New Exemption Applying to Small Entitlement Fishers during Whale Season Restrictions

DPIRD has recently approved a WRL-requested new exemption that allows smaller fishers to use additional rock lobster pots during the whale mitigation season of 1 May – 31 October each year. Fishers can read the exemption here and view an excerpt below that shows the exemption’s pot allowance. The exemption was discussed and supported at industry’s 2023 […]

WRL Announces Partnership with WA Good Food Guide

The partnership sees the Western Rock Lobster Council (WRL) team up with the West Australian Good Food Guide (WAGFG) to promote Western Australian rock lobster to the hospitality industry and consumers seeking exceptional dining experiences. WRL is proud to announce its partnership with the WA Good Food Guide for 2024, highlighting our commitment to elevating […]

Building Stronger Community Bonds with Back of Boat this Festive Season

This festive season once again highlighted the tremendous popularity of Back of Boat lobster sales among the Western Australian community, with nearly 27,000 lobsters sold in December alone. The overwhelming demand not only underscored the success of this community connection and social licence initiative but also reinforced our commitment to expanding its presence for a […]

Winners of the 2023 Western Rock Lobster Photo Contest

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s photo competition! We received an incredible 70 entries, each capturing the beauty of the western rock lobster fishery. Our Board selected the best images based on originality, impact, and artistic merit. These winning photos will be featured in our upcoming 2024 desk calendar, showcasing the essence […]

12th International Conference and Workshop on Lobster (and Crab) Biology and Management 2023

Over 200 delegates from 20 countries attended the International Conference & Workshop on Lobster (and Crab) Biology and Management 2023 (ICWL 2023) at the Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle during 22-27 October, 2023. The event organisers received 260 abstracts, organised the delivery of over 157 oral and 20 poster presentations and facilitated shared learnings from leading lobster […]

Learning and Networking at WRL’s DECK Program 2023

In October, Western Rock Lobster (WRL) proudly hosted its fifth Annual Development Education Capacity Knowledge (DECK) Program, the interactive industry forum designed to deliver quality professional development and learning opportunities for industry’s next generation of leaders. The event was held from midday on Wednesday 11th of October until midday Thursday 12th of October at the […]

Industry’s Ongoing Commitment to Improve Accessibility of Western Rock Lobster

The Back of Boat Lobster initiative continues to evolve in response to the needs of both the community and fishers, ensuring that Western Australians can enjoy the freshest lobster directly from the fishing boats they trust. Western Rock Lobster (WRL) is pleased to announce further advancements in its Back of Boat (BoB) initiative, reaffirming its […]

Watching coastal habitats for the impact of the Ningaloo Niño

Marine heatwaves along the coast of Western Australia, referred to as Ningaloo Niño, have had dramatic impacts on seaweed and seagrass beds over the past decade with potential knock on effect to populations of undersize lobster. The Western Rock Lobster Council (WRL) in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have […]

Pilot Energy & WRL Industry Specific Fremantle/Cervantes/Geraldton Meetings

WRL will join Pilot Energy’s Eureka Project team (Pilot) at their Fremantle, Cervantes and Geraldton lobster-industry specific consultative meetings which are being held on the 6th, 7th and 8th of June respectively. Presentations by Pilot will include lobster specific items, and will be followed by a presentation by WRL on industry issues that require consultation. […]

REGISTRATION OPEN: 2023 Trans Tasman Rock Lobster Industry Conference

WRL is pleased to advise that registrations for the 2023 Trans-Tasman Rock Lobster Conference have officially opened. This year’s Conference, hosted by South Australian Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association, will be held in Adelaide, South Australia, from the 25th to the 27th of July under the theme “The Changing Environment – Charting The Course”. For more information […]