AFMA catch and effort data for the Torres Strait Rock Lobster Fishery 1989-2013

This record describes AFMA catch and effort data for the Torres Strait Rock Lobster Fishery, held by CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research. A number of commercial fisheries operate within the Torres Strait for which logbook data is collected by AFMA. The rock lobster fishery comprises multiple sectors from both Australia and PNG with the two Australian sectors being a Traditional Inhabitant (TIB) sector and a non-Traditional Inhabitant (TVH) commercial sector. Data for the two Australian sectors is collected by AFMA while data for the PNG component of the fishery is collected by PNG Fisheries authorities with an annual summary (total catch) passed to AFMA at the end of each season. Rock lobster catch data also exists for a trawl fishery which operated in the Torres Strait between 1980 and 1986. For the two Australian sectors of the Torres Strait rock lobster fishery, catch reporting is compulsory only in the TVH commercial sector via a logbook program. Reporting of commercial catch from the TIB sector is currently not compulsory and any data that is reported is done on a voluntary basis through processors via a docketbook program. The docketbook system was introduced in 2004 in an attempt to collect commercial catch data from TIB fishers when they sold their catch. The docketbook program has been generally accepted well by TIB fishers since its introduction but has a number of limitations. Although the docketbook program has been successful to some extent, there are significant difficulties with data accuracy and completeness. As the program is also voluntary, not all processors participate in the program or complete records for all sales.