Abalone Virus

A disease, known as ganglioneuritis, is currently causing abalone deaths in waters along the south west coast of Victoria near Port Fairy. The impact of this virus in Victorian waters has been significant, with some commercial abalone reefs having very high rates of mortality. This has resulted in reduced commercial fishing quotas and the closure of large areas of the coast to abalone fishing.

Abalone may carry the disease without showing any detrimental signs although many exhibit curling of the foot and swelling of the mouth. The disease has no known or likely impacts for human health.

At this time of the year, the near shore currents along the Victorian coast turn westerly, driven by south easterly winds. It is possible that these weather patterns may result in the virus being transported further west into South Australian waters. As yet, there have been no reports of the disease spreading to South Australian waters but, as a precaution, all fishers are asked to adhere to the following guidelines when diving for abalone in the south-east of SA.

Decontamination

Vessels, wetsuits, dive equipment, catch bags and people should be decontaminated with mild soapy freshwater. Decontamination must be undertaken away from the water’s edge (so soapy water does not impact on the waterways) and as soon as reasonably practical after leaving the water.

Vessels

  • All organic matter from inside and outside the vessel should be removed.

Wetsuits and dive equipment

  • Ideally, wetsuits should be washed with a neoprene wash (available from dive and surf shops) although a mild liquid soap or shampoo will suffice.
  • Dive tanks, buoyancy vests, regulators and masks that have not come into contact with abalone should be washed down with freshwater.
  • Equipment that has come into contact with abalone such as catch bags, gloves, dive knifes and measuring devices, should be soaked in soapy freshwater for 30 minutes and then rinsed.

People

  • Divers who come into contact with abalone should wash their hands with soapy freshwater.
  • Spray any waterproof clothing with soapy freshwater and rinse.
  • On returning home, wash clothes with laundry detergent.

Decontaminated vessels, wetsuits and dive equipment should be allowed to dry.

Disposal of shell, meat and gut

Abalone shell, meat and gut should not be:

  • shucked (taken from the shell) at sea
  • dumped into the sea
  • used as fishing bait.

Take your abalone catch home and dispose of the waste with your household rubbish.

 

More information

A brochure has been produced to provide more information about the abalone virus ganglioneuritis. (PDF) 131KB

 

Temporary abalone closure – Victorian waters

A temporary abalone closure has been introduced to protect vulnerable and accessible abalone stocks around the Port Fairy area (see map below). Within the closure you must not:

  • take abalone, other shellfish and sea urchins
  • use any commercial abalone fishing equipment
  • collect substrate (including shells and seaweed from the beach).

You may:

  • drive your vessel through the area
  • anchor in the area
  • line fish from the shore or boats
  • surf, swim and dive
  • walk along the shore or rocks.

Map of abalone closure area in Victorian waters

More information about the disease, its impact and management action is available from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries.