❓ Hon. Bruce Donaldson inquired about potential changes to lobster fishing start times. The Minister's response, provided on their behalf, details the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee's consideration of the matter and potential impacts on lobster populations.
AnsweredQoN 26Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
LOBSTER FISHERMEN - START TIMES
(1) Has a decision been made or discussion taken place regarding the scrapping of the existing start time for lobster fishermen to pull their pots, which I last year raised as an issue through letter to the minister’s office? (2) If so, will the minister table any relevant documents and reasons supporting any decision that may have been reached? Hon KIM CHANCE
(1) Has a decision been made or discussion taken place regarding the scrapping of the existing start time for lobster fishermen to pull their pots, which I last year raised as an issue through letter to the minister’s office? (2) If so, will the minister table any relevant documents and reasons supporting any decision that may have been reached? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the Minister for Fisheries, I thank the honourable member for his question. The answer is quite lengthy and technical. I table the answer and seek leave for its incorporation in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
(2) If so, will the minister table any relevant documents and reasons supporting any decision that may have been reached? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: On behalf of the Minister for Fisheries, I thank the honourable member for his question. The answer is quite lengthy and technical. I table the answer and seek leave for its incorporation in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: On behalf of the Minister for Fisheries, I thank the honourable member for his question. The answer is quite lengthy and technical. I table the answer and seek leave for its incorporation in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
On behalf of the Minister for Fisheries, I thank the honourable member for his question. The answer is quite lengthy and technical. I table the answer and seek leave for its incorporation in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
[See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
(2) If so, will the minister table any relevant documents and reasons supporting any decision that may have been reached? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: On behalf of the Minister for Fisheries, I thank the honourable member for his question. The answer is quite lengthy and technical. I table the answer and seek leave for its incorporation in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: On behalf of the Minister for Fisheries, I thank the honourable member for his question. The answer is quite lengthy and technical. I table the answer and seek leave for its incorporation in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
On behalf of the Minister for Fisheries, I thank the honourable member for his question. The answer is quite lengthy and technical. I table the answer and seek leave for its incorporation in Hansard . Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Leave granted. [See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
[See paper 1331.] The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
The following material was incorporated - 1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
1. As the Minister for Fisheries indicated in his written reply to the Hon Member’s letter, the issue of start times for the pulling of rock lobster pots in the West Coast Rock Lobster Management Plan 1993 had been raised at previous Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee meetings by northern Professional Fishermen’s Associations. Furthermore the Minister for Fisheries forwarded his letter to the Committee for its further consideration. 2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
2. At its 8 February 2006 meeting, “See Tabled Paper No.1 ” the Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Committee was presented a paper from the Department of Fisheries Research Division, that assessed the effect of removing the current start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact that it may have on rock lobster survival. This information indicates it is expected that fishers would catch more size and undersize lobsters if they were allowed to pull their pots before dawn, which the management plan currently prohibits. This would be expected to have an impact on the rock lobster resource by increasing the fishing efficiency of operators and increasing the risk of mortality to undersize lobsters due to greater handling of these animals. The Committee noted the information provided by the Department of Fisheries Research Division and agreed that this information should be forwarded to those stakeholders who had raised the matter with the Committee. The Minister for Fisheries will provide formal advice to the Hon Member regarding the outcome of this matter. Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Tabled Paper No. 1 RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
RLIAC Action #9: The effect of removing the start time of when pots can be pulled and any associated impact on rock lobster survival. Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Fisheries Research Division January 2006 Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Introduction Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Western rock lobsters forage nocturnally. Previous research has shown that they are very sensitive to even low light. This same research has shown that their daily activity rhythm results in them becoming active after sunset with a big spike in activity in the first couple of hours in the evening followed by constant, but less frantic activity, until dawn (Morgan 1978; Jernakoff 1987). They return to their shelters around dawn when light levels start to increase. Research results showed that 40% of lobsters were still actively foraging after sunrise, but by a half hour after sunrise this number had reduced to 25% (Jernakoff 1987). Lobsters generally use one or more dens and usually return to those dens after foraging. In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
In a series of experiments where electronically-tagged lobsters were recorded as visiting pots, eight were caught, but an additional 14 visited the traps and stayed for several hours during the night, before leaving (escaping) by morning (Jernakoff and Phillips 1988). Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Effect Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Based on the above information, fishers might expect better catches from pots pulled before dawn than after dawn (i.e. earlier than is the case under the present start time). Allowing pots to be pulled earlier than is currently the case could be expected to result in an increase in the catch of both legal and undersize lobsters. This would lead to improvements in fishing efficiency and would increase the handling of undersize animals. The main impact would be on the undersize lobsters that normally would have left the pot via the escape gap that day, but are caught before having a chance to do so as a result of the pots being pulled while the lobsters are still feeding. References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
References Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Jernakoff, P. (1987). Foraging patterns of juvenile western rock lobster Panulirus cygnus George, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 113 : 125-144. Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Jernakoff, P and Phillips B.F. (1988). Effect of a baited trap on the foraging movements of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus George. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 39 : 185-192. Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
Morgan, G.R. (1978). Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. Mar. Freshwater Res. 29 : 169-174.
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