North-East crayfish catchment reopens
• Deckhand Matthew Betts pulling pots on Tom Douglas’ boat Sha-Mar. Photo supplied.
By Daisy Baker
January 26, 2022
Bridport crayfisher Tom Douglas has pulled his pots for the final time this season, after a busy but fruitful season.
He has fulfilled his 14-tonne quota, mainly fishing on the North-West coast near Strahan and Stanley.
Tom left Bridport on November 12, and with the exception of a week off over Christmas, has been doing back-to-back trips for a week to ten days at a time, coming back to Bridport to unload, get groceries and diesel before heading back out.
Tom said he is looking forward to fishing locally again when the North-East catch cap area reopens to commercial fishers on March 1 with 90-tonne available.
“Here in the North-East they’re such big beautiful crays compared to the South,” he said.
“Everyone wants the premium crays because of the way the market is.”
Tom said he while he loves fishing locally, being adaptable is key.
“If you want to be fishing year around, you have to be versatile. You go somewhere else and learn to fish somewhere different.”
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment recently announced the state’s total allowable catch (TAC) for the 2022-23 rock lobster season will remain unchanged at 1220.70 tonnes.
This comprises a total allowable commercial catch of 1050.70 tonnes and a total allowable recreational catch of 170 tonnes.
The TAC is set each year following scientific assessment of the stocks by the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) to assess the performance of the fishery, together with consultation with peak fishing industry bodies and relevant fisheries advisory committees.
Tom has been fishing for four years now and said it is a rewarding industry to work in.
“I love crayfishing – out of the fishing I’ve tried, craying is my favourite. It’s bloody fun,” he said.
“Pulling the pots and seeing crays in there is awesome and you see some wicked things out there.
“It’s a challenge too because you’ve got to allow for the wind and tide, it’s not just as simple as throwing your gear.”
The crayfish market has taken a hit in recent years due to Coronavirus and China’s import ban.
“At the moment we’re getting around $50 a kilo at the processor, whereas four year ago it was $85-$90 a kilo,” he said.
“We won’t be seeing prices like that again for a long time.
“I’ve got a processor I sell to – I look after him and he looks after me.”
At the moment Tom’s crayfish predominantly go to Melbourne and Sydney.
If commercial fishers don’t fulfil their quota in a given year, it will decrease for the next year so despite a tough market Tom said he has been working hard to continue meeting his quota.
“I’m always learning when I’m out there. When the prices get better, I’ll be ready.”
The current Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan will expire on 1 November 2022 and must be remade.
A new draft plan is expected to be released for public consultation in the coming months, when stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback.