Mesh net
Description
Mesh nets can only be used in:
- the Coorong
- Lake Albert
- Lake Alexandrina
- Lake George.
You must not use mesh nets in South Australian marine coastal waters.
Registration
You must register all recreational mesh nets before use. New registrations are only available for recreational mesh net use in Lake George.
New registrations are no longer available for the Coorong, Lake Albert or Lake Alexandrina.
Rules apply for combining mesh nets with other fishing gear.
Mesh net specifications
The Coorong
The Coorong
Maximum length: 75 m
Minimum mesh size: 50 mm
Maximum mesh size: 64 mm
Mesh panel: no more than 1 m in depth.
Marking
- 2 black buoys at 1 end
- 1 yellow buoy at the other end
- floating red buoys at intervals of no more than 50 m (if the net is more than 50 m long).
Setting
The net must:
- float when set.
- not be set within 200 m of any other net.
The operator must be within 50 m of the net at all times.
Closures
Closures apply to using mesh nets in some areas of the Coorong.
Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina
Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina
Maximum length: 75 metres.
Minimum mesh size: 110 mm.
Maximum mesh size: 150 mm.
Mesh nets must have a mesh panel to float. No part of the net can be more than 2 m below the surface of the water.
Marking
- 2 black buoys at 1 end
- 1 yellow buoy at the other end
- floating red buoys at intervals of no more than 50 m (if the net is more than 50 m long).
Setting
The net must:
- only be set from the water’s edge
- float when set
- not be set within 200 m of any other net.
The operator must be within 50 m of the net at all times.
Closures
Closures apply to using mesh nets in some areas of Lakes Albert and Alexandrina.
Lake George
Lake George
Maximum length: 75 m
Minimum mesh size: 70 mm
Maximum height: 2.5 m
Mesh nets must float and no part of the net can be more than 2.5 m below the surface of the water.
Marking
All mesh nets must be marked with:
- 2 black buoys at 1 end
- 1 yellow buoy at the other end.
Buoys must be a minimum volume of 4 L.
Tags
A current PIRSA issued registration tag must be attached to the top of the yellow buoy.
The tag must show the:
- registered owner's name
- registration number.
If your tag is lost or stolen:
- immediately remove the net from the water
- report the loss to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522
- fill in the application for a replacement mesh net tag form ()) or request a form be sent to you from Fisheries Licensing.
There is a fee for the replacement of a mesh net tag.
Setting
The registered owner must attend the net on the same day between:
- 1.5 hours after sunrise
- 1.5 hours before sunset.
The registered owner does not need to attend the net outside of these times.
Attendance of your net means the registered owner must be no more than 50 metres from the landward boundary of the Lake.
Closures
Closures apply to using mesh nets in some areas of Lake George.