Opportunities for Holding/Fattening/Processing & Aquaculture of Western Rock Lobster

Executive Summary

The objective of this discussion paper is to describe policy options for dealing with rock lobster enhancement, grow-out and aquaculture issues. It is designed to serve as the policy framework for dealing with future applications to hold/fatten/process and aquaculture western rock lobster and administer existing practices.

The paper will specifically address:

• rock lobster processing through the existing rock lobster industry which is site-based and has its numbers controlled through Ministerial Policy Guidelines;
• the holding and fattening of rock lobsters either through existing rock lobster fishing and processing, or through the legal purchase of rock lobsters with a view towards value adding;
• closed cycle hatchery production;
• grow-out of puerulus obtained from the wild;
• relocation of puerulus into areas of low recruitment;
• enhancement of artificial habitat so that overall rock lobster production of some areas can be increased, particularly during periods of moderate and low puerulus recruitment;
• the use of legal size animals;
• access to and use of under-size animals; and
• enhancement of existing wild capture fisheries either through relocation of puerulus or habitat enhancement