Resource Assessment Report 9: South Coast Crustacean Resource 2045-25 assessment

Authors

• Emma-Jade Tuffley, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow
• Simon de Lestang, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow

Publication Date

16-7-2026

Series Number

RAR 9

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia

City

Perth

ISBN

978-1-925415-49-0 (Print), 978-1-925415-50-6 (Online)

ISSN

1035-4549 (Print), 2202-5758 (Online)

Abstract

The South Coast Crustacean Resource (SCCR) comprises southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii), western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus), crystal crab (Chaceon albus), giant crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas), and champagne crab (Hypothalassia acerba). The resource is accessed primarily by the South Coast Crustacean Managed Fishery (SCCMF), which operates between Augusta in the west and the South Australian border in the east. Since the 2022–23 season, the SCCMF has been managed under an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system with Total Allowable Commercial Catches (TACs) set for four quota zones. Recreational fishing retains a small quantity of rock lobster only.

During the 2024–25 fishing season, a total of 50.7 tonnes of crustaceans were landed from the SCCR, comprising 19.9 t of western rock lobster, 16.7 t of southern rock lobster, 8.7 t of crystal crab, 5.3 t of giant crab and 0.1 t of champagne crab. Based on 2023–24 beach prices, the estimated value of the SCCR was approximately $2.85 million, with most product sold live into domestic markets. Seven vessels operated in the fishery during 2024–25, supporting approximately 21–28 crew.

This report provides the 2025 research advice, based on data to the end of the 2024–25 season, on the stock status and sustainability risks for all five species across each of the four management zones, and assesses the appropriateness of current TACs in accordance with the SCCMF Harvest Strategy.

Number of Pages

93

Keywords

South Coast Crustacean Resource, rock lobster, crab, stock status, sustainability, management zones

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring

Recommended Citation

Tuffley, E.J., de Lestang, S., 2026. South Coast Crustacean: 2024-25 Assessment. Aquatic Resource Assessment Report No. 9, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia.