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The Economic Feasibility of Translocating Rock Lobsters to Increase Yield

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 21:16 authored by Caleb GardnerCaleb Gardner, Elizabeth Van PuttenElizabeth Van Putten
Translocation of undersize rock lobsters Jasus edwardsii from low-growth to high-growth areas has been proposed as a method to improve yield and marketability. The economic feasibility of these operations was examined for translocations by either charter vessels or by fishers retaining their sub-legal catch and releasing these on their return trip to port. Benefit was quantified by the increase in revenue relative to leaving lobsters at their original site, less cost for translocating lobsters. Scenarios were considered feasible when costs per kg gain in yield were below that for quota leased through the market. Lower cost fisher translocations appeared feasible except for short distance translocations from deep to shallow water in the same region. Greatest net benefit occurred from long distance translocations between regions with extreme differences in growth (from SW to NW Tasmania). These operations required vessel charter and led to a net state benefit of Australian169,000 per 5-tonne trip, with internal rates of return approaching 400%. Cost per kg gain in catch for these operations was estimated at less than A3/kg and thus substantially less than the current lease price of around A16/kg. The apparent economic feasibility of translocation provides support for pilot-scale trials. Copyright © Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

History

Publication title

Reviews in Fisheries Science

Volume

16

Issue

40238

Pagination

154-163

ISSN

1064-1262

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Place of publication

United States

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Fisheries - wild caught not elsewhere classified

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