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WA's Western Rock Lobster is a renowned delicacy - but good luck if you want to buy one locally.
The vast majority of the state's commercial crayfish catch is usually exported to China where it fetches premium prices, leaving the coolroom virtually bare back home.
The former One Nation and now Independent senator took himself to hospital after a scuffle outside a Perth court when another man tried to hand him bankruptcy documents. Courtesy ABC News 24.
Oshin Kiszko spent Christmas Day at home with his family before passing away on Wednesday morning. His family and friends attended a service at his home.
Recfishwest, WA's peak body for recreational fishers, has provided a guide on how to cook rock lobster.
But now, for the first time, the state government is allowing a trial that will see commercial fishers allowed to catch and tag up to 50Â extra lobsters on top of their quotas for sale direct to the local market.
Fisheries Minister Joe Francis estimates the trial will bring in about eight tonnes, or 12,500 extra western rock lobsters for sale in WA through fishing boats or on restaurant menus.
"For some time now, there have been concerns raised about the limited availability of western rock lobsters for coastal communities and local seafood retailers, including restaurants, " Mr Francis said.
"With more lobster available for locals, plus sustainably managed fisheries producing great prawns, crabs, finfish and other ocean delights, I urge everyone to buy some WA seafood to share for Christmas."
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The Minister said the trial will not impact the sustainability of WA's crayfish population, which has been boosted in recent years through the introduction of commercial fishing quotas.
The price of crayfish is hovering around the $50 a kilo mark, but could rise in the lead up to Christmas when demand surges.Â
Commercial fishermen will be able to see extra western rock lobsters direct to the WA public. Photo: Jared Buckingham
The crayfish trial comes as the recreational season heats up with the 'white run' drawing scores of fishers to the waters off Perth.
The white run is when western rocks shed their distinctive red shells and turn a pinkish white colour, and is when the bulk of the recreational catch will be taken.
White run crayfish shed their red shell and show a new layer of pinkish white. Photo: Recfishwest
By all accounts, the coming weekend will be very busy down at the boat ramps as crayfishers seek to haul in their pots on the last weekend before Christmas.