Rationale for setting the 2017/18 abalone total allowable commercial catches

The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) uses a multiple-lines-of-evidence assessment approach to assess the state of the abalone resource and set the annual total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for each of the three commercial abalone zones.

The information considered in arriving at the TACCs includes:

  • Fishery dependent information: catch history, catch per unit effort (CPUE) and diver observations;
  • Fishery independent information: independent dive survey data that includes pre-recruit abundance, recruit abundance, recruitment ratios and spawning biomass estimates; and
  • Biomass estimates and harvest fractions (Western zone only): using both fishery dependent and independent data, and CSIRO modelling information.

Following a comprehensive consultation process that included workshops and a call for submissions from key stakeholders, I have made the following decisions on the TACC for the three Victorian abalone zones.

Western zone

  • A blacklip abalone TACC of 63.2 tonnes (an increase of 0.7 tonne from 2016/17);
  • A greenlip abalone TACC of 1.4 tonnes (an increase from zero to 1.4 tonne from 2016/17) subject to conditions; and
  • to set legal minimum sizes for blacklip and greenlip abalone.

The Western Abalone Divers Association (WADA) is continuing its proactive approach to rebuilding the Western Zone abalone stock with a 130mm size limit and conservative harvest levels and is working with DEDJTR to develop a harvest strategy. A draft harvest strategy was tested this year with reference points developed from CSIRO modelling. Mature biomass in the Western Zone is above the limit reference point and is on track to reach the 2020 target reference point. The numbers of pre-recruits are also showing an increasing trend which supports a limited increase. A conservation approach to greenlip TACC will provide an opportunity to improve data collection and understanding of the state of the stock.

Central zone

•a blacklip abalone TACC of 274.0 tonnes (a reduction of 6.2 tonnes) subject to conditions;

•a greenlip abalone TACC of 3.4 tonnes (no change), subject to conditions; and

•to set legal minimum sizes for blacklip and greenlip abalone.

Abalone Victoria [Central Zone] (AVCZ) and DEDJTR are continuing to develop a harvest strategy for the Central Zone with the objective of rebuilding the abalone biomass in the zone. There has been a long term decline in abalone in this zone and while there have been reductions in the TACC over several years, widespread signs of recovery have not yet been demonstrated. A further reduction has, therefore, been made to the TACC this year.

Eastern zone

•a blacklip abalone TACC of 352.5 tonnes (a reduction of 10.5 tonnes); and

•to set legal minimum sizes and spatial management units.

The Eastern Zone Abalone Industry Association (EZAIA) and DEDJTR are continuing to develop a harvest strategy for the Eastern Zone with the objective of rebuilding the abalone biomass in the zone. New spatial management arrangements have been implemented this year to enhance management and increase flexibility for operators. The TACC has been progressively reduced since 2008/09 from 490 tonnes but indicators continue to demonstrate declines in the resource. DEDJTR will continue to work with the Eastern Zone industry to consider management arrangements to improve the state of the resource.

Travis Dowling

Executive Director Fisheries Victoria

/ /2017