

len

gth

, b

ag l

imit

s,cl

ose

d s

easo

ns

and

are

as,

and

fis

hin

g m

eth

od

s as

req

uir

ed

Fac

ilit

ate

con

sult

atio

n p

roce

ss,

pre

par

e R

IS,

chan

ge

reg

ula

tio

ns

as r

equ

ired

, im

ple

men

tp

ub

lici

ty a

nd

ed

uca

tio

n s

trat

egy,

im

ple

men

tco

mp

lian

ce s

trat

egy

Co

mm

ence

2007

/08

FV

, V

Rfi

sh,

SD

FV

As

abo

ve

Page 47: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Tab

le 9

. (c

onti

nu

ed)

Go

als

Str

ateg

yR

equ

ired

Man

agem

ent

Act

ion

Sch

edu

leR

esp

on

sib

ilit

yE

stim

ated

Co

st&

Ob

ject

ives

x $,

000

Go

al 2

. R

eso

urc

e A

cces

s an

d U

tili

sati

on

2c)

Pro

vid

e o

pp

ort

un

itie

s fo

r in

dig

eno

us

com

mu

nit

ies

to a

cces

s th

e re

sou

rce

for

trad

itio

nal

pu

rpo

ses

Pro

vid

e eq

uit

able

rep

rese

nta

tio

n i

nco

-man

agem

ent

Fac

ilit

ate

con

sult

atio

n p

roce

ssA

nn

ual

FV

, F

CC

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Op

po

rtu

nit

ies

for

reso

urc

eac

cess

fo

r tr

adit

ion

al p

urp

ose

sIs

sue

Gen

eral

Fis

her

ies

Per

mit

s fo

r cu

ltu

ral

and

cer

emo

nia

l p

urp

ose

sA

nn

ual

FV

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Pro

vid

e fi

sher

ies

man

agem

ent

adv

ice

on

med

iati

on

of

nat

ive

titl

e cl

aim

sA

s re

qu

ired

FV

, F

CC

d)

En

sure

eq

uit

y f

or

futu

re g

ener

atio

ns

Re-

bu

ild

th

est

ock

s to

40%

of

the

1951

bio

mas

s

Man

age

the

com

mer

cial

an

dre

crea

tio

nal

fis

her

ies

wit

hin

TA

C a

nd

min

imis

e il

leg

alca

tch

es t

o p

rev

ent

ov

erfi

shin

g

Ho

ld T

AC

Fo

rum

, fa

cili

tate

co

nsu

ltat

ion

pro

cess

, en

cou

rag

e st

akeh

old

er p

arti

cip

atio

nA

nn

ual

FV

& p

eak

bo

die

sIn

clu

ded

ab

ov

e

Mo

nit

ori

ng

of

rock

lo

bst

er s

tock

s in

MP

As

to a

sses

s th

eir

con

trib

uti

on

in

re-

bu

ild

ing

the

reso

urc

e

An

nu

alM

AF

RI,

DSE

,P

ark

s V

icto

ria

360

Co

nse

rve

mar

ine

eco

syst

ems

Use

en

vir

on

men

tall

y b

enig

nfi

shin

g m

eth

od

s an

dm

ain

tain

eff

ecti

ve

wo

rkin

gre

lati

on

ship

s w

ith

oth

erG

ov

ern

men

t ag

enci

es

Est

abli

sh e

ffec

tiv

e co

mp

lian

ce s

trat

egie

s to

pre

ven

t fi

shin

g i

n M

PA

sA

nn

ual

DSE

, P

ark

sV

icto

ria

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Iden

tify

res

po

nsi

bil

ity a

nd

pro

cess

fo

ren

gag

ing

oth

er G

ov

ern

men

t ag

enci

es i

n t

he

dev

elo

pm

ent

and

im

ple

men

tati

on

of

new

stra

teg

ies

and

po

lici

es f

or

the

mar

ine

env

iro

nm

ent

An

nu

alF

V,

DSE

, P

ark

sV

icto

ria,

EA

38

Page 48: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Tab

le 9

. (c

onti

nu

ed)

Go

als

Str

ateg

yR

equ

ired

Man

agem

ent

Act

ion

Sch

edu

leR

esp

on

sib

ilit

yE

stim

ated

Co

st&

Ob

ject

ives

x $,

000

Go

al 3

. E

ffec

tiv

e F

ish

ery

Man

agem

ent

3a)

