Warning to jetty fishers – do the right thing

Friday 9 March 2007

PIRSA Fisheries has hit out at local jetty fishers who are illegally using offal, lamb chops and other mammal meat as berley or bait to attract crabs and other fish - as it may attract sharks.

The Director of Fisheries, Will Zacharin, said that with a hot, long weekend looming PIRSA Fisheries will step up its patrols on metropolitan jetties to ensure fishers are doing the right thing.

In South Australia, it is illegal for anyone to berley the water using blood, bone, meat, offal or the skin of an animal when fishing within two nautical miles (about 3.7 kilometres) off the mainland shores or any offshore islands including Kangaroo Island.

It is also illegal to deposit or use the body, or body part of a mammal in marine waters, including in nets and pots.

“Jetties and the surrounding waters are for families as well as fishers to enjoy and we don’t want to see people with chunks of meat such as lamb chops trying to lure in crabs or other fish to our jetties,” Mr Zacharin said.

“The use of this type of berley or bait, has the potential to irresponsibly endanger the lives of swimmers and divers that may use the same area.

“I strongly urge the community to report this type of anti-social behaviour to the 24 hour Fishwatch hotline on1800 065 522 so that Fisheries Officers can respond.”

Mr Zacharin also urged fishers when they are leaving the jetty to make sure their left-over bait isn’t left on the jetty or thrown into the water as this may continue to attract sharks to the area.

PIRSA Fisheries has renewed a warning that blue crab season is well underway and this has lead to an increase in the number of stingrays in inshore waters. Stingrays are a food source for sharks, so this may result in more sharks coming in closer to shore.

As well, sharks seek out schools of fish.
Some tips to minimise human shark interactions include:

  • Do not swim near schools of fish
  • Do not enter the water if large sharks are known to be present and leave the water immediately
  • Never swim alone
  • Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk or at night
  • Never swim in murky waters
  • Always swim at a patrolled beach and between the flags
  • Avoid water that is being used by recreational or commercial fishers, and areas where there are signs of bait fish or feeding activity
  • Do not swim near a river mouth, especially after heavy rain
  • Do not swim if bleeding.

The public should report any large shark sightings to the PIRSA Fishwatch telephone hotline on 1800 065 522.

Any shark sightings that may pose a threat to human life should be reported immediately to the Police on 000.