Intertidal reef pickers reported
Friday, 31 January 2003

Fisheries Officers from Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) have reported five people for collecting shellfish from the intertidal reef area at Hallett Cove.

The officers were responding to a call to the Fishwatch telephone service from a member of the public.

When stopped by the officers, the five were found to be in possession of a quantity of shellfish including 460 undersized abalone. The abalone and other shellfish were seized.

General Manager Fisheries Services, Mark Lewis asked the public to continue to be watchful and to provide information about any illegal fishing activity to Fishwatch.

“It is illegal to remove any plants or animals from any intertidal rocky reefs in South Australia out to a water depth of two metres.

“These areas and the associated organisms are an important part of the coastal ecology but because of their accessibility, they are seen by some as an easy target.

“With ongoing assistance from the public, Fisheries Officers will continue to respond in a timely manner to this type of illegal activity,” Mr Lewis said.

The Fishwatch telephone number is 1800 065 522.