Recovery of the eastern rock lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi off New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Catch per unit effort in the fishery for eastern rock lobsters peaked in 1971–72 and then declined until 1992–93. In response to this pattern, a management package consisting of individual catch quotas, restricted entry and a legal maximum length was imposed upon the fishery. The effectiveness of these management measures to rebuild the eastern rock lobster population has been monitored annually through data collected from surveys of puerulus larvae abundance, fishery independent surveys, a compulsory logbook, observer surveys and biological studies. The total allowable commercial catch (TACC) is set annually by the TAC Committee after considering submissions from the public and industry and an annual report for the lobster fishery. The annual report prepared by government consists of an appraisal of the performance of the fishery against the objectives of the share management plan and goals of the fishery management strategy for the rock lobster fishery and includes a formal stock assessment. The trigger points behind the objectives and goals relating to the status of the stock have not been activated in the 2010–11 year. Total biomass and exploitable biomass have increased, spawner biomass has increased to now be above 25% of the pre-exploited biomass and the relative abundance of recruits (puerulus larvae) to the population is increasing. The stock is considered to be rebuilding and the resource now supports a viable fishery with an increasing share price.