East Coast Toxic Algal Bloom Update

Levels of the toxic algal species Alexandrium tamarense have been increasing in several locations on the East Coast since early August.
How does this affect recreational fishers?
At this stage, there are no changes to the recreational fishery.


As with the situation last summer, DPIPWE takes advice from the agency responsible for public health, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and follows any requests it may have in terms of management arrangements.  DPIPWE is liaising closely with DHHS on this matter but at this stage it has advised that closure of the recreational rock lobster fishery on the East Coast is not warranted.  All the public health warnings associated with the algal bloom last summer advised not to eat rock lobster viscera (guts and organs) from wild harvested lobster.  None of the samples of rock lobster flesh (meat) tested last summer had toxin levels above the maximum prescribed health limit for bivalve shellfish (this limit is used as a proxy for rock lobster). More details are now available on the Toxic Algal Bloom Update webpage at www.fishing.tas.gov.au

For up to date information about public health alerts relating to eating shellfish, refer to the Director of Public Health's current Public Health warnings or phone the Department of Health and Human Services hotline on 1800 671 738.
 

Rock Lobster Season Closure

A reminder that the season for taking male rock lobster closes at midnight on August 31, 2013.  

The 2013/2014 recreational rock lobster season dates have now been declared and more information is available from the Recreational Fishing Seasons webpage.    
 

Fishcare Recruitment and Training Day
An exciting training day on the basics of being a Fishcare Volunteer is being held on Saturday, 14 September 2013 near Port Sorell.  Topics covered include communicating with fishers and a season update for 2013 with a special focus on estuary fish species and habitats. More information from Rob Green, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (03) 6233 6208.


More information?
call the Recreational Sea Fishing Line on (03) 6233 7042 or 1300 720 647;
email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or
visit: www.fishing.tas.gov.au