Lobsters Seized In Joint Marine Park Operation

[daleyboy]

Media release: 2 September 2008

A covert surveillance operation by the Marine Parks Authority and the Department of Primary Industries in the Solitary Islands Marine Park has led to the apprehension of two people allegedly in possession of 30 lobsters.

Solitary Islands Marine Park manager Nicola Johnstone said it was allegedly one of the biggest recreational lobster busts to date in the park and said a large number of the lobsters had been a prohibited size.

"One of the lobsters was carrying eggs. 28 of the lobsters had been speared. In all 30 lobsters had been taken," said Ms Johnstone.

"There are hefty fines in place for this type of offence, in this case if proved the two people allegedly involved in the illegal taking of the lobsters could face fines of up to $11,000."

"Eastern rock lobsters come in from deeper waters to the Marine Park during July and August, where they then reside at inshore reefs for a few months."

Ms Johnstone said Eastern rock lobsters were characterised by their green body and brownish to orange legs.

"The maximum legal length has been reduced from 200mm to 180mm to conserve more of the mature spawning lobster stock. Berried lobsters, that is, females carrying eggs must be returned to the water for the same reason. The minimum legal length for Eastern rock lobsters remains at 104mm and the recreational bag limit is 2 per day."

"Eastern rock lobsters can grow to over 1.5kg with a maximum carapace length - or shell length, of around 260mm."

"It is timely to remind both commercial and recreational lobster trappers that they mark their traps appropriately. Recreational rock lobster fishers must set their traps in less than ten metres of water and adhere to the bag and size limits. Recreational divers are only able to take two lobsters per person by hand."

Ms Johnstone said patrols are scheduled through to late October to monitor the inshore rock lobster fishery. For further information call the Solitary Islands Marine Park office on 6652 0900.