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Carp “legal” bait for marine waters

Wednesday 10 December, 2008

Fishers have been reassured that the use of European carp as bait in South Australian marine waters is legal.

PIRSA Fisheries Executive Director Mr Will Zacharin issued the statement following a number of calls to local Fisheries Officers questioning the practice.

“While it is illegal to return carp to the River Murray or any other freshwater lakes, rivers or streams, it is acceptable to use carp as bait in marine (salt) waters,” Mr Zacharin said.

“In fact using carp as bait in marine waters is a win/win situation. 

“It has proven to be an effective bait in crab nets, rock lobster pots and other fishing activities and also provides a use for what otherwise might be a wasted resource.”

The use of carp as bait is a widespread practice amongst South Australia’s commercial rock lobster fishers.