Western rock lobster industry worth half a billion dollars to WA economy each year

Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly today unveiled a report which shows the western rock lobster industry contributes more than $500 million to the local economy and supports thousands of Western Australian jobs.

The Economic Contribution of the Western Rock Lobster Industry report is the first ever formal assessment of the economic and social contribution that the harvest of 6,300 tonnes of western rock lobster makes to WA.

The snapshot of how the industry performed in 2016-17 was commissioned by the Western Rock Lobster Council and shows the breadth of the supply chain and how the introduction of fishing quotas in 2011 has helped ongoing sustainability.

Overall, the western rock lobster industry's economic contribution of more than $500 million to Western Australia is comparable to the State's other major primary industries, including wool, sheep meat and milk.

The report also explores the broader industry value chain and its economic and social contribution to many coastal communities.

In 2000 Western Australia's West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery was the first fishery in the world to be certified as ecologically sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. In 2017 it was the first fishery to be certified as sustainable for a fourth time.

Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:

"WA's iconic western rock lobster supports a vibrant industry which helps generate an impressive half a billion dollars for the State each year.

"It is also a valuable WA employer, with the report showing more than 2,400 jobs are linked to the fishery, with the majority of those jobs in coastal communities between Shark Bay and Cape Leeuwin.

"Western Australians can be proud that our Western Rock Lobster Fishery continues to support regional jobs and economies, all while being certified as ecologically sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.

"It is great to see our world-class fishery grow from strength to strength and I have no doubt it will continue to do so through its commitment to science, sustainability and quality seafood."