Rock lobster fishers warned to follow the rules
Friday 21 December, 2007
PIRSA Fisheries has reminded all rock lobster fishers of the need to follow the rules put in place when rock lobster fishing in South Australia.
The reminder comes after Fisheries Officers reported two males aged 35 and 41 from Cape Douglas on the Limestone Coast.
The two fishers were observed pulling excess rock lobster pots and un-registered rock lobster pots.
A subsequent house search, conducted by Fisheries Officers at a Cape Douglas residence, resulted in a number of items being seized. These included 11 kilograms of rock lobster and 6 rock lobster pots (4 rock lobster pots were registered and 2 rock lobster pots were un-registered).
In another incident, Fisheries Officers were alerted by SAPOL to two male fishers aged 27 and 22 from Mount Gambier who were in possession of 22 rock lobster, 16 of which were undersize. All the rock lobsters were seized and investigations are continuing.
PIRSA Fisheries, Manager Compliance Services, Paul Tatarelli said that fishers need to be aware of the rules that apply to rock lobster fishing in South Australia.
“The rules are put in place to allow fishers to catch a reasonable feed of fish but at the same time ensure the long-term health of a valuable resource,” he said.
“Fishers are also reminded that those who are convicted under the new Fisheries Management Act, which came in to force from 1 December 2007, face higher penalties.
“Penalties for these types of offences can include fines of up to $50,000 or imprisonment for up to four years.”
Information about South Australia’s fishing rules is available in the booklet called the Recreational Fishing Guide (available from fishing tackle shops), from the PIRSA Fisheries web site www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing, or by calling the 24 hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.
Rock lobster rules at a glance
Minimum legal size limit
Northern Zone - 10.5 cms
Southern Zone - 9.85 cms
Bag limit
4 rock lobster per person per day
Boat limit
8 rock lobster per day (where two or more fishers are fishing from the same boat).
Rock lobster pots
A maximum of two rock lobster pots per person may be used.
Before they can be used, rock lobster pots must be registered with PIRSA Fisheries and can only be used by the holder of a current registration. All registered pots must be marked with a current registration tag as provided by PIRSA Fisheries.
Protected female lobster
Berried rock lobster (females carrying eggs) are protected at all times and must be returned to the water immediately
Removal of tail fan
All rock lobster taken by recreational fishers must have the middle tail fan clipped before landing.
