A program to move small rock lobsters from south-west Tasmania to the state’s east coast is set to continue as part of a state government investment.
$600,000 is set to be used over the next four years in the East Coast Rock Lobster Translocation Program to support the sustainability of the fishery.
Business, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Abetz said the program involves moving small lobsters from high-density, slow-growing areas in the south-west of the state to warmer areas on the east coast.
“When lobsters are moved to a warmer area, they grow faster,” he said.
“The translocation program boosts stock recovery and productivity, improving the fishing experience for all users on the east coast.”
The program has been running since 2014 and has so far relocated over 500,000 rock lobsters.
In the most recent 2023-24 translocation program, a record 175,000 lobsters were moved east.
Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association CEO Kylie Cahill said the funding will support the association’s efforts to ensure a sustainable fishery into the future.
“Programs like the East Coast Rock Lobster Translocation Program are underpinned by IMAS research, funded through the Sustainable Marine Research Collaboration Agreement and Government’s increased funding allocation to the SMRCA is welcome news for the industry,” she said.
