Ensuring monitoring and management of bycatch in Southern Rock Lobster fisheries is best practice

Documenting and assessing the impact of fishing on bycatch is required for all rock lobster fisheries to enable the appropriate management of ecosystem interactions. Bycatch information is currently collected in all Southern Rock Lobster Fisheries (SRLF), but improvements are required if the fisheries are to meet the standards required for rigorous certification. The issues are not severe but there is nonetheless need for improvements targeted in this investment that include; consistent data collection, development of best practice reporting emphasising high risk species and establishment of appropriate performance indicators for moderate and high risk bycatch and associated management strategies.