PIRSA recently announced changes for rock lobster pots being used in South Australia’s Northern Zone for the upcoming season beginning 1st November 2014.
With the season drawing closer, fishers are now being reminded to upgrade their existing rock lobster pots before the season kicks into gear.
The Northern Zone Rock Lobster fishery extends from the Murray Mouth near Goolwa, and extends right through to the WA border.
A map of the Northern Zone can be found at the following link: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/commercial_fishing/commercial_fisheries/rock_lobster_fishery#zones
The changes to recreational pots include an increase in escape gap size and the addition of a Sea Lion Exclusion Device (SLED) to bring recreational lobster pots in line with those used by the commercial sector. The escape gaps have increased to a height of 5.7cm, up from 5.0cm, with a SLED now required to sit centre of the pot rising to the height of the base of the neck.
For detailed diagrams of the new regulations log on to:
http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing/faqs_for_recreational_rock_lobster_pots_in_the_northern_zone_of_the_rock_lobster_fishery
Commercial pots have been using the 5.7cm x 28cm escape a gap since 2003, with SLEDs introduced in November 2013. Interestingly some of the commercial rock lobster fishers have recorded better catches since introducing SLEDs as they also help to keep carpet sharks (wobbegongs) out of the pots. New escape gaps and SLEDs are now available in most fishing and marine outlets in South Australia. SLEDs can either be a fixed shaft, or folding to for ease of baiting and removing lobsters.
Jamie Crawford is Fishing World’s South Australian correspondent.
