State Government boosts lobster supply for back-of-boat sales from 200 to 999 per trip

Seafood lovers have received an early Christmas present as the State Government announced it was boosting supply limits for back-of-boat sales of western rock lobster by five-fold to meet strong demand.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said lobsters coming from back-of-boat sales would be more readily available this spring and summer during this 2023-24 fishing season. The limit per fishing trip will be lifted from 200 lobsters to 999.

Since the initiative started in September 2020, back-of-boat sales have become a popular way for consumers to access locally-caught rock lobster. More than 207,000 lobsters have been sold, weighing more than 122 tonnes.

A total of 101 vessels have participated in the program at 21 landing areas, including Geraldton, Dongara, Kalbarri, Jurien Bay and Cervantes.

Fisheries Minister Don Punch said sustainable management of the industry had allowed the increase in lobster supply for back-of-boat sales to meet consumer demand.

“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,” he said.

“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.”