Otago Rock Lobster Industry Association executive officer Simon Gilmour said the industry was experiencing the benefits of a 97-tonne commercial catch quota for the second season in a row.
Last year the crayfish quota was increased from 66 tonnes to 97 following a steady increase in larvae since 2009.
''The fishery is in a very healthy state ... The stability in catch has enabled a greater commitment to the lobster fishery by both fishers and exporters.''
The ''majority'' of the quota was exported, he said.
About 2000 crayfish had been tagged and released this season to provide data on the growth rate and migration of the crustacean, he said.
The tracking system was already showing an ''influx of lobster'' migrating south from the Otago Coast, with reports of good landings from fishers around Ruapuke Island and the East Coast of Stewart Island.
Mr Gilmour estimated crayfish exports had added ''around $7 million'' to the local economy this year.
Otago crayfish were only exported to China, Mr Gilmour said.
The ''healthy catch rate'' meant some commercial fishers were finishing the 12-month season already.
