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Where are the research results?
Date: Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Letter to the Editor - Geraldton Guardian
from Department of Fisheries CEO, Stuart Smith
I am writing in response to the letter (Where are the research results, Geraldton Guardian, Wed 22/7/09).
There is no doubt the WA rock lobster industry is facing significant challenges, in particular adjusting to deal with the impact of three years of low to very low puerulus settlement.
These challenges are likely to continue over the coming years, with well below average catches to be expected in the next three years.
The below average catches will occur regardless of future puerulus settlement.
In response to the low settlements, during the recent season, tough management changes were introduced that successfully limited the commercial catch to less than 7,800 tonnes.
However, it is likely that further changes will be necessary in the coming season to protect the fishery’s long-term sustainability.
Contrary to claims made in the letter “Where are the research results?” the amount of scientific information available on the fishery for western rock lobster is the envy of fisheries scientists the world over, as is the capacity to predict catches three years in advance.
The work of the Department’s scientists has passed the test of national and international scrutiny.
Information relating to the development of the 2009-10 season arrangements is available on the Department of Fisheries’ website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.
Stakeholders are invited to provide written submissions by 31 July 2009.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart Smith
CEO, Department of Fisheries.
from Department of Fisheries CEO, Stuart Smith
I am writing in response to the letter (Where are the research results, Geraldton Guardian, Wed 22/7/09).
There is no doubt the WA rock lobster industry is facing significant challenges, in particular adjusting to deal with the impact of three years of low to very low puerulus settlement.
These challenges are likely to continue over the coming years, with well below average catches to be expected in the next three years.
The below average catches will occur regardless of future puerulus settlement.
In response to the low settlements, during the recent season, tough management changes were introduced that successfully limited the commercial catch to less than 7,800 tonnes.
However, it is likely that further changes will be necessary in the coming season to protect the fishery’s long-term sustainability.
Contrary to claims made in the letter “Where are the research results?” the amount of scientific information available on the fishery for western rock lobster is the envy of fisheries scientists the world over, as is the capacity to predict catches three years in advance.
The work of the Department’s scientists has passed the test of national and international scrutiny.
Information relating to the development of the 2009-10 season arrangements is available on the Department of Fisheries’ website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.
Stakeholders are invited to provide written submissions by 31 July 2009.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart Smith
CEO, Department of Fisheries.
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