The West Coast Rock Lobster (Managed) Fishery targets the western rock lobster and forms an important sector of the State’s economy. It is Western Australia’s most valuable fishery, with an estimated value of $359 million in 2014, and has historically been Australia’s most valuable single species wild capture fishery.
The fishery operates between Shark Bay and Cape Leeuwin using baited traps (pots). There are a number of management measures in place.
The lobster catch is exported either live or frozen, as whole cooked or whole raw lobsters to Asia, the United States and Europe. There is also a small domestic market, mainly for whole cooked rock lobster.
For further information about commercial catch and effort please refer to the Status reports of the fisheries and aquatic resources of Western Australia. This publication should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report.
Management changes & COVID-19 recovery support
In September 2020, the West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery Management Plan 2012 was updated to include a number of measures to support fishers through COVID-19 recovery, as well as changes to operational arrangements for fishers.
Commercial rock lobster fishers should ensure they have read the following changes summaries:
The West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery 
Frequently Asked Questions document has also been updated to provide fishers with information on the changes.