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Rock lobster blitz reveals a positive result

Thursday 29 January, 2009

A blitz on recreational rock lobster fishing in the Limestone Coast region conducted over the Australia Day long weekend has shown positive results.

Ms Mel Snart, PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager (Limestone Coast), says Fisheries Officers were pleased with the number of recreational fishers who, when checked, were found to be complying with fishing rules.

“Over the weekend, Fisheries Officers checked a total of 164 recreational fishers as well as searching 16 vessels.  On the holiday Monday, 32 cars were stopped as part of a roadblock conducted with the assistance of local SAPOL Officers,” Ms Snart said.

“Fisheries Officers were generally impressed by the high percentage of fishers who were aware of and had complied with the rules that apply to rock lobster fishing in South Australia. 

“The only offences detected during the weekend were two fishers who were expiated for failing to cut the tail fan of recreationally caught rock lobster.”

Information about rock lobster and other fishing rules can be found in the free Recreational Fishing Guide (available from PIRSA Offices), on the PIRSA Fisheries web site www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing or by contacting the Fishwatch telephone hotline on 1800 065 522. 

Any suspected illegal fishing activity can also be reported to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.