Déjà vu. Justification for West Coast Rock Lobster TAC Shouldn’t be a Surprise

Further cuts in the west coast rock lobster total allowable catch (TAC) across the industry, has caused great consternation, especially amongst small-scale fishers. But the updated assessment of the resource delivers no surprises. It’s a case of déjà vu – the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before. Indeed, every year since 2006, the same issues are raised: inadequate governance, poor management, poaching and a lack of provision for small-scale fishers. This is Part 1 of 5 that takes a close look at this fishery and its history.