MEDIA RELEASE:

PIRSA Fisheries has issued a reminder of the regulations that apply to Opera House-style Yabby pots following a number of recent inspections carried out by Fisheries Officers on the River Murray.

Senior Fisheries Officer with PIRSA Fisheries, Dave Grant, said that a number of anglers in the region have been found using Opera House pots that do not comply with South Australian fishing regulations.

“It’s important that fishers ensure that any Opera House pots they use must have no more than two entrance funnels,” he said.

“Each entrance funnel must also have a rigid ring, which does not exceed 7.5cm in diameter.

“PIRSA Fisheries is aware of a number of fishing tackle outlets in South Australia selling Opera House pots that have entrance funnels that are larger than 7.5cm.

“Whilst these may be legal to use in some other states, they can not be used in South Australian waters.

“The maximum funnel size of 7.5cm on aims to prevent non-targeted species such as turtles and water rats from entering the pots. These animals have a tendency to enter the nets to get the bait placed in there, but are then unable to get out and may subsequently drown.”

PIRSA Fisheries is asking fishing tackle and department stores across the state to check their stocks to ensure that they are only selling Opera House pots with the legal specifications. Fishers using this type of pot are also asked to check their pots to ensure that they comply. Fines apply of up to $130 for using non-compliant pots.

Further information can be on the PIRSA Fisheries website at www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing or calling by FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.

Thanks for that, looks like a visit to the tackle shop before my next trip, mine have the flat ramp type opening. Some new traps are going to be cheaper than the possible fine.Thanks again for the "heads up".

Barney.

It's great to also see a detailed explanation of WHY the law needs to be enforced.

I'd like to see this one up on the open forums soon to let all the members know about it!

Agreed Ranger, I did catch a water rat in one of of mine last time I used them, fortunately it was still alive when I checked the net, unfortunately it got loose in the boat when I was tring to release it.

G"day PIRSA,just a couple of questions ,how many pots are you allowed to have ,also do you have to have some sort of float attatched with your name and adress written on it,whether you are in attendace or not in attendance.
Cheers

Thanks for the question Cal.

The SA Rec Fishing Guide states on page 53 that each fisher may use a maximum of 3 yabbie pots.

Page 17 refers to tagging of permitted devices:
All other permitted devices, which are unattended, must
be marked with a tag showing the name and address of
the owner of the device. This does not apply to those
devices designed to be held in the hand, or drop nets
and yabbie pots set from the shore when the person
responsible is in attendance. A device is attended only
when the person responsible for the device is at all times
no more than 50 metres away.
Tags must be of a material that is durable in water. They
should have minimum dimensions of 10cm x 5cm, and
should show the required markings in lettering that is at
least 2cm high.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Dave Primer
Communications Officer

Thank you kindly for the answer,I knew there was some regulation regarding it,but wasnt excactly sure.
Cheers

MEDIA RELEASE:

PIRSA Fisheries has issued a reminder of the regulations that apply to Opera House-style Yabby pots following a number of recent inspections carried out by Fisheries Officers on the River Murray.

Senior Fisheries Officer with PIRSA Fisheries, Dave Grant, said that a number of anglers in the region have been found using Opera House pots that do not comply with South Australian fishing regulations.

“It’s important that fishers ensure that any Opera House pots they use must have no more than two entrance funnels,” he said.

“Each entrance funnel must also have a rigid ring, which does not exceed 7.5cm in diameter.

“PIRSA Fisheries is aware of a number of fishing tackle outlets in South Australia selling Opera House pots that have entrance funnels that are larger than 7.5cm.

“Whilst these may be legal to use in some other states, they can not be used in South Australian waters.

“The maximum funnel size of 7.5cm on aims to prevent non-targeted species such as turtles and water rats from entering the pots. These animals have a tendency to enter the nets to get the bait placed in there, but are then unable to get out and may subsequently drown.”

PIRSA Fisheries is asking fishing tackle and department stores across the state to check their stocks to ensure that they are only selling Opera House pots with the legal specifications. Fishers using this type of pot are also asked to check their pots to ensure that they comply. Fines apply of up to $130 for using non-compliant pots.

Further information can be on the PIRSA Fisheries website at www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing or calling by FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.

Time to grab the tapemeasure and check my yabby pots. I'm pleased to see an explanation on WHY these regulations are necessary too.

Ranger wrote:


I am with you Ranger, it is good to see an explanation on a rule, not that it is needed, but there will be no grey area, very impressed, and yeah I had better check mine too.

Dame

our nets comply with regulations

Just checked my hole too and she's all good

1ONMEPILLIE wrote:

Most reassuring!

Mine are fine , shame I can't use them where I am , remember if you come to Victoria they are illegal to use

Cheers
Ozzy

Really fellas, opera house nets are over rated and over priced. Three double ring drop nets and a handfull of chook pellets are all you need. Place the net right next to the bank because that is where the yabbies live, in holes in the bank. sprinkle a few chook pellets over the net and set the next net two metres further along the bank and so on with the third. then walk gently back to the first net without stamping feet etc. wait a further five minutes and lift the net straight up. Empty yabbies into bucket and reset the net. The only time that you would use opera house nets is if you were going to leave them in overnight . Which then requires a float equivalent to a two litre milk container with your name and address attached. And you still will not catch any more yabbies!
RogerG