Protecting the future of the fishery

The Western Rock Lobster commercial fishing industry is a world leader in ecological sustainability. Our fishery was the world’s first to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for sustainable fishing practices.

Since it was established, Geraldton Fishermen’s Co‑operative has led the industry, working closely with fishermen, Western Australia’s Department of Fisheries, and other rock lobster processors and management bodies to ensure the careful, continued governance of our fishery. This governance includes operating Western Rock Lobster fishery under a quota system, minimum size requirements, and a ban on catching breeding females.

A decades-long program of monitoring the settlement of larval lobsters by fisheries scientists gives an approximate four year forecast of recruitment to the fishery and, along with other measures, provides a sensitive indicator of the health of the fishery.

Each year, GFC plays a lead role in setting Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) to ensure the fishery remains protected for future generations. Voluntary restrictions in TACC by the commercial sector demonstrate the strong commitment of industry to the protection of this valuable resource.

Together, GFC’s fishermen are ensuring the preservation and continuity of the fishery, guaranteeing that there will be many generations of successful Co-op fishermen to come.