Date of effect: 22/11/2012
DAFF issues this direction in writing under the Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Orders 2005, Order 75, directing exporters and export registered establishments to comply with the following requirements for rock lobster for export from Tasmania until further notice.
DAFF has been advised by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment (DPIPWE) that part of the Tasmanian East Coast Lobster Fishery is closed.
Exports of rock lobster and rock lobster products harvested from closed areas of the Tasmanian East Coast Lobster Fishery are not permitted.
The direction applies to the species, Jasus edwardsii (Southern rock lobster).
The area of the East Coast Lobster Fishery from Eddystone Point in the north to the bottom of Marian Bay in the south has not been re-opened following seasonal closure in response to the recent algae bloom that has affected both mussels and scallops sourced from this area.
The closed area is defined to mean the area of State waters adjacent to the east coast of Tasmania bounded in the north on the east coast by the line of latitude at 41° 1’ 0” South and bounded in the south on the east coast by an the line of latitude at 42° 49’ 00” South. Contact DPIPWE for more information about the closure.
The Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has also issued a public health notice advising the public not to consume rock lobster sourced from this part of the fishery. For more information regarding the public health warning go to the DHHS website.
The presence of the toxin is a result of a naturally occurring algae bloom. Affected rock lobsters do not look or taste any different and the toxin is not destroyed by freezing or cooking.
This direction restricting export is to remain in force until the affected area of the fishery has been re-opened to commercial fishing of rock lobster. DAFF will liaise with the Tasmanian authorities and update and re-issue this notice as required.
Note: To support the export of rock lobster and rock lobster products sourced elsewhere and thus NOT subject to this order, exporters are required to include the following statement on all Declarations of Compliance for rock lobster of these species:
“This rock lobster / rocklobster product has been prepared from rock lobster that has been sourced from an open fisheries area".
Note: For queries regarding rock lobster export, please email fish.