WESTERN ROCK LOBSTER
FISHERY — CHARTER BOATS
1218. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the
Minister for Fisheries:
I refer to the minister's 2
October 2019 media statement, ''A boost for rock lobster tourism through
charter boat changes'', which announced a three-year charter trial
developed jointly between the state government, Recfishwest, the Tourism
Council Western Australia and Marine Tourism WA.
(1) Were the
Western Rock Lobster Council and the Western Australian Fishing Industry
Council included in discussions on the trial?
(2) If not, why not?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the
question. The Minister for Fisheries has provided the following information. I think
the answer is similar to one we provided Hon Colin Tincknell last week.
(1) The proposed
trial was discussed with the Western Rock Lobster Council between February and
May this year as part of a broader range of initiatives to increase domestic
lobster supply. The charter sector discussions are referenced in the two
agreements on domestic supply reached with the Western Rock Lobster Council. In
addition, the charter industry is managed as part of the recreational sector
and the lobster caught in this trial will be part of the recreational
allocation. The commercial catch is not affected.
(2) Not applicable.