The Western Rock Lobster Council (WRL), Australia’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are pleased to be hosting the 12th ICWL workshop on 22 – 27 October 2023 at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle, Western Australia.

ICWL returns to where it all began in WA more than 40 years ago, when a group of 37 lobster biologists from 6 countries met in Perth to discuss and compare their work on lobster ecology, physiology, and management protocols, and to find common themes amongst the different species that were commercially fished.  Since its humble beginnings the ICLW has grown in popularity and prestige, and in recent years has attracted 150-200 participants from around 20 different countries.

Fremantle is a major port for the western rock lobster fleet. The western rock lobster fishery is the largest single species fishery in Australia with a value of more than $450 million annually.

The theme of the 12th ICWL is ‘ecosystem-based fisheries management.

WRL, FRDC and DPIRD are looking forward to hosting scientists, managers and industry participants in WA in October.