Australian lobster price set to soar

Dozens of professional rock lobster fishermen are facing financial heartache after a dramatic slump in the number of the prized species being caught so far this summer.

In a development that could push the market price of lobsters over the AUD 40 (USD 41.53, EUR 31.27)/kg mark, lobster fishermen have reported record low catches as part of the annual "whites run."

The term is a reference to the stage when young adult lobsters — typically about four years old — moult and take on a whitish appearance before migrating offshore.

The event is crucial for many commercial lobster fishermen, particularly those between Jurien Bay and Augusta, who target the run and rely on it to deliver up to 40 per cent of their catch.

Western Rock Lobster Council chairman John Newby said the run this summer had been the worst in two decades and it was likely many fishers would struggle to reach their quotas.

Mr. Newby said it was a cruel blow for fishermen who had structured their season around the event and he suggested it could also inflate market prices for lobsters as supply suffered.

"We haven't had one of these sorts of years for quite a few years now, probably 20-odd years," Mr. Newby said.

Click here to read the full story from The West Australian >

Subscribe

Want seafood news sent to your inbox?

You may unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. Diversified Communications | 121 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101 | +1 207-842-5500
None