RECREATIONAL and professional lobster fishing ended in the Southern Zone yesterday.
The closure is part of the sustainable management arrangements for the lobster fishery and is designed to protect spawning female lobster as well as to ensure the recreational fishery operates within its allocated share of the resource.
PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture executive director Sean Sloan said the closure each year helped maintain a healthy lobster population.
“These closures are in place to protect the long-term sustainability of the fishery and to ensure the recreational fishery operates within its allocated share of the resource,” Mr Sloan said.
“I urge fishers to do the right thing and ensure you comply with the rules of the closure.
“Fisheries officers will continue to conduct patrols in coastal waters throughout the closed season, with fishers running the risk of being fined or having their pots confiscated if found in the water during the closed season.”
The 2013/14 South Australian Recreational Fishing Survey revealed more than 100,000 Southern Rock Lobster had been caught during the survey period – demonstrating the species continues to be a popular target for recreational fishers.
Favourable catch rates and good weather assisted the 181 professional lobster licence holders in the Southern Zone to catch their quota by the end of February.
A number of licence holders have told The Border Watch they were happy with the average price this season of around $80 per tonne.
