Abalone Gut Ban Continued

[mrsswordfisherman]

Please see the email and article sent to fishraider admin 23/11/08

To whom it may concern,

A closure was implemented late last year banning the recreational or commercial use of abalone gut as bait or burley for the taking of any fish in all waters of NSW. NSW DPI are going to renew this closure for a further 12 months in an attempt to continue to protect NSW’s abalone stocks from abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG), which can be transferred in abalone gut.

I would like to submit an article to be included in your website as part of our communication strategy on the renewal of the ban.

Steven Kay

Aquatic Biosecurity Officer

NSW Department of Primary Industries

Locked Bag 1

Nelson Bay NSW 2315

Ph: (02) 4916 3978

Mobile: 0409 604 742

Fax: (02) 4981 9074

email: Steven.Kay@dpi.nsw.gov.au

AVG Article

Abalone gut ban continued in an attempt to protect NSW abalone stocks

A closure was implemented late last year banning the recreation or commercial use of abalone gut as bait or burley for the taking of any fish in all waters of NSW. This closure has now been renewed for a further 12 months in an attempt to continue to protect NSW’s abalone stocks from abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG), which can be transferred in abalone gut. Although this disease has no known effects on human health, AVG has caused massive losses of abalone in Victoria, with up to 95% mortality in certain areas in the last two years. Victoria DPI has implemented a fishing closure and various management actions to restrict the spread of the disease, however it has spread and has since been confirmed as far east as White Cliffs near Johanna, south-west Victoria, approximately 613 km from the NSW/ Vic border.

At present there is no indication that AVG is present in NSW abalone stocks. However, the use of abalone gut as bait has been identified as a high risk factor for introducing AVG into NSW abalone populations. If AVG entered NSW it is likely that the impact would devastate abalone stocks in NSW. Several alternative baits are available to pursue the species normally targeted with abalone gut. These include cunjevoi, pippies, prawns, and bread. By respecting restrictions on taking fish with abalone gut, fishers will be helping protect abalone stocks for future generations.

For further information please contact the Aquatic Biosecurity Unit on (02) 4982 1232.

[glennmreid]

no worries Donna. thanks for posting.