Fisheries targeting intertidal zones

by Department of Primary Industries VIC on 24 Jan 2011 To help to ensure the sustainability of the intertidal zone Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be undertaking a compliance operation targeting offences in the intertidal zone along the Victorian coast this summer.

The intertidal zone is a sensitive area and is highly vulnerable to over harvest. Harvest pressure has led to a decline in some key shellfish species in the intertidal zone.

This summer Operation Lava will ensure greater compliance with the regulations and afford the intertidal zone time to recover. Operation Lava will include the coastal areas from Point Lonsdale to Cape Otway.

Fisheries Regulations from 2009 prohibited the take of most shellfish (molluscs) from the intertidal zone along the entire Victorian coast. In Port Phillip Bay more stringent regulations prohibiting the take of all marine invertebrates, including shellfish, sea urchins and crabs, apply to the intertidal zone.

In all coastal areas, the collection of abalone, turbo, whelks and other molluscs is now prohibited in the area from the high tide mark to where the water is two metres deep. Collection by diving in waters deeper than two metres is still permitted. As part of resource sharing in coastal areas other than Port Phillip Bay, some fishing activities are allowed in the intertidal zone including line fishing, collection of crabs and bivalve molluscs (such as pipi and mussels), use of hoop nets to take rock lobster and crabs and the use of bait pumps for marine worms and burrowing shrimp.

Unless a person is exempt, a valid recreational fishing licence is required to harvest any fish (including molluscs, crabs, marine worms) from Victoria. All fishers need to be aware that in order to have fish for the future, catch limits and other restrictions apply to most species and must be adhered to.

People seeking further information on the intertidal zone and other fisheries regulations, should get a copy of the 2010/11 Recreational Fishing Guide from DPI offices or check the DPI Fisheries website.

Anyone who sees illegal activity in the intertidal zone is encouraged to report illegal activity via the 13FISH (133474) 24 hour offence reporting line.

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