Tropical rock lobster (kaiar) survey starts on 22 October

The annual pre-season survey of tropical rock lobster (kaiar) in the Torres Strait begins on 22 October.

It is a continuation the long-standing survey previously conducted by CSIRO and uses the same survey methods.

Over 10–12 days, a team of divers will count, measure and weigh the lobsters (Panulirus ornatus) found along more than 70 transects, each 500 metres long. 

Fishwell Pty Ltd is undertaking the survey with funding from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and support from the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA). 

This long-standing scientific survey provides critical fishery-independent data on the abundance of lobsters in three age groups: pre-recruits (age 0–1 year), recruiting (1–2 years) and mature (2 years and older).

This information is critical for management of the resource and will inform a sustainable Recommended Biological Catch (RBC) for the upcoming fishing season. 

The survey will be conducted across numerous sites in the western and central Torres Strait, including some areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (see map below). 

The seven-member survey team will embark and disembark from the charter vessel Cossack Pearl (pictured above) at Horn Island (Nguruapai). The vessel will display a large “Research Vessel” sign to indicate it is conducting the survey under a research permit and not commercial fishing.

Print a flyer with information about the survey from Fishwell Pty Ltd.

The map below shows the survey sites for 2025.