Examination of fisheries ecology and fisher perceptions of catch rate in the Western Rock Lobster: with reference to an area of reportedly reduced catch rate

Commercial fishers have become increasingly concerned about an area of reduced catches near the centre of the western rock lobster fishery, Australia's most valuable fishery. Fisher interviews were conducted to elicit expert knowledge and establish the area of concern. Puerulus settlement rates were examined and found to not be limiting while laboratory trials indicated that the early juveniles have an affinity for canopy forming seagrasses. Aerial imagery identified significant losses of seagrass across the area of concern. Spatio-temporal reductions in seagrass are the likely cause for the reduced catch rates due to reduced available settlement habitat and survival.