New rules for lobster fishers

New lobster pot specifications will apply to licensed recreational fishers when the 2010-11 rock lobster fishing season begins on Monday.

Department of Fisheries principal management officer Graeme Baudains reminded fishers that all batten, beehive or moulded plastic pots must have a minimum escape gap of 55mm.

“This brings the escape gaps for recreational lobster pots in line with those used by the commercial section,” Mr Baudains said.

The new specifications will enable a higher proportion of undersize rock lobsters to escape from pots to ensure long-term sustainability.

Meanwhile, the abalone fishing season has been going for just over a month. Southern Region compliance manager Steve Embling is pleased with compliance rates.

“We have not had to issue any infringements to date,” Mr Embling said.

However, Mr Embling said the department was preparing for an influx of people from the metro area once the abalone season in the West Coast Zone ended on December 5.

“This influx will be keeping us on our toes for another three to four weekends after the end of the metro season,” Mr Embling said.

He said patrols, mainly between the two capes, would help monitor fishing activity.