Western rock lobster: Perth, WA coastal waters about to get busy as early ‘whites run’ for delicacy predicted

Written By Stephen

Moving from Birmingham to Perth had it's challenges...So I made a blog to document what I learnt.

Perth’s coastal waters will soon be alive each and every morning with the western rock lobster season about to kick off — and experts believe the run will star early.

It means a hectic time at boat ramps across the city and WA, especially on weekends, as fishing lobster enthusiasts take advantage of the generally light winds in the early morning to put out and pull pots.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development scientists predict the annual “whites run” — when lobster close to shore shed their shells and walk to deeper water — will start early. In fact, about now.

The department said higher ocean temperatures, with research showing it was about 1C warmer in the shallows than usual, meant the lobsters would get on the move earlier.

Fishing for lobster is extremely popular at this time of year, with the crustacean a favourite Christmas dish.

Lobsters moult into a lighter shell colour during migration.
Camera IconLobsters moult into a lighter shell colour during migration. Credit: DPIRD

“This is a popular time of year for recreational fishers because while the whites are walking, we estimate they are three times more catchable, hiding in pots during the day while they’re migrating,” DPIRD principal research scientist Simon de Lestang said.

“Commercial fishers also eagerly anticipate the whites run because it generally coincides with the approaching festive season when seafood, and especially rock lobsters, are always popular choices.”

However, Dr Lestang said that on the back of a strong run in 2023, comparatively fewer lobster would make the journey.

He said baby lobsters were a key indicator for making predictions.

Every year, scientists measure sample numbers of baby western rock lobster from ocean-based collectors at strategic locations along the coast.

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