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Rock lobster pots and EPIRBs on reminder list

Thursday 12 February, 2009

Local Fisheries Officers have reminded fishers about the need to correctly mark recreational rock lobster pots.  The reminder comes after reports of a large number of pots being incorrectly marked.

All recreational rock lobster pots must be marked by at least one red, four-litre float and must have a current registration tag attached so it is visible above the water. “Pinky” style floats are not permitted unless they are red in colour.

Fishers are also reminded that it is unlawful to display commercial licence numbers on recreational floats.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager, Limestone Coast, Ms Mel Snart said Fisheries Officers will be checking recreational rock lobster pots over the remainder of the rock lobster season to ensure recreational pots and floats are legal and easily distinguishable from commercial rock lobster pots.

“Fishers are asked to ensure that their floats adhere to the above requirements,” Ms Snart said.

“Recreational fishers are also reminded that rock lobster pots can only be used by the registered owner.

“If any person is found setting or retrieving rock lobster pots not registered to them, they face the possibility of receiving an on the spot fine or, in the case of more serious offences, may face prosecution,” she said.

Information about 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.  Further information is also available by contacting the Kingston SE or Mount Gambier PIRSA Fisheries Offices.

And in a move to assist fishers with the introduction of a new EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons) system, old EPIRBs can be handed in at the PIRSA Fisheries and SAPOL Offices in Kingston SE and Robe during the months of February, March and April. They can also be returned to any Battery World store Australia wide.

“As most fishers will be aware, the current EPIRB system was phased out on 1 February 2009.  EPIRBs will be required to be replaced with the new 406 MHz system,” Ms Snart said.
“Expired EPIRBs must be disposed of in a responsible manner. Fishers are cautioned not to ‘dump’ their expired EPIRBs but to ensure they are returned as described above.”

For further information on the new EPIRB system, go to www.amsa.gov.au