Since its introduction in September 2020, back of boat lobster sales have supported more than 80 lobster fishing vessels to supply freshly caught lobsters direct to local customers at 19 landing areas on WA’s west coast.
Positive feedback from customers enjoying world-class lobster at its absolute freshest has led to this year’s boost in supply, right in time for the festive season.
The WA Government has approved a request from the Western Rock Lobster Council, representing local lobster fishers, to double the number of lobsters licensed commercial lobster fishers can sell from their landings.
For the key month of December, the commercial fishers will be able to sell up to 400 western rock lobsters per landing to meet demand over the Christmas period. Throughout the rest of the year, the number of lobsters that fishers can sell per back of boat landing will double to 200.
More than 91,000 western rock lobsters have been sold via back of boat sales since the program began last year, with the program particularly popular during the Christmas and New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter festive periods.
More information on the back of boat sales program is available here.
Details on where you can purchase lobsters through back of boat sales is available here.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
“The McGowan Government remains committed to supporting WA’s valuable rock lobster fishery – with the iconic seafood product caught off Western Australia’s west coast now more available and accessible for the local market.
“Our western rock lobster is unique to WA and back of boat sales are proving to be a diner’s delight, allowing consumers to source lobster fresh off the fishing vessels as they bring in their catch from this sustainably managed fishery.
“During last December alone, 27,489 kilograms (or approximately 45,500 lobsters) were sold to the WA community through back of boat sales.
“By effectively doubling the daily quota for back of boat sales, fishers will be able to meet growing demand from Western Australians over the festive period while also developing new local supply chain opportunities.”