Mo

nit

or

fish

erie

s p

erfo

rman

ce a

nd

im

ple

men

t o

f m

anag

emen

t ar

ran

gem

ents

Co

nti

nu

e h

igh

qu

alit

ym

on

ito

rin

g,

rese

arch

an

das

sess

men

t

Rev

iew

pri

ori

ties

an

d p

rov

ide

rese

arch

fu

nd

ing

Co

nsu

lt w

ith

th

e F

CC

su

b-c

om

mit

tee,

par

tici

pat

e in

VR

FR

AC

mee

tin

gs,

lia

ise

wit

hF

RD

C a

nd

pre

par

e re

sear

ch s

trat

egie

s an

dfu

nd

ing

pro

po

sals

An

nu

alM

AF

RI,

FC

C,

FR

DC

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Imp

rov

e d

ata

coll

ecti

on

met

ho

ds

for

by-

catc

h a

nd

by-p

rod

uct

Mo

nit

ori

ng

of

inte

ract

ion

sw

ith

mar

ine

wil

dli

fe

En

sure

th

at a

ccu

rate

rec

ord

s ar

e p

rov

ided

by

the

ind

ust

ry w

ith

in

dep

end

ent

ob

serv

atio

ns

for

val

idat

ion

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

FV

, M

AF

RI,

RL

FAL

ho

lder

sW

ith

in p

rog

ram

bu

dg

et o

rin

clu

ded

ab

ov

e

En

cou

rag

e in

du

stry

to

par

tici

pat

e in

wil

dli

fere

sear

ch p

rog

ram

sO

n-g

oin

gM

AF

RI,

SIV

, F

CC

,R

LFA

L h

old

ers

Est

imat

e th

e il

leg

al c

atch

Co

nd

uct

res

earc

h,

anal

yse

in

form

atio

nco

llec

ted

by f

ish

erie

s o

ffic

ers,

pre

par

ere

po

rts

on

law

en

forc

emen

t ac

tiv

itie

s an

dle

vel

s o

f co

mp

lian

ce

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

Co

mp

lete

2005

/06

FV

, M

AF

RI

20

Res

earc

h c

oll

abo

rati

on

wit

ho

ther

ag

enci

esP

rov

isio

n o

f sc

ien

tifi

c an

d p

oli

cy a

dv

ice

on

by-c

atch

sp

ecie

s, e

xo

tic

spec

ies,

en

dan

ger

edsp

ecie

s an

d m

arin

e w

ild

life

in

tera

ctio

ns

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

Co

mp

lete

2006

/07

MA

FR

I, F

V,

EA

,in

ters

tate

fis

her

ies

agen

cies

, C

SIR

O,

Art

hu

r R

yla

hIn

stit

ute

, P

hil

lip

Isla

nd

Nat

ure

Par

k&

Un

iver

siti

es

50

Dev

elo

p t

imel

yan

d c

ost

effe

ctiv

em

anag

emen

tar

ran

gem

ents

Rev

iew

man

agem

ent

bas

edo

n t

he

sto

ck a

sses

smen

t,T

AC

Fo

rum

an

dm

anag

emen

t ac

tio

ns

Am

end

leg

isla

tio

n a

cco

rdin

g t

o t

he

RL

FM

Pan

d p

rep

are

RIS

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

FV

100

Est

abli

sh a

rran

gem

ents

fo

r in

ter

stat

e la

nd

ing

san

d a

sso

ciat

ed m

eth

od

s fo

r co

mp

lian

ceC

om

men

ce20

03/0

4F

V

Pre

par

e q

uo

ta o

rder

s; r

enew

lic

ence

s w

ith

qu

ota

no

tice

sA

nn

ual

FV

Co

nti

nu

e to

im

pro

ve

met

ho

ds

of

rep

ort

ing

to

the

QM

SC

om

men

ce20

03/0

4F

V

39

Page 49: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Tab

le 9

. (c

onti

nu

ed)

Go

als

Str

ateg

yR

equ

ired

Man

agem

ent

Act

ion

Sch

edu

leR

esp

on

sib

ilit

yE

stim

ated

Co

st&

Ob

ject

ives

x $,

000

Go

al 3

. E

ffec

tiv

e F

ish

ery

Man

agem

ent

3a)

Mo

nit

or

fish

erie

s p

erfo

rman

ce a

nd

im

ple

men

t o

f m

anag

emen

t ar

ran

gem

ents

Rep

ort

an

nu

ally

on

im

ple

men

tati

on

pro

gre

ssF

V &

FC

CC

om

men

ce20

03/0

4F

V,

FC

C,

SIV

,V

RF

ish

Co

mp

lete

th

e co

nsu

ltat

ion

an

d p

lan

nin

gre

vie

w p

roce

ss d

uri

ng

th

e la

st y

ear

of

the

RL

FM

P

Co

mp

lete

2007

/08

FV

, F

CC

, p

eak

bo

die

s

3b)

