Fishers in South Australia's south eastern waters are being encouraged to observe good biosecurity practices over the school holidays to restrict the spread of abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG).
Eradication of AVG in the Southern Zone Abalone Fishery is considered not feasible in our marine environment and ongoing management is aimed at preventing the disease spreading to other zones.
PIRSA Executive Director Fisheries and Aquaculture, Gavin Begg, said the cooperation of commercial and recreational fishers during the AVG emergency response was greatly appreciated.
"Surveillance activities during the emergency response has enabled us to shift to a management phase for the virus. But now we must stay vigilant to avoid the spread of AVG to other South Australian waters," he said.
"AVG management in the Southern Zone means certain conditions remain in place to reduce the risk of the virus spreading to other abalone fishing zones, while maintaining as much normal fishing activity as possible."
Movement of abalone product (meat, offal, shells or mucus or water from infected abalone) presents the highest risk of spreading AVG. There is also risk of spreading the disease via contaminated fishing and diving equipment such as wetsuits, anchors, rock lobster pots and ropes as well as by people who come into contact with infected abalone.
Besides not being allowed to take abalone product from the original detection site at Breaksea Reef near Port MacDonnell, from Surfers Way to Pointe des Coreaux and around 7 kilometres (approx. 3.8 nautical miles) out to sea, basic biosecurity measures fishers and divers are required to undertake include:
- Check: all vessels, fishing, diving and surfing equipment and remove anything including water, sand or seaweed. Check your abalone catch for signs of illness.
- Clean: boats at home or at a commercial car wash. Wash wetsuits, fishing and diving equipment with detergent and fresh water.
- Dry: all boating, fishing and diving equipment completely, preferably in the sun, before heading out into the water again.
Professor Begg said the restrictions are no more than basic cleaning and maintenance of fishing gear and equipment that should be undertaken by fishers as a matter of course.
"These actions are very effective for decontamination and will enable us to restrict the spread of AVG and maintain our other abalone fishery zones," he said.
"It is important that everyone plays their part to protect our marine life and fishing industries, especially during busy periods such as the school holidays. It is also important that people report sick or dead abalone anywhere in South Australia by calling the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522 or use the SA Fishing app."
For further guidance on requirements see Abalone viral ganglioneuritis.