Tasmanian rocklobster industry legend retires

Rodney Treloggen has retired from the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association after almost 30 years of involvement.

The long-time chief executive director of the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association (TRLFA), Rodney Treloggen, has officially retired after being actively involved in the Tasmanian industry for 30 years.

Originally a fisher, he served as the TRLFA’s inaugural president when it was formed in 1985. After nine years in that role he became the association’s CEO, a position he has held for the past 19 years.

His commitment to the rocklobster and seafood industry were recognised when he was named a national industry icon at the 2011 Seafood Directions conference. Rodney Treloggen’s passion for the rocklobster fishing industry has been second to none.  

He has been willing to speak his mind (albeit colourfully at times) as a strong advocate for his industry at a state level, at the tri-state level supporting Southern Rocklobster Ltd, and nationally, at a trans-Tasman level.

Reflecting on his time in the industry, Rodney Treloggen identified the camaraderie among fishers as a highlight. He says the improvement of communications over the years has greatly benefited the industry, recalling how difficult it was to get in contact with home when he first started as a fisher.

The major changes in the rocklobster industry during his time have included moving to a quota system and opening the industry from fisher-only involvement to include a more diverse group of investors and stakeholders. An important change has been the improvement in scientific knowledge and the involvement of fishers in the science of management.

In retirement Rodney Treloggen is looking forward to some travel with his wife Christine. The industry wishes him a long and happy retirement; he is well deserving of his legend status.

John Samson, a former president of the TRLFA, has stepped into the role of CEO of the TRLFA following Rodney Treloggen’s retirement.