There are only so many countries that produce fresh unpolluted rock lobsters. I end up eating lobster everyday for lunch and dinner while in Geraldton. Lobsters cheaper as slump hits export market 19th February 2009, 6:00 WST WA consumers are paying up to a quarter less for local rock lobster after the global financial crisis caused a dramatic slump in worldwide demand. Local processors say they have been unable to offload frozen lobsters because of a huge oversupply at fisheries in North and Central America and cheap offers in other traditional markets. Retail prices for a 400g frozen lobster have fallen from about $20 a year ago to $15. For processors, the $20/kg they could demand overseas last year has slumped to about $12. Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative chief executive Wayne Hosking said demand was the worst he had seen for many years. Sales in the US, Taiwan and Japan, which accounted for the bulk of WA’s exports, were very weak. “The global financial crisis certainly has curtailed lobster consumption internationally,” he said. “All exporters will be feeling the pinch.” Shane Stewart, chief executive of Fremantlebased Vinci Seafoods, said his company had not made a profit on frozen lobsters since the season began on November 23. The live market remained relatively strong but the profits were minimal compared with the losses on frozen products. “The price has not gained momentum anywhere, whether it be China, Hong Kong or Taiwan,” he said. Western Rock Lobster Council project officer Andrew Winzer said the market bottleneck was further evidence the Government’s decision to restrict commercial fishing for western rock lobsters was correct. Frozen lobsters accounted for more than two-thirds of the industry and most fishermen failed to understand there was no demand for local product in frozen form. BEN SPENCER