The government angered the fishermen by slashing their quota on the grounds the fishery had been overfished.

But the fishermen say the lack of lobsters is due to a common natural cycle and is expected to recover in years ahead.

Last month the quota was cut from 470 tonnes to 310 tonnes after figures revealed fishermen caught only 402 tonnes last season.

An expected fallout could see many local jobs lost and processing businesses close as well as people selling up.

Northern Zone Rocklobster Fisherman's Association president Steve Moriarty said the quota drop had had a financial effect on the region.

He said he had met with Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) officials to discuss issues such as high licence fees.

"We haven't made any progress yet, we're still discussing and negotiating."

Mr Moriarty said the fishers had broached the subject of providing Exceptional Circumstances (EC) funding for struggling rocklobster fishermen but the government hadn't responded.

"At this stage there hasn't been any indication they would entertain such payments," he said.

A similar scenario has been playing out for lobster fishermen in Western Australia but last week the Federal Government ruled out any EC funding saying while it was sympathetic to the fishermen, the WA government managed the fishery and it was therefore its issue to resolve.

Meanwhile, Mr Moriarty said some local fishers had pots and equipment for sale but the gear wasn't selling.

"The government has created an uncertain future for this fishery with quota cuts and marine parks, and jobs are being lost."

Fishermen pay on average $20,000 per licence and there are 68 rocklobster licences in the northern zone.

The northern zone quota is expected to be cut even further next year with a reduction to 250 tonnes.

The rocklobster fishing season opens on November 1.