Holders of commercial rock lobster pot licences and recreational rock lobster registrations are able to retrieve pots within the abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) control area from Thursday 29 February 2024 under specific conditions.
A ban on all fishing activities, from shore or boat, now extends from the Victorian border along the South Australian coast to Nene Valley, and 10 kilometres (5 nautical miles) out to sea, to prevent further spread of the recently detected AVG virus by human activity.
However, steps are now in place to allow the retrieval of empty rock lobster pots, with any catch or other organic material such as seaweed or other marine creatures to be left at sea where the pot is retrieved.
Collections are restricted to daylight hours between sunrise and sunset; the long term window for retrieval will be decided in due course, as different factors are considered, including weather.
Lobster pot licence and registration holders have been contacted by PIRSA and must notify PIRSA before entering the control area to retrieve their pots – details of the information they must provide and how to send it to PIRSA is available at Collecting rock lobster pots.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Elise Spark said that once boats have returned to shore, pots must be washed away from the ocean with detergent and fresh water.
"Cleaning must take place in an area where none of the washdown can re-enter the marine environment. Make sure all surfaces of your pot are covered with detergent, and rinse with fresh water, before air drying all equipment for a minimum of 72 hours outside, ideally in the sun," Dr Spark said.
A temporary decontamination station is in place for commercial fishers at Port MacDonnell, consisting of high-pressure water cleaning equipment, detergent, and supervision by PIRSA compliance officers.
Detergent, drying and sunlight together decrease the risk of spreading the disease.
"All commercial fishers must return to Port MacDonnell to decontaminate," Dr Spark added.
"Recreational fishers may decontaminate at a suitable site where runoff is unable to return to the sea, like their home, or a carwash station. They are also able to use the Port MacDonnell facilities."
Failure to comply with control area restrictions may result in fines.
If you feel overwhelmed about this situation, our Family and Business (FaB) mentors can help. FaB mentors are locals, experienced in dealing with emergency situations, who can support you through this challenging time. You can have a free, informal, confidential and independent conversation with them in person, or by phone. In the Limestone Coast call Sally Klose on 0427 829 143.
For more information see Abalone viral ganglioneuritis.