WA crayfish industry halts exports as coronavirus shuts down Lunar New Year celebrations

For the first time the world's largest rock lobster exporter has put all deliveries on hold, as Lunar New Year celebrations are cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak in China. Key points: The Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative has mandated a halt on deliveries as Chinese buyers cancel orders amid the coronavirus breakout Rock lobster prices plummeted overnight to $0 a kilogram — but WA locals aren't set to benefit from cheap crayfish prices The industry, which has 11 months left to fill its quota, is not set to feel much impact at this point Despite strong prices for western rock lobster earlier in the week, the Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative — which controls more than 60 per cent of WA's rock lobster catch — mandated a halt to deliveries after a sharp drop in demand caused prices to fall dramatically. Fishers praise Chinese response In a statement, Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative chief executive officer, Matt Rutter, said it is the first time the organisation has mandated a halt on deliveries. "It is the Chinese New Year celebrations and Chinese travel is very, very strong and there are potential impacts on events and possibly other exports," he said.