The economic feasibility of translocating rock lobsters to increase yield

Translocation of undersize rock lobsters Jasus edwardsii from low-growth to high-growth areas has been proposed as a method to improve yield and marketability. The economic feasibility of these operations was examined for translocations by either charter vessels or by fishers retaining their sub-legal catch and releasing these on their return trip to port. Benefit was quantified by the increase in revenue relative to leaving lobsters at their original site, less cost for translocating lobsters. Scenarios were considered feasible when costs per kg gain in yield were below that for quota leased through the market. Lower cost fisher translocations appeared feasible except for short distance translocations from deep to shallow water in the same region. Greatest net benefit occurred from long distance translocations between regions with extreme differences in growth (from SW to NW Tasmania). These operations required vessel charter and led to a net state benefit of $Australian169,000 per 5-tonne trip, with internal rates of return approaching 400%. Cost per kg gain in catch for these operations was estimated at less than $A3/kg and thus substantially less than the current lease price of around $A16/kg. The apparent economic feasibility of translocation provides support for pilot-scale trials.