Pro

mo

te s

tak

eho

lder

par

tici

pat

ion

in

dec

isio

n m

akin

g

Pro

vid

eo

pp

ort

un

itie

sfo

r st

akeh

old

erp

arti

cip

atio

n

An

eff

ecti

ve

and

tra

nsp

aren

tco

-man

agem

ent

pro

cess

Pre

par

e an

an

nu

al p

rog

ress

rep

ort

on

th

eim

ple

men

tati

on

of

the

RL

FM

P, r

esea

rch

an

dm

on

ito

rin

g,

and

co

mp

lian

ce a

nd

ed

uca

tio

nst

rate

gie

s

An

nu

alF

V,

FC

C &

pea

kb

od

ies

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

Inv

olv

e st

akeh

old

ers

in s

tock

ass

essm

ent

wo

rksh

op

s an

d r

esea

rch

An

nu

alM

AF

RI

& p

eak

bo

die

sW

ith

in p

rog

ram

bu

dg

et

Est

abli

sh t

he

TA

C F

oru

m w

ith

eq

uit

able

rep

rese

nta

tio

n o

f st

akeh

old

ers

An

nu

alF

V &

pea

k b

od

ies

Est

abli

sh a

n a

nn

ual

man

agem

ent

wo

rksh

op

for

ind

ust

ry,

man

ager

s an

d f

ish

erie

s o

ffic

ers

An

nu

alF

V,

SIV

En

cou

rag

e th

e fi

shin

g i

nd

ust

ry a

nd

th

ere

crea

tio

nal

sec

tor

to d

evel

op

an

d c

om

ply

wit

h c

od

es o

f p

ract

ice

that

co

mp

lem

ents

fish

ery a

nd

wil

dli

fe m

anag

emen

t

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

Pea

k b

od

ies,

FC

C,

FV

, D

SE

Dev

elo

p t

imel

yan

d c

ost

effe

ctiv

em

anag

emen

tar

ran

gem

ents

Rev

iew

man

agem

ent

bas

edo

n t

he

sto

ck a

sses

smen

t,T

AC

Fo

rum

an

dm

anag

emen

t ac

tio

ns

Rai

seco

mm

un

ity

sup

po

rt f

or

com

pli

ance

wit

h t

he

law

and

res

earc

h

En

cou

rag

e th

e co

mm

un

ity t

ore

po

rt o

ffen

ces

See

k p

erm

issi

on

to

pu

bli

sh l

ists

of

po

ten

titl

emen

ts a

nd

qu

ota

ho

ldin

gs

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

FV

, R

LFA

L h

old

ers

5

En

cou

rag

e p

arti

cip

atio

n i

nre

sear

ch,

sto

ck a

sses

smen

tm

eeti

ng

s, T

AC

Fo

rum

an

dm

anag

emen

t w

ork

sho

ps

Pro

vid

e in

form

atio

n o

n r

esea

rch

pro

gre

ss,

sto

ck a

sses

smen

t an

d e

ffec

tiv

ely d

isse

min

ate

rese

arch

res

ult

s

An

nu

alM

AF

RI

Wit

hin

pro

gra

mb

ud

get

40

Page 50: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Tab

le 9

. (c

onti

nu

ed)

Go

als

Str

ateg

yR

equ

ired

Man

agem

ent

Act

ion

Sch

edu

leR

esp

on

sib

ilit

yE

stim

ated

Co

st&

Ob

ject

ives

x $,

000

Go

al 3

. E

ffec

tiv

e F

ish

ery

Man

agem

ent

3c)

