Lobster conservation reason for reduction of crayfish quotas for West Coast fishers: DFFE

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said that the conservation of West Coast rock lobster led to its decision to reduce crayfish quotas for West Coast fishers.

Fishers along the coast, who were handed their crayfish permits at the beginning of December, raised concerns recently after the department reduced their total allowable catch for West Coast lobster.

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The DFFE said while crayfish quotas were increased nationally, the allowable catch for the West Cost lobster had to be carefully considered.

Thedepartment's spokesperson, Thobile Zulu-Molobi, said that quotas for West Coast rock lobster reflects a global increase of 58.4%.

Zulu-Molobi said that a combination of factors determines allocations for local fishers.

"In particular, certain super-areas on the West Coast remain biologically constrained, and allocations in these areas were therefore maintained or adjusted conservatively in line with scientific advice."

Fishers along the West Cost said the department has put fisher folk in a difficult position to make money over the festive season.