❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses concerns about declining rock lobster puerulus counts and the impact of catch reductions on biomass preservation. The Minister provides data, explains the Department's analysis, and defends the precautionary management approach.
AnsweredQoN 1217Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Rock Lobster Fishery — CATCH REDUCTION
I refer the minister to the recent puerulus count in the Western Australian rock lobster fishery and related advice he has received from the Department of Fisheries. (1) What have been the puerulus counts for each year from 2005 to 2009 inclusive? (2) Has the Department of Fisheries given any reason for its optimism that the recent low puerulus counts may improve in the future; and, if so, will the minister inform the house of that advice? (3) Is the Department of Fisheries confident that the recently announced 1 000 tonne reduction in the total allowable catch will preserve the rock lobster biomass; and, if so, why? Hon NORMAN MOORE
I refer the minister to the recent puerulus count in the Western Australian rock lobster fishery and related advice he has received from the Department of Fisheries. (1) What have been the puerulus counts for each year from 2005 to 2009 inclusive? (2) Has the Department of Fisheries given any reason for its optimism that the recent low puerulus counts may improve in the future; and, if so, will the minister inform the house of that advice? (3) Is the Department of Fisheries confident that the recently announced 1 000 tonne reduction in the total allowable catch will preserve the rock lobster biomass; and, if so, why? Hon NORMAN MOORE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(1) What have been the puerulus counts for each year from 2005 to 2009 inclusive? (2) Has the Department of Fisheries given any reason for its optimism that the recent low puerulus counts may improve in the future; and, if so, will the minister inform the house of that advice? (3) Is the Department of Fisheries confident that the recently announced 1 000 tonne reduction in the total allowable catch will preserve the rock lobster biomass; and, if so, why? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(2) Has the Department of Fisheries given any reason for its optimism that the recent low puerulus counts may improve in the future; and, if so, will the minister inform the house of that advice? (3) Is the Department of Fisheries confident that the recently announced 1 000 tonne reduction in the total allowable catch will preserve the rock lobster biomass; and, if so, why? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(3) Is the Department of Fisheries confident that the recently announced 1 000 tonne reduction in the total allowable catch will preserve the rock lobster biomass; and, if so, why? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
[See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(1) What have been the puerulus counts for each year from 2005 to 2009 inclusive? (2) Has the Department of Fisheries given any reason for its optimism that the recent low puerulus counts may improve in the future; and, if so, will the minister inform the house of that advice? (3) Is the Department of Fisheries confident that the recently announced 1 000 tonne reduction in the total allowable catch will preserve the rock lobster biomass; and, if so, why? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(2) Has the Department of Fisheries given any reason for its optimism that the recent low puerulus counts may improve in the future; and, if so, will the minister inform the house of that advice? (3) Is the Department of Fisheries confident that the recently announced 1 000 tonne reduction in the total allowable catch will preserve the rock lobster biomass; and, if so, why? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(3) Is the Department of Fisheries confident that the recently announced 1 000 tonne reduction in the total allowable catch will preserve the rock lobster biomass; and, if so, why? Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(1) The following table outlines the puerulus settlement indices at each of the five main sampling locations that are used in the forecasting of the rock lobster catch for the last five full years that are complete. Because the 2009 settlement season is not yet completed, the figures presented for this year cannot be directly compared with those of the other years. I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
I seek to have a table incorporated into Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
Leave granted. [See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
[See paper 1589.] The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
The following material was incorporated — 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* Jurien 132 171 27 16 3 5 Abrolhos 46 66 15 11 4 3 Dongara 77 136 33 35 1 6 Lancelin 49 57 23 6 2 1 Alkimos 14 18 8 1 1 1 * Year to date for 2009/10 Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
Hon NORMAN MOORE : The answer to (1) continues — As I recently outlined to the house, the puerulus settlement levels obtained so far for the 2009 season are showing some improvement compared with last season, but the values are still substantially below the long-term averages. (2) The department’s analyses of historical trends in puerulus settlement levels indicate that the time to recover from very low levels has previously taken about three years, with only small increases observed in the first year of recovery. Therefore, a rapid recovery was not expected. This analysis supports this year’s management settings, assuming that the settlement for 2009 would be the same as the record low in 2008. I can inform the house that a number of research studies are currently underway that are investigating the potential causes of the unexpected record low settlement that occurred last season. Although a number of plausible explanations have been identified, no definitive answer is yet available. Consequently, a high level of uncertainty remains about the likely future settlement levels. This supports the highly precautionary management approach that was taken for this season. (3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
(3) The primary management objective that must be met by this fishery is that the egg production levels—which are similar to the biomass levels referred to by the member—in each zone of the fishery must not only be above the threshold levels now, but, given any proposed management settings, they must also be predicted to still be above this level in five years’ time. This is considered a highly precautionary, best-practice approach. As I stated in my previous answer, the management settings applied for the 2009-10 season were based on the assumption that the puerulus settlement levels for 2009 would be the same as the record low levels received last year. Therefore, the targeted catch for this season of 5 500 tonnes meets this objective, even with the low puerulus settlement levels so far achieved in 2009.
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