Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly has today extended consultation on the future management and growth of the Western Rock Lobster Fishery to enable more time for industry to have its say.
The Minister was today joined by representatives from the hospitality industry who support the push for more lobster to be available in Western Australia.
Currently, nearly all of our WA lobster is exported to China, with WA’s own unique premium seafood not readily available in the vast majority of local restaurants.
In early December last year, after weeks of negotiations with the Western Rock Lobster Council, the McGowan Government announced an innovative plan to sustainably increase the annual lobster catch. The plan provides more lobsters for Western Australians to enjoy, creates hundreds of local jobs, supports small businesses and boosts our tourism and hospitality sectors.
The plan is supported by the Australian Hotels Association, Tourism Council and local government leaders from WA coastal communities.
The consultation period closes on Thursday January 31, 2019. For more information, visit https://www.fish.wa.gov.au
As stated by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:
“With nearly all of our local lobster going to China, the McGowan Government wants to see more Western Australian lobster made available for Western Australians.
“WA’s unique lobster should be a staple item on the menu of restaurants across our State.
“Western Australians should be able to enjoy our lobster, but we also want to make sure visitors to our State can experience eating our lobster right here in WA.
“By growing this industry, we have the opportunity to boost our tourism and hospitality sectors.
“We understand there has been a lot of discussion about this plan and that is why we are extending the consultation period until the end of January.
“We look forward to hearing what the industry has to say, so we can work together to deliver more lobster for the benefit of all Western Australians.”
