Rock Lobster

The Rock Lobster Fishery is Victoria's most valuable fishery and is based on the southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii). The fishery is quota managed, with a total allowable commercial catch set annually after the status of the stock has been assessed. There are two commercial zones in the fishery that operate along the entire coastline of Victoria.

Typically, almost all of Victoria's commercial rock lobster catch is exported to international markets, predominantly in Asia. The events of 2020 have currently resulted in a shift of the primary market back to domestic sales.

The primary strategy in the management of the Rock Lobster Fishery is to significantly rebuild the resource to ensure sustainability and improve catch rates by reducing fishing effort and improving economic efficiency.

Fishery Overview 

Details the Victorian Rock Lobster Fishery, including species information, fishery location, fishing method, management arrangements, the Management Plan, and fishery statistics

Catch Updates (PDF - 4.2 MB)

Monthly update reports on the amount of rock lobster harvested by commercial fishermen.

Stock Reports

Includes annual Stock Assessment Reports and Fishery Status Reports

Total Allowable Commercial Catch

Details the process and methods used for setting the annual TACC

Rock Lobster and Giant Crab Resource Assessment Group

Details the purpose, role and membership of the RLRAG.