Lobster (and crab) Biology and Management - 12th International Conference: workshop abstracts
Abstract
12th International Conference and Workshop on Lobster (and Crab) Biology and Management (ICWL)
The Western Rock Lobster Council (WRL), Australia’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are pleased to be hosting the 12th ICWL workshop on 22 – 27 October 2023 at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle, Western Australia. ICWL returns to where it all began in Western Australia (WA) over 40 years ago, when a group of 37 lobster biologists from 6 countries met in Perth, Australia to discuss and compare their work on lobster ecology, physiology, and management protocols, and to find common themes amongst the different species that were commercially fished. Since its humble beginnings the ICWL has grown in popularity and prestige, and in recent years has attracted 150-200 participants from around 20 different countries. The theme of the 12th ICWL is ‘ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM)’. EBFM is a holistic approach to fisheries management that recognises all the interactions within an ecosystem rather than considering a single species or issue in isolation. We consider this represents best practice for fisheries management and reflects that fisheries research and management focus is now broader than just sustainability. Therefore, in addition to presentations that focus on lobster (and crab) biology and stock assessment, we have also welcomed presentations that examine other aspects of EBFM, such as ecosystem effects of fishing, economic assessments, social issues, governance, and compliance with management regulations.
Co-Chairs
Nick Caputi and Nic Sofoulis