Western Australia — rock lobster exports
State companion to Federal — crustacean exports.
Five-year context (May 2021 – May 2026): Federal retrospective — McGowan then Cook; Punch Fisheries Mar 2021–Mar 2025; Oct 2024 resumption.
Verified
- West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery: Panulirus cygnus; quota (TACC); WA’s most valuable fishery (DPIRD).
- 2018–19: >5,500 t to China, >$448.7m (WA Government).
- During hiatus: Back of Boat local sales program; trade missions (WA Government).
- Southern rock lobster in WA: minor catch (20–80 t), TAC from 2022 (Southern Rock Lobster 2023).
- Industry: China “by far” largest market (ABC).
Tension with SA (see federal entry)
- WA western lobster scale vs SA southern niche and Limestone Coast logistics — federal analysis.
- ABC: WA volume advantage for China (industry source) (ABC).
Key politicians
Current: Roger Cook (Premier) · Jackie Jarvis (Fisheries, from Mar 2025)
Previous: Don Punch (Fisheries to Mar 2025) · Mark McGowan (Premier to Jun 2023)