The objective of this paper is to examine the impacts of the adoption of ITQs in the Tasmanian fishery for rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) from 1998. Based on the literature review, the key impacts expected from the implementation of ITQs in a fishery displaying excess capacity are identified, with which to confront the experience of the Tasmanian rocklobster fishery. The retrospective analysis was carried out with the aim to assess the changes observed in the fishery. It is based on the compilation of different data sets describing the evolution of the status of the fishery over the last decade. After a general presentation of the Tasmanian fishery for rock lobster and of the quota management system, changes in the exploitable biomass, in the fishing fleet, in the fishing strategy, consequences on ex-vessel prices and gross returns and on the concentration of activity are analysed