FishFacts Issue 3, August 2006


Issue 3, August 2006
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www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing


Snapper closure to continue
PIRSA Fisheries announced recently that the November closure for the taking of snapper would continue. As a result, it is illegal to take snapper in any waters of the State between midday 1 November and midday 30 November 2006. If fishers accidentally hook a snapper during the closure period, it must be released back to the water immediately. Any suspected breaches of the snapper closed season should be reported to the PIRSA Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522.

Rock lobster pot registrations now open
Don’t forget that rock lobster pots must be registered with PIRSA Fisheries and have a current registration tag attached before they can be used in South Australian waters. A maximum of two pots can be registered per person. For the 2006/07 season, fees are $52 for one pot or $145 for two. To register your pots, contact PIRSA Fisheries on (08) 8347 6107 or go to www.pir.sa.gov.au and register your pots online. The rock lobster season in the Northern Zone is 1 November to 31 May and in the Southern Zone 1 October to 31 May.

Compliance round-up
  • A 39 year old man from Goolwa pleaded guilty to taking over the daily bag limit (52) of black lip abalone, taking undersized abalone and being in possession of undersized abalone on 14 July 2005 near Port Elliott. He was convicted and fined $2,000, with an additional penalty of $2,749.30 (total fine with fees $5,089.30). The abalone was forfeited.
  • A 51 year old commercial marinescale fisher from Ethelton and a 48 year old commercial marinescale fisher from Semaphore pleaded guilty to taking undersized fish namely 45 silver trevally, 4 snook and 18 King George whiting near St Kilda between 23 and 24 November 2005. Both men were convicted and fined a total of $653.50 each. The fish were forfeited.
  • A 26 year old man from Mt Gambier pleaded guilty to operating a fishing vessel at a dangerous speed or in a dangerous manner within the Port Mac Donnell Harbour on 14 July 2005. As a result, he was convicted and fined $1,500 with court costs.

Murray cod closed season commences
The closed season for Murray cod commences on 1 September and continues through until 31 December. During this time, it is illegal to take Murray cod and any accidental catch must be returned to the water immediately.

Bream closed season in Onkaparinga
A closed season for the taking of bream will commence on 1 September in the Onkaparinga River, upstream of the Main South Road Bridge. The closed season ends on 30 November.

Shark sightings
With the onset of Spring, fishers are reminded that any large shark seen in the vicinity of swimmers or inshore where it may cause harm to humans, should be reported immediately to SA Police on 131 444. All other shark sightings should be reported to PIRSA Fishwatch on 1800 065 522. For more information go to www.pir.sa.gov.au/sharks.
Reporting seafood mislabelling
From July this year, the country of origin must be shown on all labelling for seafood sold through retail outlets. This move allows consumers to make informed decisions about the seafood they purchase. A national telephone number has been set up to enable consumers to report the mislabelling of seafood. It is 1800 737 147. For more information on seafood labelling, go to www.foodstandards.gov.au.
FISHFACTS
FishFacts is PIRSA Fisheries FREE electronic newsletter, designed to keep you up to date with the latest South Australian fisheries news and issues. If you know someone who you think might enjoy receiving FishFacts, please forward this e-mail to them. To subscribe to FishFacts click on the subscribe button at the bottom of this newsletter or go to www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishfacts.

PIRSA Fisheries produces Fishfacts as an information service to commercial and recreational fishers. Information about regulations and other laws is provided as a summary only and does not replace the legislation. It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure that they are aware of the law and comply with it.
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