In the 2000-2001 Western Rock Lobster season approximately 16000 tonnes of bait was used at a cost to the industry of approximately $21.5 million. Savings on bait that do not reduce the catch of lobster have the potential to significantly increase the profitability of the industry. A preliminary study into the efficacy of bait saving devices indicated that reductions in the amount of bait deployed of approximately 40% are likely to be achievable without reducing catch rates, whilst with a redesigned and more efficient bait saver reductions could be by as much as 90%. Such a reduction in bait usage would equate to a saving of between $8 and $19 million in the 2000-2001 season (WAFIC IDU project 04-01, and excluding initial cost of bait savers). The use of bait savers may be even more important with the newly introduced ban on lifting pots around the full moon (February-June, Zone C), and a ban on lifting pots on Sundays (after 15th of March, Zone B). Projections, based on the Puerulus Settlement Survey, are for drastically reduced catch rates over the next three seasons, i.e. between 9500 and 10500 tonnes, whilst oil prices continue to increase and are currently ~US$70 per barrel. Thus, there is an ever increasing need to develop ways in which fishermen can make savings. The development of bait saving strategies that do not reduce the catch of lobster is one way that fishermen could increase their profits. In future classification of a fishery as ecologically sustainable may include considerations of its impact on other organisms, e.g. its effects on bait species. The current study has the potential to further consolidate the fishery as ecologically sustainable.

This project addresses the following priority area identified by WAFRAB:

Business improvement/cost competitiveness within fishing industry: fuel costs/gear design.