Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative's online meetings enable members to engage regularly with their management team. A summary of the most recent meeting is provided below.

Member Update

Update from Marc Anderson

• Marc spoke about some recent activities he has participated in that are relevant to members, including attending the Trans Tasman Rock Lobster Conference and visiting Japan to exhibit at a seafood show.
• Marc shared some key highlights from the WRL Council's recent annual member meeting, including the progress of resource security changes to legislation. The current timeline from the State Government is for legislation to be drafted in late 2025 and passed in the first quarter of 2026. Spatial squeeze remains a significant concern for commercial fishers in parts of the country, particularly in the Geographe area, where a pre-feasibility approval has been granted for a wind farm. The Council, GFC and other peak fishery bodies continue to advocate for informed consultation with industry.
• Marc encouraged fishers, particularly in the C zone, to participate in future Council annual meetings and DPIRD coastal surveys. Fishers need to hear issues and challenges and contribute to the discussion and development of their industry.

Update from Leith Teakle

• Leith provided an update to Members on the DPIRD/ WRL Industry weighing system. DPIRD is planning to apply for an exemption before the white's season to accept the registered receiver's graded weight as the declared quota acquittal weight from the registered receiver. This exemption would effectively revert to the system in place before the 2024/25 season, with no significant impact on fishers delivering directly to a receiving point expected. Deliveries via carrier boats will benefit from the exemption, due to the nature of these catches being weighed at the Abrolhos Islands prior to delivery from the carrier boats, which are not able to drain catches effectively.
• Leith followed by saying that DPIRD intends to introduce a second phase using a single graded weight to capture kilograms caught and deduct from the quota. The time frame for phase two has not yet been determined, as DPIRD will need to conduct further workshops and consultations with industry before implementation. 

Update from Bryan Keay

• Bryan provided an update on the intake for the season to date, stating that fishers are tracking around 2% ahead of the 2024 pace.
• Following last month's market update, Bryan stated that the late timing of Ghost Month had significantly impacted market demand at a time when WRL prices historically increase. The lower market demand, coupled with increased supply in late August from WA and other fisheries, resulted in weaker prices, particularly for the smaller grades.
• Bryan provided some insight into the pricing of Little B lobster from America and tariff pricing to other markets. The significant impact of farmed Vietnamese lobster on China and other markets (typically lobster around 200 grams) was also discussed.
• Bryan shared his forecast for the month ahead, including pricing by grade, as well as notable festival/ holiday periods on the horizon in October.

The following Member online meeting, scheduled for mid-October will be announced soon. The meeting link will be emailed to Members before the meeting.

GFC Director Nominations.

Following the letter notification sent to all GFC shareholders, please be reminded that Director Nominations close this Friday, 19th September at 4 pm.

For any enquiries relating to Director nominations, don't hesitate to get in touch with GFC's Returning Officer, Debbie Frater, on 0417 999 293 or debbief@brolos.com.au 

Singapore Expo Wrap Up.

Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative recently participated in the Seafood Expo Asia 2025 in Singapore, showcasing its premium Brolos Australian Lobster to a global audience. As part of the event’s Product Showcase, GFC’s retail range was featured prominently, drawing strong interest from buyers across the region.

During the visit, GFC engaged with key partners and customers, gaining valuable feedback on what matters most in the market—exceptional product quality and consistent availability. These attributes continue to set Brolos lobster apart in a competitive landscape.

The Expo and market visit provided a valuable platform to strengthen relationships, not just in Singapore but neighbouring South East Asian markets, explore new opportunities, and reinforce GFC’s commitment to delivering world-class seafood.

Lobster Sensory Testing Insights Drive Continuous Improvement of Brolos Frozen Lobster.

Our current sensory testing initiative, launched in May, aims to validate shelf life and understand how product quality evolves. Using a structured approach grounded in industry standards, our Quality Assurance team evaluates key sensory attributes—aroma, texture, taste, and appearance—at various stages of aging.
The testing combines both objective assessments and subjective feedback from internal panels, ensuring a comprehensive view of product performance.
We’ve already gained valuable insights into our product’s strengths and identified areas for improvement.

This ongoing program will continue through 2025 and 2026, with continuous collection of sensory and microbiological data to support benchmarking and guide product development.

Our commitment to quality and continuous improvement ensures that we continue to deliver products that exceed consumer expectations.

Lobster Legend Program - Celebrating Excellence & Inspiring Greatness.

Each month, GFC recognises an outstanding team member 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 August, we recognised Tina Diao, who works in Welshpool:

Tina was nominated for her incredible contribution to everyone around her. She’s consistently friendly, approachable, and always willing to lend a hand—no matter how busy she is. Her deep knowledge, helpful nature, and positive attitude make a real difference every day.

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

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation's Latest Reports Show Positive Growth in the Lobster Trade.

Australian lobster exports are experiencing a resurgence, following the reopening of the Chinese market after a four-year trade hiatus, according to the FAO's latest report on 2025 trade data.

Globally, the lobster trade remains robust, with imports increasing ~20% and exports increasing ~11% for the first three months of 2025.

While Canada and Vietnam remain the dominant suppliers, Australia's renewed access to China and diversified markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the U.S. position it well for sustained growth in the premium seafood segment.

Download the FAO Report Here.

DECK Program 2025 - Now Open for Registrations.

The DECK Program is back for 2025, offering seafood industry professionals an opportunity to develop leadership, business, and communication skills tailored to the sector.

Through workshops, mentoring, and networking, participants will acquire the tools necessary to support their career growth and contribute to industry sustainability.

Whether you're on deck or behind the scenes, DECK helps you navigate challenges and contribute to the future of Australian fisheries.

Learn more and register here.

New Camera Tech Boosts Fisheries Science & Sustainability.

Innovative camera technologies are being trialled across WA fisheries to enhance stock assessments and sustainability.

In the Western Rock Lobster fishery, “PotBOTS” placed in lobster pots capture underwater footage and environmental data, helping track stock dynamics and climate impacts.

Stereo cameras are also improving monitoring in the deep-sea crab fishery by measuring crab sizes during sorting. On WA’s northern coast, Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are used to survey sea cucumber habitats, reducing diver risk and supporting sustainability certification.

These advancements are strengthening fisheries science and enabling more informed, safer, and sustainable management practices.

Read more on the WAFIC News Page

Spring is upon us, and as we say goodbye to winter and prepare for the whites season, we prepare to celebrate an important industry and community tradition - the Blessing of the Fleets!

Your Co-operative is proud to support the Fremantle and Geraldton Blessings of the Fleet, connecting commercial fishing with the local communities we live and work in. Check out the notices below from organisers. 

Calling All Fishers - Register Your Boat for the Geraldton Blessing!

This October 19th, we invite commercial and recreational fishers to join in the Geraldton Blessing of the Fleet. This cherished tradition honours our fishing community and celebrates the sea that sustains us.

This event is a chance to connect with the community and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun. The Blessing is a beautiful way to bring together our local and fishing communities. Contact Tracey Basile to register your pleasure or work boat and start decorating your boat for a chance to win some great prizes. Be sure to check out their Facebook for all the latest updates.

Fremantle Blessing Games - Register for your Chance to Win!

The Fremantle Blessing is returning this October 26th for its 75th anniversary! Aside from the procession and traditional blessing ceremony, the event will be packed full of activities. The organisers are seeking registrations for Blessing games such as rope coiling. So check out their Facebook and register today to join in the fun and for your chance to win some great prizes.

LEADERBOARD