Western rock lobster back-of-boat sale limits increased by Cook Government

West Australians are set to get access to more rock lobsters this summer, with the Cook Government lifting the limit for back-of-boat sales to almost 1000 each fishing trip.

Fishers will be able to sell up to 999 rock lobsters from their boat after each trip this fishing season, up from 200 last year.

The back-of-boat program, introduced in 2020, has proved popular for customers to access locally caught lobster, with more than 207,000 weighing over 122,000kg sold in the last three years.

A total of 101 boats offer sales at 21 landing areas, including at Fremantle and Lancelin.

Announcing the increase at the Perth Royal Show on Tuesday morning, Fisheries Minister Don Punch said the industry would be able to meet consumer demand.

“The western rock lobster industry’s commitment to sustainable management has enabled this increase in lobster supply for back-of-boat sales to meet WA consumer demand,” he said.

“WA’s seafood lovers are the winners from this sustainable management to enjoy world-class rock lobster at its freshest, direct from the fishers.”