Date of effect: 24 December 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, Janus edwardsii (Southern rock lobster).
The area of the East Coast Lobster Fishery from Waterhouse Island in the north to the bottom of Marian Bay in the south has been closed following seasonal closure in response to the recent algae bloom that has affected both mussels and scallops sourced from this area.
The northern boundary of the closed area has been extended to a line of latitude passing through approximately the middle of Banks Strait and extending to Waterhouse Island in the west. The southern boundary of the closed area at Marion Bay remains unchanged since the last Industry Advice Notice.
The north eastern area is defined to mean the area of State waters adjacent to the north east coast of Tasmanian bounded in the south on the east coast by the line of latitude at 41° & 1’ 0” South, bounded in the west on the north coast by the line of longitude 147° 39’ 0”, bounded in the north by the line of latitude at 40° 39’ 18” and bounded in the east by the outer limit of state waters.
Contact DPIPWE for more information about the closures.
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 warnings on 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.