En

sure

co

mp

lian

ce w

ith

leg

isla

tio

n

Rai

se p

ub

lic

aw

aren

ess

of

fish

erie

sre

gu

lati

on

s an

dp

enal

ties

Dev

elo

p a

nd

im

ple

men

t an

effe

ctiv

e co

mp

lian

ce s

trat

egy

Fre

qu

ent

insp

ecti

on

s o

f ca

tch

es,

reco

rds,

co

ffs

and

lan

din

gs

An

nu

alF

V60

Dev

elo

p a

nd

im

ple

men

t st

rate

gie

s to

op

tim

ise

com

pli

ance

wit

h c

om

mer

cial

an

d r

ecre

atio

nal

fish

ing

reg

ula

tio

ns

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

FV

, F

CC

& p

eak

bo

die

s

Qu

anti

fy a

nd

cat

ego

rise

th

e il

leg

al c

atch

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

Co

mp

lete

2005

/06

FV

, M

AF

RI

Gat

her

in

tell

igen

ce a

nd

un

der

tak

e in

ves

tig

atio

ns

An

nu

alF

V

Ap

pre

hen

d a

nd

pro

secu

te o

ffen

der

sA

nn

ual

FV

Pre

par

e an

nu

al r

epo

rts

on

co

mp

lian

ce l

evel

san

d l

aw e

nfo

rcem

ent

acti

vit

ies

An

nu

alF

V

Rev

iew

fu

nd

ing

pri

ori

ties

fo

r co

mm

un

ity

edu

cati

on

an

d c

om

pli

ance

An

nu

alF

V

Pu

bli

sh i

nfo

rmat

ion

fro

m c

ou

rt c

ases

in

vo

lvin

gfi

sher

ies

off

ence

s, c

on

vic

tio

ns

and

fin

esA

nn

ual

FV

3d)

Pro

vid

e a

pu

bli

c in

form

atio

n s

erv

ice

Rai

se p

ub

lic

aw

aren

ess

of

fish

erie

sis

sues

Dev

elo

p a

co

mm

un

icat

ion

stra

teg

yP

rod

uce

hig

h q

ual

ity i

nfo

rmat

ion

an

dd

isse

min

ate

usi

ng

th

e D

PI

web

site

an

d a

var

iety

of

oth

er m

edia

An

nu

alF

V25 20

Inte

gra

te i

nfo

rmat

ion

in

to t

each

ing

pro

gra

ms

at t

he

Mar

ine

Dis

cov

ery C

entr

eas

ap

pro

pri

ate

Co

mm

ence

2003

/04

MA

FR

I

To

tal

Ad

dit

ion

al c

ost

s fo

r im

ple

men

tati

on

ov

er5

yea

rs2,

000

41

Page 51: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Appendix 1: Ministerial Guidelines

MINISTERIAL GUIDELINES PURSUANT TO SECTION 28(2) OF THE FISHERIES ACT 1995

I, Candy Broad, Minister for Energy and Resources, issue the following guidelines with respect to thepreparation of a management plan for the Victorian rock lobster fishery.

Fisheries Victoria will be responsible for the preparation of the Management Plan. The FisheriesCo-Management Council will oversee the process of preparing the Management Plan, in consultationwith the relevant Fishery Committees.

The Management Plan will be prepared in consultation with all major stakeholder groups, includingcommercial, recreational, traditional, conservation and aquaculture interests.

1. The Plan will define the process for reviewing management arrangements for the fishery includingthe total allowable catch (TAC), size limits and closed seasons.

2. The Plan will take account of Environment Australia’s guidelines for assessing the ecologicallysustainable management of fisheries.

3. The Plan will be consistent with the Victorian Government Response to the National CompetitionPolicy (NCP) Review of the Fisheries Act 1995, released in December 2001.

(a) The Plan will address the need to define a threshold limit for the total allowable catch (TAC) ineach zone above which mechanisms such as auctions, tender, or ballot should be considered forthe allocation of increases in the TAC.

(b) The Plan will address issues relating to pot limits in the rock lobster fishery under an ITQ systemand the relationship between the pot entitlement on a RLFAL and the number of ITQ units heldon that licence.

4. The Plan will review the management zones within the fishery including:

(a) The 50 pot zone within the Western Zone known as the Apollo Bay ‘Paddock’

(b) The area in the Eastern Zone known as the ‘Eastern Corridor’

(c) The possible creation of a separate ‘Far Eastern Zone’

5. The Plan will review arrangements, including compliance, relating to rock lobsters taken fromVictorian waters being landed at ports in another State.

6. The Plan will review the management arrangements for the recreational rock lobster fishery,including the use of hookah equipment for recreational purposes.

7. The Plan will review interstate and overseas policies in examining the potential opportunities foraquaculture of rock lobsters.

