Coronavirus changes tropical rock lobster fishery

March 19, 2020

Coronavirus changes tropical rock lobster fishery area – Temporary expansion of tropical rock lobster fishery area

Due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the tropical rock lobster fishery area has been temporarily expanded south to 18°S (just north of Cardwell) for three months – this temporary expansion will be in place until, and including, 9 June 2020.

This area is available to holders of a commercial fishing boat licence with a ‘R’ fishery symbol. All existing fishery rules apply, including the use of existing quota units that will be deducted from the total allowable commercial catch of 195 tonnes for the current season. All tropical rock lobster harvested from the expanded area must be clearly identified in commercial logbooks, separate to catch from the normal fishery area.

Period of the declaration

This declaration is effective immediately (10 March 2020).
A person’s authorisation under this declaration ends on the earlier of the following—
(a) three months after this declaration is made; or
(b) when an amount equal to the Total Allowable Commercial Catch of red champagne lobster and tropical rock lobster authorised under the R authority is taken under the authority: or
(c) the Authorising Declaration is formally revoked earlier.

For working out the amount of red champagne lobster and tropical rock lobster taken under the R authority, the following must be counted—

(a) the amount of red champagne lobster and tropical rock lobster taken by a person under
the R authority;
(b) the amount of red champagne lobster and tropical rock lobster taken in the declaration area by a person who is authorised to take the red champagne lobster and tropical rock lobster on the basis of the person’s authorisation under the R authority.

For more information vist DAF.