A health warning advising people against the consumption of wild shellfish caught in certain areas of Tasmania has been lifted, just in time for the one last weekend of fishing.
The warning, issued by the Department of Health in June, was triggered by elevated levels of biotoxins in shellfish in waters near Orford and Triabunna, as well as Maria Island – including Spring Bay and the Mercury Passage.
Recreational divers are now able to make the most of the remainder of the season, which will come to a close at midnight on Monday 31 July.
Daily bag limits allow fishers to catch up to 100 clams, cockles, and pipis (combined), 200 wedge shells, 100 mussels, 100 periwinkles (Turbo undulatus only), 50 native oysters and 20 other shellfish (species combined) except protected species.
There is no limit for Pacific oysters. Abalone and scallops require a fishing license and are not included in the bag limits.
Fishing Tasmania say “there are some exemptions in place for Aboriginal people participating in Aboriginal fishing activities.”
“Recreational fishers can only use their hands to collect clams, cockles, pipis and wedge shells. Equipment such as rakes or spades are prohibited.”