42

Page 52: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

43

Appendix 2: Fishery Strengths, Weakness,Opportunities and Threats

Strengths• Good research-based knowledge of the rock

lobster resource and fishery

• Long term stability of the resource

• Resilience of the fishery with strongcapabilities of recovery

• Rock lobster stocks are responsive to fisherymanagement measures

• Single species, well targeted fishery withminimal by-catch issues

• Harvesting techniques have negligibleenvironment threat

• High market demand – highly sought afterspecies

• Harvesting occurs in an uncontaminated and‘disease free’ environment

• High value ‘profitable’ commodity

• Strong community connections

Weakness• Limited knowledge of the recreational catch

• Lack of knowledge about the illegal catch

• Fishing capacity is excessive

• Strategy for improving compliance with thelaw is lacking

• Complicated life cycle impedes progress inaquaculture development

• Industry cohesion is lacking and zone / portassociations are ineffective

• Ineffective consultation with fishers and aperception that co-management is failing

• A lack of a strategic plan and insufficientresources

• Domestic and overseas buyers control theinternational market

• A lack of socio-economic research formanagement information

Opportunities• Science and research will increase knowledge

of the resource and marine environment

• With monitoring, MPAs could provide stockassessment opportunities

• Increased yield in the Western and EasternZone from stock rebuilding

• Increased catch rates in both zones and longterm sustainability of the industry

• Opportunities to increase production throughresource enhancement

• Development of new technologies mayincrease lobster production from aquaculturein the future

• Re-building of stakeholder confidence toimprove co-management relationships

• Secure fishing property rights that encourageindustry to participate in stock re-building

• ESD accreditation and increased exportrevenues from Asia, USA and Europe

• Local economy from rural employment,coastal infrastructure, and seafoodconsumption

Perceived threats• Fishing effort displaced by MPAs may retard

the stock re-building

• Unforseen consequence of quotas – eg sexratio, fishery structure, socio-economicfactors

• Environmental threats from degraded waterquality and reef habitat and ecosystem threatsfrom the introduction or translocation ofexotic pest species (flora and fauna)

• A lack of industry support and incentive tocomply with management measures

• Unknown and increasing impacts of illegalfishing from a lack of compliance activities

• Rising costs (labour, harbour, fuel, boats),access to bait supplies, loss of fishing skills

• NCP implementation (eg cost recovery)

• Lack of rural investment in ports,infrastructure and aquaculture development

• Effects of volatile exchange rates, exportconditions on the international marketdemand

Page 53: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Appendix 3: Acronyms

BAP By-catch Action Plan

CL Carapace Length

CRLGCFC Commercial Rock Lobster and Giant Crab Fishery Committee (FCC)

DPI Department of Primary Industries

DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment

EA Environment Australia

ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development

EZ Eastern Zone

FCC Fisheries Co-Management Council

FRDC Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

FV Fisheries Victoria

LML Legal Minimum Length

ITQ Individual Transferable Quota Units

IVR Interactive Voice Response System for catch reporting

MAFRI Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute

mm Millimeters

MPA Marine Protected Area (Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries)

NCP National Competition Policy Review of the Fisheries Act 1995

QMS Quota Management System

RFL Recreational Fishing Licence

RLEAS Rock Lobster Enhancement and Aquaculture Sub-Program of FRDC

RLFAG Rock Lobster Fishery Assessment Group

RLFAL Rock Lobster Fishery Access Licence

RLFMP Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

RMC Recreational Marine Committee (FCC)

RIS Regulatory Impact Statement

SCUBA Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

SIV Seafood Industries Victoria

SOM Size of Maturity

SWOT Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

TAC Total Allowable Catch

TACC Total Allowable Commercial Catch

TARC Total Allowable Recreational Catch

VAC Victorian Aquaculture Council

VNPA Victorian National Parks Association

VRFish Victorian Recreational Fishing Advisory Peak Body

VRFRAC Victorian Recreational Fisheries Revenue Allocation Committee

WZ Western Zone

44

Page 54: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

45

Appendix 4: Definition of Terms

AquacultureFarming of aquatic plants or animals.

Available biomassThe proportion of the rock lobster stock abovethe legal size.

Biological diversity/biodiversityThe variability among living organisms inmarine and other aquatic ecosystems and theecological complexes including diversity withinspecies and between species, and diversity ofecosystems.

By-catchNon target species that are discarded from thecatch or retained for scientific purposes, and thatpart of the “catch” that is not landed but is killedas a result of interaction with fishing gear. Thisincludes discards of commercial species.

By-productSpecies that are used or landed, but are not theprime target species of the fishing operation.

CarapaceA hard bony or chitinous outer covering, such asthe fused dorsal plates of a turtle or the portionof the exoskeleton covering the head and thoraxof a crustacean.

CoffA sea cage used to store rock lobsters alive.

