BarneyB 1,939 Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 GOOLWA BEACH CLOSED TO PIPI FISHING Friday 13 January 2017Goolwa Beach is closed to recreational Pipi fishing, for bait and human consumption, (from Sunday 8 January 2017) as a precaution following the detection of E. coli levels above what is considered safe for human consumption on Goolwa Beach, adjacent to the Murray Mouth. The closure includes the entire Goolwa Beach from the Murray Mouth to Middleton Point near Mill Terrace at Middleton. Quotes attributable to PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture Director Policy Sean SloanWe’ve closed Goolwa Beach to recreational fishing for Pipis, including for bait, until further notice. This is a precautionary measure following the detection of E. coli levels above what is considered safe for human consumption in waters adjacent to the Murray Mouth. Our first priority is managing any potential public health risk associated with the high E. Coli levels and therefore it is important that we close the beach immediately. Temporary signs have been erected at Goolwa Beach notifying the public of the closure. PIRSA Fisheries Officers and Fishcare Volunteers will be out patrolling Goolwa Beach and over the coming week to ensure everyone is aware of the closure. Further testing will continue and PIRSA will advise the public when the water and shellfish quality is at a safe level for the fishery to reopen. The recent blackwater event in the River Murray, following heavy rainfall and high water flows out of the Murray Mouth, is suspected to be a contributing factor resulting in the high E. coli levels. Other Pipi fishing areas across the state are currently unaffected. Any Pipi caught by commercial fishers and sold at food outlets are safe for human consumption. BackgroundThe recreational Pipi season runs annually from 1 November to 31 May on the Goolwa Beach. Recreational fishing for Pipis is prohibited year-round on the Younghusband Peninsula (Coorong Beach) between the Murray Mouth and 28 Mile Crossing. This is a commercial fishing zone. The waters around the Murray Mouth are regularly tested by The South Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) to check bacteria and toxin levels. E.coli can cause food poisoning in humans and the public should not collect or consume any Pipi from this area. Members of the public are urged to report large numbers of dead fish or other aquatic animals seen during the blackwater event to the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522. For more information on Pipi fishing visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing Meppstas 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Underpants 1,543 Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 Yeah and i was just about the take my young fella down for his first 'shuffle' week commencing 9th Jan. Now i'll be lucky if it clears and i can take him before starting school! Was pretty p**sed off! One less healthy outdoor activity the killjoys wont let us do . BarneyB 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wilda 422 Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 Very funny that it never affects south of the mouth, ***k the pros. BarneyB 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Underpants 1,543 Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 Very funny that it never affects south of the mouth, ***k the pros. Dunno about funny...more ......cause the prevailing SW winds & currents push all that dirty water up Goolwa Beach and beyond and the Younghusband stays clean. Correct me if im totally wrong (im no marine biologist)........wont all that sediment load be great for increased numbers of cockles, given the eat that stuff? All in the reccie area too. It should re-open once the water clears and they test OK. Bloody frustrating that we cant even grab a few for bait tho. What I thought was funny was the closure came 8th of Jan. Coincidence perhaps, when folks came back form xmas/new years break and samples were actually taken for testing? So was a whole week of s**t contaminated cockles missed? reelfun and BarneyB 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bullet 11 Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 Closed for a lot longer now but .. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wilda 422 Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 Well well well Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KIDNEY SLAPPER 1,272 Posted January 14, 2017 Report Share Posted January 14, 2017 ouch thats.gotta suck no bait no feed. geez gotta love a recreational fisherman's life.its vert tidal changing constantly 😠😤 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
doobie 5,802 Posted January 15, 2017 Report Share Posted January 15, 2017 I'm just glad I have stock from last year. I only use for bait, but if I did collect to consume these cockles I would be very hesitant to collect and cook up even after the ban was lifted. Meppstas 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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