THE LOBSTER AND FISHING INDUSTRY IN KALBARRI

Wet liners (fishing vessels) and lobster boats lined the pens and dotted the Murchison River on moorings at a time when the fishing fleet was the backbone of employment in Kalbarri. Numbers have more than halved in recent years due to fishing regulations and a general change in the industry. On a global scale, fish resources are being exploited, however WA’s outstanding management systems are working to ensure all our fisheries are ecologically sustainable to bring high standards vital to the long-term viability of our fishing industry. Fresh lobster catches are unloaded directly from the vessel and transported to Geraldton for processing. Lobster is not available for sale direct from the boats. Fresh lobster is often featured on the local restaurants’ menu. Fresh fish can be purchased directly from the boats at the wharf, although not on a daily basis. Kalbarri is now best known as a tourism town with a relaxed holiday vibe that attracts over 100,000 visitors per year.