CommunityAssociations of plants and animals that inhabit aparticular habitat and are ecologically dependenton each other.

ConsultTo seek information or advice.

Continental shelfThe seabed from the shore to the edge of thecontinental slope.

Continental slopeThe outer edge of the continental shelf from the200m depth contour to the ocean floor.

CrayfishAlternative common name for rock lobster.

CrustaceanAnimals belonging to the class Crustacea. Theseanimals live in water, and have a hardexoskeleton and jointed limbs.

Ecologically Sustainable DevelopmentThe use of natural resources within theircapacity to sustain natural processes whilemaintaining the life-support systems of natureand ensuring that the benefit of the use to thepresent generation does not diminish thepotential to meet the needs and aspirations offuture generations.

Ecologically viable stockThe maintenance of the exploited population athigh levels of abundance designed to maintainproductivity, provide margins of safety for errorand uncertainty and maintain yields over thelong term in a way that conserves the ecologicalrole and function of the stock in the ecosystem.

EcosystemThe physical, chemical and biologicalenvironment of a community and the ecologicalinteractions between organisms and theenvironment.

EndemicAny species that is of natural origin to a location.

Exotic SpeciesAny species that is not of natural origin to alocation.

Fecund/FecundityThe number of eggs carried on setae under thetail of females in berry.

FisheryThe taking of fish described by reference tolocation, the species taken, the gear used and/orthe purpose of the fishery.

Fishery ResourcesThe stock or stocks that support the fishery.

Fishing effortThe time spent fishing with a type or unit offishing gear.

Page 55: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

FunctionRelationships between components of theecosystem, without which individuals could notsurvive and/or reproduce eg protection forjuveniles provided by marine plants; trophicrelationships.

HabitatThe area where an organism lives including thecomponents of the ecosystem that supports eachlife stages.

Input ControlsIndirect restraints on the catch includingregulation of the amount or type of fishing gear(eg. numbers of pots) and fishing period (eg.closed seasons).

InvertebrateAnimal lacking a backbone or spinal column.

Larvae1) The newly hatched, earliest life stage of

animals that undergo metamorphosis,differing markedly in form and appearancefrom the adult.

2) Early life stages of rock lobsters are alsoknown as phyllosomes and puerulus.

Limited Entry FisheryA fishery where the number of operators or vesselsis restricted to control the amount of fishing.

Output ControlsA direct limit on the catch by the fishery (eg. atotal allowable catch) or by an access licenceholder (eg. ITQs).

Overfishing1) Recruitment overfishing - where or when fishing

activities cause a reduction in recruitment insucceeding years and cause the mortality of toomany fish in total, too many pre-productivefish, or too many fish that have only spawneda few times. The end result is that the stockcan no longer replenish itself adequately.

2) Growth overfishing - where or when fishingactivities lead to a reduction in the size of theindividuals of a species, as a consequence ofwhich few grow to the size required for theoptimum yield to be obtained.

Phyllosome/PhyllosomaInitial stages of larval development of the rocklobster.

Precautionary ApproachUsed to implement the precautionary principle;An assessment of the risk-weightedconsequences of the various options.

Precautionary PrincipleThe lack of full scientific certainty should not beused as a reason for postponing a measure toprevent degradation of the environment wherethere are threats of serious or irreversibleenvironmental damage.

PuerulusFinal stage in the larval development of the rocklobster.

Reference PointAn indicator level of fishing (or stock size) to beused as a benchmark for assessment or decisionmaking.

Sexual MaturityThe size of onset of sexual maturity is equivalentto the size at which 50% are mature.

Spawning BiomassThe proportion of the stock above the size atonset of sexual maturity.

StakeholderAn individual or organisation with a vestedinterest or an historical association with the rocklobster resources in Victoria; The peak bodiesrecognised in the Fisheries Act 1995 represent themajority of stakeholders.

StockA reproductively isolated population or a groupof individuals in a defined spatial range with alow rate of exchange with others of the species.

SustainabilityA characteristic of a process or a state that can bemaintained indefinitely.

TAC ForumAnnual open meeting after the stock assessmentto provide recommendations for the totalallowable catch; Participants will include anindependent chairman, members of thecommercial rock lobster and giant crab fisherycommittee, representatives of peak bodies,observers and the DPI staff (policy, compliance,and research).

Total Allowable Catch (TAC)The total allowable catch of rock lobsters from allsectors.

Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC)The total weight of rock lobsters that may belanded within a quota period by the commercialfishery according to the final quota order.

Total Allowable Recreational Catch (TARC)The total weight of rock lobsters taken by therecreational fishery.

