The Tasmanian Government supports continued success of the East Coast Rock Lobster Translocation Program.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said the Program is one of a number of strategies in place to ensure the fishery can be kept sustainable and enjoyed for future generations.
“An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is to ensure our regions are set up for resilience and growth, and we will be extending funding to the program and increasing our annual contribution, providing $600,000 over the next four years,” Minister Abetz said.
“The Rock Lobster Translocation Program moves small lobsters from high density, slow growing areas of South-West Tasmania to faster growing areas on the East Coast. When lobsters are moved to a warmer area, they grow faster.
“The translocation program boosts stock recovery and productivity, improving the fishing experience for all users on the East Coast.
“This investment will ensure fishers can continue to benefit from this program and have greater access to southern rock lobsters that are able to reach the legal minimum size limit.”
The East Coast rock lobster translocation program has been running since 2014 and has focused solely on the East Coast since 2022.
In partnership with the rock lobster industry, more than 500,000 rock lobsters have been relocated from the South-West Coast to the East Coast, boosting stocks and providing better catch yields.
In the most recent 2023-24 translocation program, a record 175,000 fish were moved to the East Coast.
Research has shown that translocation is sustainable, with no significant risks for the population where the lobsters are taken from, and a projected improvement of the stock where lobsters are released.
Chief Executive Officer of Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association (TRLFA), Kylie Cahill, said this funding announcement is tremendous news and will support the TRLFA’s continued efforts to ensure a sustainable fishery into the future.
“Programs like the East Coast Rock Lobster Translocation Program are underpinned by IMAS research, funded through the Sustainable Marine Research Collaboration Agreement, and Government’s increased funding allocation to the SMRCA is welcome news for the industry,” Ms Cahill said.
