In this edition: Member meeting recap • New video content • Brolos at Pair'd Festival • Lobster Legends • Marine Parks review • DECK Program 2026 registrations • Blessing of the Fleet • Fisher Photo & video competition • Footy tipping leaderboard

Member Update

Update from Marc Anderson

• Marc welcomed Members online and spoke about a range of issues, including the avian flu and its potential impact on the fishery. Marc gave an overview of some work being done in coordination with DPIRD. 
• Marc also gave an update after attending Seafood Directions, the national seafood industry conference, where many presenters focused on AI capabilities.
• Marc spoke about the federal government's 30 x 30 plan to protect 30% of Australia's oceans by 2030. Marc shared some of the submissions that GFC has been making in conjunction with the Rock Lobster Council and Seafood Industry Australia to ensure that the WA rock lobster fishery receives due consideration as part of that government consultation. Government submissions are open now, and Marc encouraged Members to reach out to him, Leith, or the WRL Council. Read the separate article below for more information.
• Marc also gave an update on the C-Zone Fishing Meeting, chaired by Clint Moss, and shared information on changes to marine safety and workers' compensation rules.
• Marc also shared the sad news of the passing of Bill Newbold, GFC's founding chair, at 105 years of age, and of Bill Boys, who passed away shortly after his 100th birthday. Marc acknowledged their incredible contributions to the co-operative and the fishery and extended his thoughts and sympathy to the Newbold and Boys families.

Update from Leith Teakle

• Leith spoke about the upcoming Rock Lobster Council's DECK program on October 21st and 22nd in Geraldton, featuring Michael May presenting on supply chains. Leith spoke to the quality of the DECK program and encouraged fishers and their crew to consider signing up if they haven't already attended. Check the separate article below.
• Leith gave an update on the declared catch weight, including an upcoming workshop with processors this week. The purpose of the workshop is for processors and the WRL Council to agree on a unified position and proceed forward. GFC's position is that the weight reported to DPIRD and therefore deducted from the fisher's quota should be the processor's weight, i.e graded weight, captured under video surveillance to ensure compliance and transparency. 
• Leith added to the fishers' condolences, extending sympathies to the families and friends of Ian Rowlands and Del Board, who recently passed away. 

Update from Bryan Keay

• Bryan reported that August's intake has been similar to the previous year, but the catch has been mainly concentrated in the latter half of August this year. Intake for the season so far is tracking around 2% behind 2025 season levels.
• Bryan spoke about the slightly higher average beach price compared to this time last season. He commented that, despite foreign-exchange and global-trading headwinds, it was encouraging to see a slightly higher result than the August-to-date 2025 result.
• Bryan spoke about some notable upcoming dates, including the South Australian rock lobster season starting on September 1st and the Mexican rock lobster season starting on September 29th. Be sure to check the calendar infographic below for the latest on market festivals and other notable dates.
• Bryan shared with Members the average beach price by fishing zone for the season to date, along with a longer-range forecast of beach prices by size grade.
• Finally, Bryan gave an update on fisher bait supply, with new lines of Blue Mackerel available in various configurations and Whole Australian Salmon beginning on September 20th. Pacific Herring supply is expected to arrive in WA in November and should be available for fishers to use during the whites.

The next Member online meeting is scheduled for late September. The meeting link will be emailed to Members before the meeting.

Three generations of the Suckling family spoke with the video production team last week about their connection to the Co-op and the WA rock lobster fishery at Geraldton Harbour.

New Video Content Underway

Last week, we completed the first stage of a major video and photography project to build a new library of content showcasing the people, places and processes behind the Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative and the Brolos brand. These assets will support our marketing and communications activities for years to come.

Filming took place across Geraldton, Dongara, Fremantle and Welshpool last week, capturing the journey of our product from wild-caught rock lobster operations at sea through to transport, processing and customer-facing activities.

A special thank you to all the fisher members who generously volunteered their time. Whether speaking with the film crew, sharing your personal stories, or welcoming the team aboard your vessels, your contribution was invaluable.

The fisher story is intrinsically linked to the Brolos brand. The dedication, skill and generational knowledge of our members are at the heart of what makes our co-operative unique, and we are grateful that so many fishers were willing to share their part of that story.

The content captured highlights the co-operative difference, our commitment to quality and sustainability, and the people whose efforts help deliver premium Western Rock Lobster to customers around the world.

