A Thriving Industry

The impact of the Southern Rocklobster industry extends well beyond the initial effects of the income received by the fishers at the wharf, flowing on through the purchases of inputs such as fuel, bait, boats and services. It is estimated that for every fisher catching Southern Rocklobster, another 7 jobs are created.

The value added to the country's regional economies involved in this industry is valued at around $1/2 billion a year, and for many small towns it is the primary source of economic activity.

Fishing is carried out in the pristine waters of South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. Employment figures resulting from the industry within these three states are around 1600, 1400 and 400 full time equivalent positions respectively.

The industry continues to evolve, attributable in most part to the innovative mindset and culture of continual forward thinking improvement adopted by its members.

Represented at the state level by the South Australian Rocklobster Advisory Council (SARLAC), the Tasmanian Rocklobster Fishermen's Association and the Victorian Rocklobster Association, industry members are given the opportunity to contribute to the direction that their industry is taking at a national level - driven through its peak body, Southern Rocklobster Limited.

Innovation continues with research taking place in the following areas over the past four years:

- Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
- Value Adding
- Tail Fan Clipping/Tagging/Stock & Fisheries Assessment
- Market Research and Development initiatives
- Shell Hardness/Density
- Flesh Quality
- Recruitment Studies
- Investigations into translocation
- Bycatch monitoring
- A range of FRDC funded research initiatives

Information on each of these initiatives can be sourced from Southern Rocklobster Limited's regular newsletter which can found here.