- Increased limit for fresh-caught lobsters sold direct from fishers to consumers
- Commercial rock lobster fishers able to land up to 999 lobsters for 'Back-of-Boat' sales each trip
- Sustainable western rock lobster promoted at this year's Perth Royal Show
Western Australia's prized western rock lobsters will be even more readily available to WA seafood lovers, with a major boost approved for direct Back-of-Boat lobster sales this 2023-24 fishing season.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has increased the landing limit for back-of-boat sales from 200 to 999 lobsters per fishing trip.
Visitors to this year's Perth Royal Show can find out more from the Western Rock Lobster Council display in the Farm 2 Food Pavilion, with tips on how to access and prepare the fresh catch. Customers can contact fishers to order lobsters direct and pick them up fresh when the catch is landed.
Supplies from commercial rock lobster fishers will become more readily available in spring and over summer, with fishers planning for anticipated consumer demand.
The West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery continues to deliver jobs and opportunities for Western Australia.
Since the program began in September 2020, Back-of-Boat sales have become a popular channel for consumers to access locally-caught rock lobster. More than 207,000 lobsters have been sold, weighing over 122,000 kilograms.
A total of 101 vessels have participated in the program with Back-of-Boat sales at 21 landing areas, with key locations at Fremantle and Lancelin.
Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"The western rock lobster industry's commitment to sustainable management has enabled this increase in lobster supply for Back-of-Boat sales to meet WA consumer demand.
"Anyone heading to the Perth Royal Show can check out the family-friendly display with a live lobster tank, and see Buy West Eat Best WA Food Ambassador and chef Don Hancey prepare some lobster recipes and tastings at 3.30pm each day.
"We can be proud of the western rock lobster industry's achievements with this important fishery over the past 23 years, meeting the Marine Stewardship Council's high sustainability standards.
"Not only was our fishery the first in the world to achieve certification, but it was also recertified for the fifth time last year and continues to be a global leader in sustainability.
"WA's seafood lovers are the winners from this sustainable management to enjoy world-class rock lobster at its freshest, direct from the fishers."