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Northern zone rock lobster season starts soon

Thursday 22 October, 2009

PIRSA Fisheries has issued a reminder that the northern zone rock lobster season opens from midday on Sunday 1 November.

A number of rules apply to rock lobster fishing in South Australia and all fishers are urged to make themselves aware of these regulations before going fishing.

Fisheries Minister Paul Caica recently announced that the Total Allowable Commercial Catch quota for Northern Zone Rock Lobster will be reduced to 310 tonnes for the 2009/10 fishing season.

PIRSA Fisheries General Manager Fisheries Management Kelly Crosthwaite said it is important that fishers do the right thing and play by the rules to ensure the fishery remains sustainable for the future.

“The season starts at midday on 1 November, so it is important that fishers do not put their pots in the water prior to this time or they risk expiation,” she said.

 “PIRSA Fisheries Officers will be conducting regular patrols of all rock lobster fishing areas, paying particular attention to unregistered pots, over potting, interference with other fisher’s pots, the retaining of females carrying eggs and people taking undersize rock lobster.

“Current data suggests there is a ‘pulse’ of small lobsters growing into legal size over the next two years and it is therefore important we protect this pulse so that catches can be sustained over the coming years.”

Rock lobster pots must be registered with PIRSA Fisheries and have a current registration tag attached before they can be legally used in South Australia. A maximum of two pots per fisher can be registered at selected PIRSA Offices or on-line at www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing.

Fishers can access up to date information about the rules that apply to recreational fishing via the Recreational Fishing Guide (available from bait and tackle stores and Visitor Information Centres). They can also log on to the PIRSA Fisheries web site (www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing) or call the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.

Northern zone rock lobster rules at a glance:
• Minimum length is 10.5 cm
• Daily bag limit is four
• Daily boat limit is eight
• The northern zone covers the area from the mouth of the River Murray to the Western Australian border, including Kangaroo Island.

Fishers are also encouraged to report any illegal fishing activity to the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.