ROCK LOBSTER (NORTHERN ZONE) FISHERY

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER (15:13): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries a question on the rock lobster (northern zone) fishery.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER: Members will be aware that the rock lobster fishery is a regulated fishery in two zones: the southern zone and the northern zone. The minister, on an annual basis, announces a total allowable catch—that is, a total allowable tonnage of lobster allowed to be caught—and the season in which that is able to be caught.

The most recent amendments to the Fisheries Act have established a certain amount of property rights to go with lobster licences which allow lobster fishermen to share-farm out part of their quota or lease their quota to another licensed fisher. This requires a certain amount of planning, as it does in any other industry. My question is: why has the Minister for Fisheries not announced the necessary adjustments to rock lobster licences in the northern zone this year, two days prior to the beginning of the season?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:14): I thank the honourable member for her question in relation to the northern rock lobster zone. I will refer her question to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in another place and bring back a response.