Standardising data collection across the southern rock lobster fisheries of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania

The fishery for southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) occurs across South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Managment, industry and research agencies have identified the need to investigate areas where standardisation and automation of data collection could be of benefit. this report describes the data collection programs that directly relate to the managmetn of the resource in each State and identifies key areas where standardisation can be achieved. This was undertaken by assessing the various programs against specific criteria relatin to data collection, entry, storage, processing, analysis and reporting. Recommendations for standardisation were made based on assessment outcomes and overall benefit to the fisheries. It is envisaged that is will result in more coherent cross jurisdicaitonal research and co-operative resource management.