Reaching Agreement Between Oil Explorers And Rock Lobster Fishermen Offshore Dongara, Western Australia

摘要

During 2001-2002 new exploration permits were released offshore Western Australia for competitive bidding. These permit areas overlie a well established rock lobster fishery contributing around A$ 300 - 400 million per annum to the economy. A new oil field (Cliff head) was discovered within these rock lobster fishing grounds renewing interest in the area. Increased levels of petroleum activity have the potential to interfere with rock lobster fishing. The challenge for oil explorers and developers is to demonstrate to the rock lobster fishing community that exploration and production activity can be conducted without disrupting fishing activities. The paper describes the rock lobster fishery, the petroleum exploration activity, the consultation requirements and how dialogue between, rock lobster fisherman, oil explorers and regulators provide the basis for managing conflicting interests.