With the Southern Zone rock lobster season opening on the October long weekend, recreational fishers are being urged to take notice of bag limits and size restrictions to help preserve stocks for the future.
Fisheries compliance officers will be alert to rock lobster offences throughout the season, which opens on Monday, 1 October at 6am and runs to the end of May.
PIRSA Fisheries’ Acting Compliance Manager Gary Darter said that Fisheries officers would be conducting random checks throughout the season to ensure all rock lobster fishers complied with the regulations.
“Failure to comply may lead to significant penalties,” Mr Darter said.
“Anyone unsure of the regulations surrounding the rock lobster fishery should get in touch with their local Fisheries office or call 1800 065 522.”
Recreational rock lobster pots must
• Be registered and have the registration tag on display.
• Only be used by their registered owners.
• Comply with the specifications outlined in the Recreational Fishing Guide. Copies of the guide are available from Fisheries offices or online at http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing/recreational_fishing_guide.
Recreational fishers are also reminded that
• The minimum legal length is 9.85cm.
• Bag limits are four per person per day, or a boat limit of eight where two or more people are in the boat.
• Berried female rock lobsters (with eggs) are protected at all times of the year and must be returned to the water unharmed.
• Half the middle tail fin must be cut off before reaching the high water mark to show the lobster has been caught recreationally.
If you have any queries in regard to recreational fishing licenses, please call Struan 8762 9100, or PIRSA Fisheries at Mt Gambier 8735 1300.