46

Page 56: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Appendix 5: Review of Interstate andInternational Aquaculture Policies

IntroductionThere is considerable interest worldwide in rocklobster aquaculture due to the high demand andvalue of all species. Most Australian rock lobsterfisheries are fully exploited and the capacity toincrease production from capture fisheries islimited. However, there is potential to increaserock lobster production and value usingaquaculture. In a few countries, such as Vietnam,there is already considerable production andmarketing of tropical lobsters that are on-grownfrom puerulus and juveniles taken from the sea.A review of the extensive aquaculture researchon the southern rock lobster and other speciesthat has been conducted in Australia and NewZealand is outlined below.

New ZealandRock lobster aquaculture in New Zealand isbased on the collection of puerulus from the sea.The rationale behind this technique is the highmortality (75-97%) during settlement in the wild,whereas mortality in tanks can be lower than 5%with good husbandry. In order to maintainbiological neutrality with the wild fishery, threecompanies have participated in a quota buy-outscheme in return for puerulus collection licences.This entitled the companies to collect 40,000puerulus for each tonne of quota with a limit of60,000 puerulus for 1.5 tonnes of quota perlicence. Commercial success has been limited bydifficulties with puerulus collection and the costof labour.

QueenslandTropical rock lobsters (Panulirus ornatus) have ashorter larval period (4-10 months) and highergrowth rates. Research partnerships between theState and the fishing industry have begun toinvestigate the propagation and on-growing oftropical lobsters by closing the life cycle.

TasmaniaRock lobster aquaculture in Tasmania is alsobased on the collection of puerulus. Thedevelopment of conditions associated with thepermits was in full consultation with the rocklobster fishing industry. A condition of thepermit stipulates that 25% of puerulus collectedare reseeded into the wild fishery as 1 year oldjuveniles. Seven permits were issued in 2001 tocollect up to 50,000 puerulus at a cost of $5000per licence. These are issued on an annual basisand are subject to review. The intention is todevelop on-growing systems for rock lobster inanticipation of advances in hatchery technologythat may enable eggs to be hatched and on-grown. Most of the puerulus collected so farhave been used in on-growing and reseedingresearch rather than commercial production.

South AustraliaSea cages and land-based rock lobsteraquaculture activities in South Australia havebeen used for on-growing and value adding toadult wild-caught lobsters by weight gain andcolour enhancement. There is potential toachieve weight gains of around 20% by growingthe animals through the annual moult,representing a 60% return on investment.However, there were problems with mortalityand tail fan necrosis. There were also difficultiesassociated with lease renewals for cage culture atsea so the trials have moved to onshore facilities.

Western Australia and NorthernTerritoryThere is also considerable interest in on-growingof tropical lobster puerulus captured inassociation with pearl oyster culture and someinterest in on-growing puerulus of Western rocklobsters (Panulirus cygnus).

47

Page 57: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Appendix 6: Research Priorities for theVictorian Rock Lobster Resource(Modified Rock Lobster Program of the FCC Research Committee 5-year Research Plan)

Future Research & Monitoring Needs Priority

Sub-program: Fisheries Assessment and Biology

1 Commercial fishery monitoring including detailed analyses of catch and Essentialeffort, on board and port sampling for size and sex composition, and tagand release

2 Cost-effective means of obtaining robust estimates of the recreational catch Essential

3 Increased industry participation in data collection High

4 Fishery-independent estimation of rock lobster abundance Essential

5 Continued development of quantitative assessment models with emphasis on Essentialrisk assessment

6 Rock lobster spatial dynamics, including variations in growth and mortality rates Medium

7 Periodic survey of technological change in the rock lobster industry and Highits influence on fishing effort estimation

8 Effective puerulus collection techniques and strategies and the use of Mediumpuerulus distribution and abundance as an index of recruitment

9 The relationship between rock lobster stock and recruitment and its Mediumincorporation into modelling and catch projection

10 Relationship between rock lobster recruitment and oceanographic conditions Medium

11 Post puerulus rock lobster dynamics, biology and habitat preferences Medium

12 Quantification of discarded and damaged rock lobsters and estimates of mortality High

Sub-program: Habitat and Ecology

13 Development of robust environmental sustainability indicators High

14 Definition and mapping of rock lobster habitats Medium

15 The interaction between rock lobsters and other species such as abalone Mediumand urchins

16 Assessment of the impact of MPAs on rock lobster sustainability and yields High

17 Assessment of by-product, by-catch and threatened, endangered and Highprotected species

48

Page 58: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Future Research & Monitoring Needs Priority

