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Southern zone rock lobster season kicks off

Monday 28 September, 2009

Fishers are reminded that the Southern Zone Rock Lobster season opens from 6am on Thursday 1 October.

Strict rules apply to Rock Lobster fishing in South Australia and all fishers are urged to make themselves aware of these rules before fishing.

Executive Director Fisheries, Martin Smallridge said these rules provide fishers with an opportunity to play their part in the management and long-term sustainability of the fishery.

“These rules are in place to allow reasonable access to the resource by recreational fishers, but at the same time ensure we will have fish for the future,” Mr Smallridge said.

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

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 can be registered at PIRSA Offices or on-line at www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing.

(The Kingston Fisheries office is open Wednesdays only between 10.00am and 3.00pm until further notice).

During the season, Fisheries Officers will conduct regular patrols of all Rock Lobster fishing areas, paying particular attention to undersize Rock Lobsters, unregistered pots, interference with other fisher’s pots and the use of floats with commercial fishing numbers.

Rules at a glance:
• Minimum length 9.85 cm
• Daily bag limit is four
• Daily boat limit is eight for two or more people
• The southern zone covers the area from the mouth of the River Murray to the Victorian border.

Fisheries Minister Paul Caica recently announced that the Total Allowable Commercial Catch quota for Southern Zone Rock Lobster will be reduced to 1400 tonnes for the 2009/10 fishing season.