Additional supplies of Western Australia’s prized western rock lobster will be made available for WA families and tourists to enjoy over the summer festive season through to Easter 2019. The McGowan Government is extending the popular Local Lobster Program for a four-month period, to bring an extra 25,000 lobsters to dining tables in homes and restaurants throughout the State.
“Western Australia’s western rock lobster fishery is a highly valuable natural resource, with lobster exports attracting premium prices in international markets.” Western Australian Fisheries Minister Dave Kelley commented “Our quality seafood is renowned throughout the world, and I would particularly like to see more of our delicious lobsters enjoyed right here in Western Australia into the future.”
Minister Kelley explained that the Local Lobster Program was initiated in 2016 to ensure more Western Australians could enjoy ‘wild caught’ western rock lobster, fresh from the Indian Ocean. The program is necessary because under normal circumstances, more than 95 per cent of WA’s unique lobster resource goes to China. The Minister added that the program will allow commercial fishers to each catch and tag up to 100 extra lobsters for sale to the local market – either direct to the public or to boost supplies to local restaurants and fresh fish retailers.

“The Local Lobster Program ensures plentiful supplies of fresh WA lobster is available during the festive time of year when we celebrate with friends and family for Christmas, New Year, Australia Day or Easter. This is a positive step to share this important WA resource, with the support of our commercial fishers and Western Rock Lobster Council.” Minister Kelley commented “We are committed to supporting the future growth of this world-class lobster fishery through sustainable management and a quality product for the benefit of all Western Australians.”
Minister Kelley said that tags will be distributed to licensed western rock lobster commercial fishers via Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development offices at Mandurah, Fremantle, Hillarys, Lancelin, Jurien Bay and Geraldton. The western rock lobster fishery was the first fishery in the world to be certified as ecologically sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. Scientific studies have confirmed the WA resource is in excellent shape and able to sustain an increased catch.