The Minister of Fisheries announced today that the Government will allow a temporary rule change for commercial rock lobster fishers affected by trade disruptions caused by COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).

The temporary rule change will allow commercial rock lobster fishers a one-off carry forward of up to 10% of their ACE holdings as at the end of the fishing year (31^st March 2020) or all uncaught ACE, whichever is the lesser. This will be a one-off change and will revert in April 2021.

If you are a rock lobster (CRA) ACE owner, there is no action required on your part. As at midnight on the 15^th of April 2020 the normal end-of-year processes will allocate any underfishing entitlement.

See the Beehive website for the Minister's announcement.