- Fremantle to host International Conference on Lobster and Crab fisheries
- 189 scientists, managers and stakeholders from 18 countries are taking part
A Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday will be the first event that welcomes fisheries experts from around the world to share the latest information on lobster and crab biology and Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM).
Since the late 1990s, Western Australia has led the way as one of the first jurisdictions in the world to manage fisheries on ecologically sustainable principles, and holistic management of fisheries and marine resources that take the entire ecosystem into account.
In the year 2000, WA became an international leader in fisheries sustainability with our West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery becoming the very first fishery in the world to receive the gold standard Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco tick. Since then, it’s been re-certified as sustainable a record five times and served as a model for other fisheries.
Supported by Western Rock Lobster and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, the event also embraces research on deep sea and estuarine crab fisheries.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) scientists and managers will be showcasing WA fisheries research and management at the 12th International Lobster and Crab Conference in Fremantle from October 23-27.
The broad scope of DPIRD presentations include the impacts of climate change, whale interactions with fishing gear, recreational fisheries, effects of seismic surveys, deepwater crab surveys, Marine Stewardship Council certification of fisheries, factors affecting the catchability of lobster and crab stocks and the development of EBFM practices in WA.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
“In the world setting of this lobster and crab conference, Western Australia can be proud of the diversity of research and presentations by DPIRD’s fisheries scientists and managers.
“They cover a wide range of topics fitting into the event’s overall theme of Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management, which represents best practice for fisheries management and highlights the scope of work and scientific excellence in WA.
“I would also like to offer a warm welcome to the other fisheries researchers from around Australia and overseas who will be presenting or taking part in this important gathering.”
