Date of effect: 29/08/2016
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 analysis results in bivalve indicator species from Pirates Bay (Lower East Coast zone) have returned elevated paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) levels.
As a result of the elevated toxin levels DPIPWE will close the Lower East Coast zone for rock lobster fishing from 00:01 Monday 29 August to allow for rock lobster samples to be collected and tested for PST.
Analysis results will determine the status of this zone in accordance with DPIPWE’s Rock Lobster Biotoxin Plan and Decision Making Protocol July 2015. DPIPWE will monitor and issue further notices to open or close 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 productsthat 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:
‘This rock lobster/rock lobster product has been prepared from rock lobster that has been sourced from an open fisheries area’.
For questions regarding rock lobster exports, please contact Dairy Eggs Fish.