WWF welcomes rock lobster recovery plan
With the current stocks estimated to be at 3% of their pre-fishing levels, the West Coast rock lobster (WCRL) resource is facing an imminent risk of collapse, which in turn poses significant risks to both the fishers who rely on this resource and the health of our marine ecosystems.
WWF-SA therefore welcomes the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' (DAFF) recent decision to set the 2013/14 total allowable catch (TAC) for this fishery in line with the current recovery plan targets. However, this should not be seen as the solution to all of the challenges in this fishery.
Illegal fishing remains a significant threat for a number of inshore resources such as WCRL and abalone and there is an urgent need for DAFF to work with key stakeholders in this fishery to develop a clear and cohesive approach to address this threat.
Remaining challenges
Further challenges remain around improving the understanding of the human dimensions of fisheries, in particular their role in securing coastal livelihoods and food security, both of which are key components of effective and equitable fisheries management.
While challenges around the allocation of the TAC remain political rather than ecological decisions, effective fisheries management must be evidence-based and informed by best available science. WWF-SA is encouraged by the department's commitments to managing our resources in an ecologically sound manner based on proven scientific principles and remains committed to working with DAFF and other stakeholders towards the implementation of these commitments.