This is only the beginning. Further filming is planned later in the season in Fremantle, Mandurah and the Abrolhos Islands, and we look forward to continuing to capture the stories that make our co-operative and brand so distinctive.

Brolos Lobster to be Showcased at Pair'd Festival.

We're pleased to share that Brolos Lobster will once again be a Produce Partner for Pair'd Margaret River, showcasing Western Rock Lobster at two of the festival's signature events, The Grand Tasting and Pair'd Beach Club.

Recognised as one of Australia's premier food and wine festivals, Pair'd attracts thousands of food lovers, media representatives and high-value visitors from around Australia and overseas. This year's program features an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed culinary talent, including Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning restaurateurs and leading Australian food personalities.

The partnership also provides valuable exposure to chefs, caterers, venues and consumers who influence premium seafood purchasing decisions.

By putting Western Rock Lobster front and centre at one of Australia's most influential food festivals, we're continuing to build awareness of our world-class product and strengthen the reputation of the fishery with key domestic and international audiences

Lobster Legends. Celebrating Excellence & Inspiring Greatness. 

Each month, GFC recognises outstanding team members through the Lobster Legend Program. This peer-nominated initiative celebrates GFC employees who embody our core values (Safety, Productivity, Continuous Improvement, Quality and Respect) and go above and beyond for our co-operative.

In July, we recognised Mandy Miao from sales (Welshpool) and Steven McNulty from QA (Sultan Way). Read their nomination reason below:

"Mandy and Steven are an exceptional partnership, consistently combining their strengths to deliver outstanding results for GFC. Their collaboration, dedication, and commitment to excellence make a real difference and have earned them this well-deserved recognition.

Mandy brings a positive energy to everything she does and a genuine can-do attitude. She embraces challenges, looks for opportunities, and inspires those around her.

Equally, Steven plays a crucial role behind the scenes. His thoroughness and attention to detail help ensure processes run smoothly and efficiently. 

Together, Mandy and Steven are a fantastic example of teamwork in action. They complement each other's strengths, support those around them, and consistently go above and beyond. 

Congratulations to Steven and Mandy, and thanks for your contributions! We'll bring you more Lobster Legends in future editions.

Federal Government Review of Australian Marine Parks

The Australian Government has commenced consultation on six new management plans for 44 Australian Marine Parks, including parks within the South-west and North-west Marine Parks Networks relevant to Western Australian fisheries. 

While no specific zoning changes have been proposed at this stage, the review is linked to the Government's commitment to protect 30% of Australia's ocean in highly protected zones by 2030. 

For Western Rock Lobster fishers, this is an important opportunity to ensure the industry's operational, economic and regional impacts are understood before any future management decisions are made.

Make your voice heard. If you have concerns or insights about fishing access, potential displacement, increased operating costs, or areas critical to your business, please get in touch with your co-operative or the Western Rock Lobster Council (WRLC).

DECK Program 2026 Registrations Now Open.

Registrations are now open for the Western Rock Lobster DECK Program 2026, taking place at the Geraldton Yacht Club on 21-22 October 2026. The program brings together fishers from across the Western Rock Lobster industry to share ideas, hear from industry experts, and build valuable professional and business connections.

Whether you've attended before or are considering it for the first time, the 2026 program promises fresh perspectives, practical learnings and valuable industry discussions.

To view the program and register, visit the DECK Program registration page via the link below.

Blessing of the Fleet Events in October

The upcoming Fremantle and Geraldton Blessing of the Fleet events bring together fishing families, industry participants and local communities to celebrate the traditions and history of WA's fishing industry.

GFC is proud to support both events and the important role they play in keeping our maritime heritage strong. For more information, visit their Facebook pages linked below and save the dates in your calendar.

Geraldton Blessing of the Fleet
🗓 Sun 18th October
Fremantle Blessing of the Fleet
🗓 Sun 25th October

Share Your Fishing Season Through the Lens

We're inviting members to submit their best photos and videos from the season for the chance to be featured on our social media channels.

From life at sea to memorable catches and stunning ocean views, we want to showcase our fishery through our members' eyes. 

Even better, prizes will be awarded to contributors whose featured content generates the highest engagement online.

To submit your content, please upload your files via the button below or tag us on Facebook and Instagram.

LEADERBOARD