2020/2021 Lobster Fishing Season Kicks Off
Report and photos from Chief Islander & Director of Fisheries James Glass.
Additional photo from Kelly Green
Although the Tristan da Cunha lobster fishing season started officially on the 1st August 2020, it was not until the 10th August that conditions were suitable for the first fishing day, which just goes to show what type of weather is found in the Tristan area during winter.
The boats landed 3417kg (7533lbs), with the highest boat landing 529kg (1166lbs).
Preparing the lobster fishing gear by the harbour at the start of the day.
Launching the first boat into the harbour.
The Sea Spray heads out of the harbour to fetch the fresh catch back to the factory during the day.
Season's Quotas Set
The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) recommended for the Tristan group, (Tristan, Gough, Inaccessible and Nightingale) has been approved by the Island Council for the 2020-2021 fishing season which runs from the 1st July 2020 to 30th April 2021. They are as follows:
Tristan 120,000kg Inaccessible 98,000kg Nightingale 89,000kg Gough 100,000kg
The total TAC is thus 407 tonnes (metric tons) for the 2020/21 season.