Rock lobster most popular catch for recreational boat fishers in WA

Western rock lobster is the most popular catch for WA recreational fishermen, according to new data from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Results from the DPIRD’s 2020-21 survey of recreational boat fishing showed rock lobster retained its top spot from a previous survey from 2017-18. In 2020-21, 660,000 western rock lobster were caught, with 28 per cent released. This is the second consecutive survey by DPIRD that has found rock lobster to be the most common catch. DPIRD aquatic resource management director Nathan Harrison said fishers had been enjoying good rock lobster numbers for several years. “Rock lobster has gone through some good recruitment years in recent times and reduced fishing pressure by the commercial sector has seen stock levels increase,” he said. “Recreational fishers are benefitting from greater abundance of rock lobsters and year-round access to the fishery.” Before 2017-18, blue swimmer crab was at the top of the recreational catch list. The crustaceans were second most common in this survey, with 571,000 caught. The west coast between Augusta and Kalbarri was the most popular region for boat-based fishing, with almost three-quarters of fishing occurring here. DPIRD has held boat recreational fisher surveys every two to three years since 2011.