Sub-program: Socio-economics and Management

18 Development of performance indicators and reference points for Highmanagement objectives

19 Changes in rock lobster fishing practices following the introduction Mediumof output controls and their impact on industry efficiency andsubsequent assessment

20 Changes in ‘structure’ of ownership/licenses – industry profile Medium

21 Estimation of illegal harvest High

22 Rock lobster management strategy evaluation modelling High

23 Economic assessment and evaluation of the economic and social aspects Mediumof restructuring

24 Determination of community attitudes and requirements for resource allocation Low

25 Periodic assessment of community awareness of Fisheries Victoria’s fisheries Lowmanagement programs and the nature of the program’s image

Aquaculture

26 Monitor the development of aquaculture techniques and assess opportunities Medium

49

Page 59: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Appendix 7: References

Hobday, D.K. and Smith, D.C. (2003). RockLobster – 2001. Compiled by the Rock LobsterStock Assessment Group. Fisheries VictoriaAssessment Report No. 44 (Fisheries Victoria:East Melbourne).

Hobday, D.K. and Punt, A.E. (2001). Length-structured population modelling and riskassessment of the Victorian southern rocklobster, Jasus edwardsii, fishery. Marine andFreshwater Research 52, 1495-1507.

50

Page 60: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

Appendix 8: Submissions received duringthe period of public consultation

No. Name Title & Affiliation

1. John Sherwood Chair, Fisheries Co-Management Council

2. Tia Navanteri Chair, Commercial Rock Lobster and Giant Crab FisheryCommittee, Fisheries Co-Management Council

3. John Hawkins Recreational Marine Committee

4. Steve Dunn Director, NSW Fisheries

5. Victoria Wilkinson Acting Assistant Director, Sustainable Fisheries Section,Environment Australia

6. Ross McGowan Executive Director, Seafood Industry Victoria

7. Pat Washington OAM Chairman VRFish

8. Daniel Grimm Vice President – Communications, Scuba Divers Federationof Victoria

9. Chris Smyth Marine Campaign Officer, Victorian National ParksAssociation

10. Lee Everett Rock Lobster Fishery Access Licence Holder, Eastern Zone

11. Russell Barwick Rock Lobster Fishery Access Licence Holder, Eastern Zone

12. John Barrett Rock Lobster Fishery Access Licence Holder, Eastern Zone

13. John Black Rock Lobster Fishery Access Licence Holder, Eastern Zone

14. Matt Edmunds Australian Marine Ecology, Consultant

15. Ian Voight Regional Manager SW Region, Department of PrimaryIndustries

16. Margie Morrice & Peter Gill Whale Ecology Group, School of Ecology and Environment,Deakin University

51

Page 61: Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan · diving for rock lobsters is recognised by the recreational fishing community and contributes to the tourist industry along the Victorian coast.

Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan

52

Appendix 9: Steering CommitteeMembers and Affiliations

Chair:Mr Ian CartwrightThalassa Consulting

Executive Officers:Dr Patrick CoutinMarine and Freshwater Resources Institute

Ms Majella McIntoshDPI, Fisheries Victoria

Executive AssistantsDr. James AndrewsDPI, Fisheries Victoria

Ms Serena ScopelDPI, Fisheries Victoria

Committee Members:Mr Corrie BanksFisheries Co-Management Council

Mr Russell FrostSeafood Industry Victoria

Dr Piers HartVictorian Aquaculture Council

Dr John HawkinsFisheries Co-Management Council

Mr David HobdayMarine and Freshwater Resources Institute

Mr David JohnstonSeafood Industry Victoria

Mr Peter KiddSeafood Industry Victoria

Mr Bram LePageFisheries Co-Management Council

Mr David LucasFisheries Co-Management Council

Mr Rod MacDonaldSeafood Industry Victoria

Mr David MolloyDPI, Fisheries Division

Mr Nick PolgeestSeafood Industry Victoria

Ms Lyn WarnFisheries Co-Management Council

Mr Ian WilliamsVRFish

Working Group on Stock indicators,reference points and performancemeasuresChair:Dr. David SmithMarine and Freshwater Resources Institute

Mr David HobdayMarine and Freshwater Resources Institute

Mr Bram LePageFisheries Co-Management Council

Mr David LucasFisheries Co-Management Council

Mr David MolloyDPI, Fisheries Division

Editor:Dr Patrick CoutinMarine and Freshwater Resources Institute