With around 25,000 people taking about 400,000 individual rock lobsters annually, rock lobster fishing represents a major recreational activity. It provides an important social benefit to the WA community.
Most recreational rock lobster fishing occurs in inshore coastal waters between North West Cape and Augusta, mainly off the Perth metropolitan area and Geraldton.
The recreational catch is managed through a combination of measures including bag, size and possession limits. Recreational fishers must have a licence to fish for any species of rock lobster and produce it when requested to by a Fisheries and Marine Officer. Gear specifications apply.
It is prohibited to sell or use recreationally caught rock lobster for any gain or reward (including barter or exchange for other goods or services).
Information on fishing rules for rock lobster including bag and size limits can be found online and in the
Recreational fishing for rock lobster guide.