Lobster pot rope requirements will now be consistent for all fishers, with the weighted rope, required under whale mitigation rules, now no longer mandatory during the peak recreational rock lobster fishing months from November to March.
The new arrangement will align with whale migration patterns and measures that apply to commercial rock lobster fishers.
A joint review between DPIRD and Recfishwest, with the help of Recfishwest’s rock lobster reference group, resulted in finding a balance that will continue to protect the whales during their peak migration periods; simplify fishing rules during the popular fishing months; and reduce the amount of lost fishing gear.
The Rock lobster recreational fishing guide has been updated to reflect these changes and is available now.
You can also check our recreational rock lobster rules changes page for information.