As the Octopus industry has been identified by the Department of Fisheries as a New Industry the technology and work practices of the industry are still being established. The Double Refuge Octopus Pot Retrieval System will help facilitate the production of the maximum socio-economic benefit from the octopus resources in WA through the increase in production from the usage of the retrieval system. From the increase in production of octopus the benefit will be realised by the Alexanders and the industry. As the product can be value added the product can be further sold to a wholesaler who will then distribute the product.
From having a commercially viable industry through the usage of the retrieval system the commercial fishing of the octopus will be sustained at ecologically sustainable levels.
The system is innovative, creative and cost effective and can be applied to other octopus fishing businesses.
Final report
The author and son, Glenn, have been involved in the octopus fishery since 1988 having been drawn to the idea by the “Report on the third phase survey for commercial harvesting of octopuses in W.A. waters” carried out by the Department of Fisheries and Japanese advisors in 1981. Having tried and carried out numerous trials with refuge octopus pot designs and fishing methods over the years (bearing in mind octopus for seafood represented only represented a small percentage of the catch with the majority being used as bait) along with the increased demand as an eating product, has resulted in an increase in price making it more viable to be able to fish the octopus on a commercial basis, the need was there to be able to operate in the fishery on a more efficient capacity.
Having already designed, built and trialed a double refuge octopus pot suitable for W.A. conditions we needed an injection of funds to construct a hydraulic retrieval system suitable for a 7 meter aluminum boat, which is powered by twin 115 hp outboard motors. These funds were made available by way of a grant from FRDC with quality advice being given in completing the application for the funds by Richard Stevens from the W.A Fishing Industry Council.
Keywords: Octopus, Fishing gear, Pot Hauler.
