FishFacts Issue 7, February 2007


Issue 7, February 2007
PIRSA logo. (Links to PIRSA website)

www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing


Be on the look-out for bluey’s with eggs
Fisheries Officers have warned crabbers to be on the look out for female crabs bearing eggs. Reports from northern Adelaide beaches have suggested that there are currently large numbers of female blue swimmer crabs carrying external eggs.

The eggs appear as a mass beneath the flap on the underside of the crab ranging in colour from yellow through to orange.

These crabs are fully protected and must be returned to the water immediately. For more information go to the PIRSA Fisheries web site.

Free marine pests CD
A forum to improve community awareness of marine pests was conducted in Adelaide this year and a CD-ROM of all the talks presented at the seminar has now been released.

Primary Industries and Resources SA hosted representatives from the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS), the Australian Shipowners’ Association (ASA), CSIRO, Oceanwatch, Reefwatch SA, and SARDI Aquatic Sciences to speak at the forum.

The presentations illustrated research, management, monitoring and prevention strategies being developed to combat marine pest incursions on a national level.

Copies of the CD-ROM are available free to the public by telephoning PIRSA Fisheries on 8347 6100 during office hours.

Catch and release tip
Make sure you always use wet hands when handling fish you intend to release and always lay them on a damp, cool cloth.

When out of the water, fish require full body support at all times to avoid damage to internal organs. Very large fish should be de-hooked while still in the water.

Go-ahead for major marine science centre expansion
Approval has been given for a $6.6 million expansion of the Lincoln Marine Science Centre at Port Lincoln.

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Rory McEwen said the expansion would be a key factor in positioning the state as a world class centre for marine science, education and industry development through the Marine Innovation SA (MISA) initiative.

“The increased capability the centre will provide has the potential to benefit SA’s wild fisheries catch and aquaculture production by three dollars for every dollar spent.

Sinkers away!
Sinkers come in many shapes and sizes. The key to good sinker selection is to use as much weight as you have to, but as little as you can get away with.

Call for public comment
A draft aquaculture zone policy for Anxious Bay, near Elliston, has been released by the Minister for Agriculture, Food & Fisheries for public consultation.

Submissions in relation to the draft policy and development plan amendments should be made to: PIRSA Aquaculture, GPO Box 1625, Adelaide SA 5001. Submissions must be received by 5:00 pm on Wednesday 28th February 2007. Click here for more information.

Compliance round-up
  • A 33 year old man from the Limestone Coast has pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to comply with a direction given to him by a Fisheries Officer and two counts of hindering Fisheries Officers in pursuance of their duties. The charges resulted from a routine uniformed patrol conducted by Fisheries Officers in the Cape Douglas area. The man was fined $6,000 plus costs of $500.

  • A man has been arrested for allegedly selling abalone on the black market. The man, aged 29, from Point Pearce will be charged with various abalone related offences including possessing a commercial quantity of abalone for sale. He has been bailed to appear before the Magistrates Court early this year. Two other men will also be charged with similar offences related to the possession of a quantity of abalone. The charges resulted from reports of suspected illegal activity over a number of days leading up to the arrest.

    Search warrants were executed at two Renown Park addresses where a quantity of abalone was uncovered. A number of charges will be laid against two women from these addresses.

    As a result of the operation, Fisheries Officers seized approximately 100 kilograms of abalone together with a vehicle, diving equipment and a large amount of cash.

  • Three men were issued with on-the-spot fines recently at Port MacDonnell for taking undersize rock lobster and failing to clip the tail fan. Fisheries Officers were responding to a call to the PIRSA Fishwatch 24 hour hotline (1800 065 522). Recreational fishers are reminded that all recreationally caught rock lobster must have the middle tail fan cut in half to a recognisable straight line before returning to shore. Other regulations apply. For more information click here.

Did you know?
Fish have a very keen sense of smell.

If you have used any sunscreen, insect repellent or come into contact with any other chemicals, make sure you thoroughly wash your hands before you start fishing.

Any chemical smell transferred to your fishing gear may discourage the fish from taking your bait.


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.
Click here to unsubscribe

Click here to join mailing list

---