Under new policies announced by the government, charter operators will soon be able to catch rock lobster all year round, patrons will no longer need a licence to catch lobsters when travelling with a charter operator, and charter operators can carry lobster pots for use by their customers.
All lobsters caught by charter vessel patrons can soon be prepared, cooked and served by an Accredited Tourism Business such as a hotel, resort, or on board the charter vessel.
The new government policy follows TCWA consultation with the Department of Fisheries. TCWA will advocate for the regulations to be passed before Parliament rises this year.