The global TAC for the previous season was set at 2426 tons.
Speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday, 6 November 2013, Steven said the apportionments had been determined following an extensive consultation process with all the affected and relevant sub-sectors in the sector.
"This was not any easy task and the department believes the following apportionment is the most equitable compromise it could reach," said Stevens.
He said the total allowable catch apportioned to the commercial offshore sub-sector is set at 1,356.56 tons and for the commercial nearshore sub-sector it is set at 451 tons. The total allowable catch apportioned for the subsistence (small-scale/interim relief) sub-sector, is set at 276 tons (138kg per fisher).
The apportionment for the recreational fishing sub-sector remains unchanged at four west coast rock lobsters per person per day for the duration of the fishing season. The number of fishing days for the 2013/2014 recreational fishing season has been determined at 26 days.
The 2013/2014 west coast rock lobster recreational fishing season opens on 15th of November 2013 and closes on the 21st of April 2014. Recreational permit-holders collecting and landing of west coast rock lobster may do so only between 8am - 4pm, with the rock lobsters landing by 4pm.
The size restriction remains at 80mm carapace length and recreational fishing permits will only be issued to persons above the age of 12 years. Any west coast rock lobster caught, collected or transported shall be kept in a whole state. West coast rock lobster caught with a recreational permit may not be sold by any person.
Recreational west coast rock lobster permits are obtainable at the Post Office at a cost of R92 per permit and are valid for the entire recreational fishing season.
Steven said the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was committed to implementing the West Coast Rock Lobster operational management plan aimed at the recovery of the resource.
"We are also committed to contribute in rebuilding our coastal communities through their daily struggles in making dignified livelihoods through fishing," Stevens said, adding that the department will achieve this by balancing the diverse and sometimes contradictory interests of different users of the country's marine resources.
Over the last few months the department has undertaken to restore predictability in its policy making and allocation of fishery resources regime.
The department and the all relevant fishery stakeholders have collectively developed the operational management plan with a clear accumulative recovery target of 35% for West Coast Rock Lobster by 2021.
"We are determined to achieve this target to ensure the sustainability of this important fishery sector for the benefit of both present and future generations. Through sound scientific and management practises we have therefore set the global total allowable catch at 2 167.06 tons for this 2013/2014 season in support of the recovery target," he said.
He added that the decision to pursue the recovery target has been welcomed by WWF and carries the unanimous support of all the WCRL user sectors.
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