The crystal crab fishery in Western Australia: first steps in the development of a sustainable deepwater crab fishery

摘要

In Western Australia several large crab species occur in the offshore waters. However, only three, the giant crab, (Pseudocarcinus giga), the champagne crab (Hypothalassia acerb a) and the crystal crab (Chaceon bicolor) are of commercial importance. The biogeographical boundary separating the cool water of the south coast of the state from the warmer waters of the west coast has provided a logical boundary between crustacean fisheries in Western Australia (Figure 1). These fisheries are managed as the South Coast Deep Sea Crab Fishery (SCDSCF) and the West Coast Deep Sea Crab Interim Managed Fishery (WCDSCIMF). Permit holders in the West Coast Deep Sea Crab Interim Managed Fishery are entitled to take champagne, giant and crystal crabs but not rock-lobsters. The WCDSCIMF operates along side Australia's largest rock-lobster fishery, the West Coast Rock-lobster Managed Fishery (WCRLMF), where fishing generally occurs in 0-200 m. Although managed separately licencees in the WCRLMF are permitted to retain 12 deep-sea crabs, primarily champagne crabs, per day per boat. On the other hand, licencees in the South Coast Deep Sea Crab Fishery are entitled to take champagne, giant and crystal crabs and as a result of the licensing framework surrounding the development of this fishery most fishers are also entitled to take southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii).