Lobster season set to rock
IT’S been a mixed bag of fishing over the past week. With many looking forward to the start of the lobster season on the East Coast this weekend, those same anglers are hoping for kinder conditions than those that have been occurring in recent days.
Also being aware of biotoxin alerts is important and, as of last week, the advice is as follows:
“The IMAS research program investigating the linkage between rate of paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) uptake in rock lobster and the early warning bivalve shellfish has collected two sets of lobster samples from the Mercury Passage area since the last biotoxin update (October 14).
“These rock lobster samples are showing a decline in the levels of PST. However, the PST levels are still above or very close to the maximum limit permitted for human consumption. Storm Bay/Bruny Island returned high PST results — there may be a delay in opening.
“As part of the Rock Lobster Biotoxin Monitoring program, rock lobster samples have been collected by IMAS and an independent contractor from the Central East, Maria Island, Lower East and Storm Bay/ Bruny biotoxin zones.
“The PST levels in all the lobster samples were either low or negligible in all zones except Storm Bay/ Bruny Zone.
“Based on these results, DPIPWE has determined that the recreational and commercial fisheries between Eddystone Point and Tasman Island can open as scheduled tomorrow December 7 (recreational) and Tuesday, December 10 (commercial).
“PST levels in lobsters collected from the Storm Bay/Bruny Zone exceeded the maximum permitted level for safe human consumption.
“Some harmful algal bloom activity had been detected in mussel samples from this zone during the winter and early spring.
“Data from previous blooms indicates that it can take an extended period of time for toxin levels in lobsters to reduce to low levels once the harmful bloom has finished.
“If PST levels remain above the maximum permitted level or results are not available by today (December 6), the part of the fishery between Tasman Island and Tasman Head, Bruny Island, including Port Arthur, Storm Bay, and the Channel, will remain closed.
“The monitoring of PST levels in bivalve shellfish species, as an early warning for the lobster fishery on the East Coast, continues under the Rock Lobster Biotoxin Monitoring program.
“This monitoring program shows that PST levels continue to remain very low in all areas other than Mercury Passage.
“All the lobster samples from the Storm Bay/Bruny Zone collected on Sunday, December 1, have paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) levels below the maximum permitted level for safe human consumption.
“Under the Rock Lobster Monitoring Program decision protocols, the Storm Bay/Bruny Biotoxin Zone can open as scheduled tomorrow (December 7) for the recreational fishery, and Tuesday (December 10) for the commercial fishery. The latest updates will be published at dpipwe.tas.gov.au/seafishing-aquaculture/sustainablefisheries-management/biotoxinfishery-events.”
Gummy shark are starting to show in many areas and those targeting them are reminded of the legal size — 75cm whole or 45cm headed and tailed.
Gummy kept for the table should be bled as soon as possible and placed in ice slurry. Baits for gummy or school shark are octopus, squid and fish pieces.
I find blue bait will bring gummy shark from over vast distances, as will the addition of berley.
Anglers are also reminded of the legal size for flathead as quite a few are pushing boundaries at wharves and pontoons.
Sand and tiger flathead must be at or over 32cm to be kept for the table. If you are caught in possession of undersized fish, not only can a fine be issued, but you could lose all your fishing gear.
For those witnessing people taking undersized fish and doing the wrong thing and who wish to report the matter, use the Fishwatch 24-hour hotline number — you will speak direct to a marine police officer.
My suggestion is you store the number in your phone. It’s 0427 655 557.
Finally, I’d be checking where to set your pots on Friday afternoon, as it is a real dog’s breakfast.