Date of effect: 28/03/2013
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 precise area of the East Coast Lobster Fishery which has been closed in response to a toxic algal bloom and increased risk of paralytic shellfish toxins is explained below.
Closed Area
The area of State waters in and around the southern end of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel south of an imaginary straight line from Scott Point (situated at the entrance of Port Esperance) to the northernmost extremity of Partridge Island and the line of longitude 147°5’90” East between the southernmost extremity of Partridge Island and Labillardiere Peninsula on Bruny Island, and north of an imaginary line from Burnett Point (just north of Southport) and the Hopwood Point navigation light (Labillardiere Peninsula).
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 the viscera of rock lobster sourced from this part of the fishery.
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.”
For queries regarding rock lobster export, please email DAFF.