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Preamble *
The fishery for eastern rock lobsters extends from Point Danger to Cape Howe, the length of the coastline of NSW and is harvested by both commercial and recreational fishers. The eastern rock lobster resource within the 200 mile economic zone and the state's boundaries is managed according to the "Fisheries Management (Lobster Share Management Plan) regulation 2000", under the "Fisheries Management Act 1994", administered by NSW Fisheries. The resource is managed as a single unit stock along the coast of NSW. The commercial fishery currently comprises 183 shareholders. The fishery is managed using a TAC (total allowable commercial catch), the current TAC being 135t. The current value of the fishery is approximately $4.5 million (at first point of sale). Trapping is the main commercial fishing method and occurs from shallow near-shore waters out to the edge of the continental shelf (200 m). Recreational fishers are restricted by a possession quota (currently 2 lobsters per person) and are limited to the use of a single trap per person. Both the commercial and recreational fisheries are subject to a legal minimum (104 mm carapace length) and maximum (200 mm CL) lengths and a prohibition on the taking offemale lobsters carrying eggs (berried).
Virtually nothing was published about the biology of the eastern rock lobster population off eastern Australia until NSW Fisheries began to investigate the level of exploitation of the species in 1986. In 1986, research by NSW Fisheries suggested that the size of eastern rock lobster population had been reduced to levels that were of concern and provide information about the size at onset of breeding.
This research was the foundation for the implementation of management by total allowable catches and individual catch quotas. Further research investigated methods for monitoring the relative abundance of post-larvae (pueruli), juvenile and adult lobsters. Since 1995-96 NSW Fisheries has provided annual stock assessments for this species. These assessments have been supported by on-going monitoring programs and the commencement of: (i) dedicated tagging studies to collect information on growth and movements of the eastern rock lobster and (ii) independent surveys to collect information on the abundance and size-distribution of the population, particularly the spawning and over-size (> 200 mm CL) components.
Annual assessment of the eastern rock lobster resource provides advice about the total allowable commercial catch for eastern rock lobsters. The current assessment is based upon fishery-dependent catch and effort data and models of the lobster population and fishery. The pattern in annual estimates of biomass (estimated using these models) is one of a long-term decline from the late 1880's through to 1992-93. Coincident with major management initiatives in 1993 and 1994, the long-term decline in biomass was halted and, since 1994-95, estimates suggest that biomass has increased.
Development of the model of the lobster population (that includes more detailed information about the biology of the animal and specifically considers the sizes oflobsters in the stock) represents a major focus of research. This model is being used to assess the status of the stock with respect to both the exploited and spawning biomasses. Current research sub-programs are collecting information that will support the ongoing development of models of the eastern rock lobster population.
INTRODUCTION
As you can see from the above, not much is known about these sea creatures. Indeed, I'm the only amateur at the time of writing to have put in a submission to the Total Allowable Catch Committee on rock lobsters. The purpose of this article is to give interested persons some tips on how to catch these better than average table fare by recycling your fishing by-catch and discards, e.g. fish frames.
The first place to start is the rules. You are allowed one trap per person and two lobsters per day. Details may be found in the NSW Fisheries publication "2002.2003 NSW RECREATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING GUIDE, page 55".
Traps
In the most part it will be uneconomical for you to make a trap. Traps can be purchased from tackle stores at a cost of around fifty-five dollars. You will need to add two bricks to the trap. It is best to get two bricks with holes in them and cut them in half. Halfbricks can also be obtained from most construction sites from their waste pile. The bricks are secured to the inside of the trap with coat hanger wire. Sheet lead can also be used. This makes for a lower profile weight and the 4 sheets weighing 2 KG each can be secured to the base of the trap using cable ties.
You will also need to add a bait wire made from and old coat hanger. This wire is secured to the bottom of the trap and is used to put fish heads on as bait.
You can also add a small can such as a Milo can with holes drilled in it that is affixed inside the trap. You use this to put fish frames in. That way you have long lasting bait and fresh bait in the trap.
Method
Put the bait wire through eyes of up to six fish heads. Secure these on the bottom of the trap away from both the entrance and the sides. This stops the lobsters from getting a free feed from above or the side of the trap. Affix the tin can with holes in it (30 holes 1/8") to the opposing side midway between the entrance and the side. The heads of fish like Luderick or Flathead will last about three days before needing replacement. The frames inside the can will last two weeks.
Season
Where I live in Sydney the best time is between May and November. However, there are always a resident number of lobsters that stay around and don't migrate out to sea. So if you're a keen rock, beach or boat fisher then it is worth a go all year, even if only to get rid of those fish heads.
Location
Most lobsters I catch are in water that is 1 meter deep or less at low tide. Any area behind a reef that is exposed at low tide or in the rocks around the ends of beaches should be productive. If you are observant you will notice professional trap markers around these reefs. They cannot get their boats in to the enclosed reefs or adjacent rock pools at the end of beaches and this is where you should put your trap. It will help if you have a wet suit and facemask but this is not essential. As long as half a meter of water covers the trap at low tide you should be ok.
Trap ratters
Not everyone plays by the rules. So it pays to conceal your trap by having only a ¼ of a meter of rope to the float with your name on it and paint the float olive green or brown so it is less noticeable. Also, move your trap if you don't get a result on the third day after you have put fresh bait in the trap.
Results
I take lobsters by hand also but always in shallow water. My results have been:
2000 110
2001 18
2002 78
2003 9 (as at 20/03/2003)
At an average of 12 a KG each and a value of $50 per KG this adds up to a market value of $5,375.00 worth of free food. Not bad, except that I got gout out of it in 2000!
In any case, even if you just get the kids into it, it gives you a reason to go for a walk to the rocks or beach to see how you have gone!
* www.fisheries.nsw.goy.au/science/projects/assessment_erlobster.htm