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Illegal Coorong catch prompts fishing warning

Media Release

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture is urging fishers to school up on local fishing rules, to ensure they’re not caught out breaking the law.

The warning follows a series of incidents in recent months, including the apprehension of a Meningie man for taking Mulloway well below the 46 centimetre minimum length required in the Coorong.

Senior Fisheries Officer for PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, David Grant, said a disregard of the rules will not be tolerated.

“In December, a fisheries operation in the Coorong detected a 54 year-old man in possession of 143 undersized Mulloway, some measuring as small as 21 centimetres,” Mr Grant said.

“It’s extremely disappointing to see this type of incident occur as this behaviour can have a long-term affect on the sustainability of the fishery.

“Fishers need to be aware that ignorance is not an excuse, our Officers and the public are watching and if you want to avoid a hefty penalty it’s best to research the local fishing rules before heading out to wet a line.”

With the recent holiday period seeing an influx of recreational fishers in the area, Mr Grant also warned fishers to be particularly mindful of geographic boundaries.

“One of the recurring incidents involves confusion over the minimum size limit of Mulloway when taken within the channel linking the Coorong to the sea,” he said.

“Fishers must be aware that this area is considered part of the Murray Mouth and therefore a minimum Mulloway size limit of 75 centimetres applies.”

Fishers should consult the SA Recreational Fishing Guide, for a complete overview of Lakes and Coorong fishing rules. This is available at ww.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing  It includes:

• Mesh nets must be registered and can only be used by the registered owner.
• The use of mesh nets is prohibited in Coorong Area 1 (waters between Goolwa and the line between Pelican Point and Gnurlung Point) between 1 November and 31 March.
• Unattended nets must be tagged with the owner’s name and address.
• Recreational fishers are not permitted to take Pipis on the Younghusband Peninsula between the River Murray Mouth and 28 Mile Beach. A minimum size for Pipi of 3.5 centimetres and a bag limit of 300 applies.

Suspicious or illegal fishing activity can be reported through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.