Date of effect: 13/12/2015
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) has been advised by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE), Tasmania, that rock lobster analysis results from some parts of the east coast have returned paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) below regulatory levels. DPIPWE have now opened parts of the eastern region rock lobster fishery. Areas open to rock lobster are also open to giant crab fishery.
New areas open as of 13 December 2015:
- Furneaux Zone (north of the middle of Banks Strait) and that part of the eastern region in Bass Strait north of 40° 39’ 18” S
- Fishery areas listed in Industry Advice Notice: 2015-09 remain open.
All other eastern region biotoxin zones will remain closed.
The DPIPWE will continue to test rock lobster in three biotoxin zones along the East Coast. If levels of PST are below the regulatory limit, other areas may be opened to fishing. Further notices will be issued by DPIPWE to open areas as appropriate.
The department will issue further Industry Advice Notices when this occurs.
Detailed information in relation to the DPIPWE closures can be found at Biotoxin Fishery Events.
Contact DPIPWE if you have any questions in relation to the rock lobster fishery notice.
Recreational fishery enquiries: Ph (03) 6165 3233 or 1300 720 647
Commercial fishery enquiries: Ph (03) 6165 3045
Direction to export registered establishments and exporters
The department issues this direction under order 75 of the Export Control (Fish and Fish products) Orders 2005.
To support the export of Tasmanian caught rock lobster and rock lobster products/giant crab that are sourced from areas that are open for fishing, the following statement must be included on all Declarations of Compliance for all Tasmanian caught rock lobster and rock lobster products/giant crab:
‘This rock lobster/rock lobster product/giant crab has been prepared from rock lobster/ giant crab that has been sourced from an open fisheries area’.
For questions regarding rock lobster/giant crab exports, please contact Dairy Eggs Fish.