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12,000 undersized pipis seized during opening week

Friday 6 November, 2009

PIRSA Fisheries has expressed concern at the amount of recreational fishers taking undersized pipis (Goolwa cockles) following recent patrols during the opening week of the pipi season.

During the first five days of the season, which began on Sunday 1 November, Fisheries Officers patrolling the Goolwa Beach area seized in excess of 12,000 undersized pipis from 27 fishers.

Fisheries Officers issued 15 of these fishers with expiations while 12 were given written cautions.

PIRSA Fisheries Manager Regional Operations, Peter Dietman, said that these results were very concerning as the size limits for pipis had not changed from last year.

“During the operation, Fisheries Officers together with Fishcare Volunteers ensured that recreational fishers were made aware of recent changes to the pipi bag limit from 600 to 300,” he said.

“They also handed out more than 700 pipi gauges to reinforce the 3.5cm size limit.

“Despite this, it is concerning from a sustainability standpoint to find such a large number of fishers ignoring the size limit. 

“We want to remind fishers that it is crucial to the sustainability of the species that they only take legal-sized pipi so that recreational fishers can enjoy healthy pipi stocks in the future.”

Mr Dietman said that pipis should be measured immediately at the time of collecting them and any undersized should be returned to the water immediately. They should not be taken ashore before they have been measured for legal size.

“Fisheries Officer will continue to patrol known pipi fishing beaches and where necessary take action against fishers who ignore the rules,” he said.

Recreational pipi rules at a glance
• Minimum size 3.5 cm
• Maximum daily bag limit 300
• Recreational closed season from 1 June to 31 October 2010 inclusive
• Recreational anglers are not permitted to take pipis on the Younghusband Peninsula between the River Murray mouth and Kingston SE jetty (Coorong Beach). This is a commercial-only fishing zone.

Anyone can report illegal fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.  Callers can choose to remain anonymous.