Abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) has again been detected in the South East waters prompting a fresh warning from the authorities


The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has been working in the Southern Zone Abalone Fishery since AVG was detected in wild abalone at Port MacDonnell last February to prevent the disease spreading into other zones.



Conditions remain in place including the prohibition of taking abalone from the area surrounding the original detection site at Breaksea Reef near Port MacDonnell, from the Nene Valley to Pointe des Coreaux and around 7km (approximately 3.8 nautical miles) out to sea.



Commercial and recreational fishers cannot move equipment that has come into contact with the sea floor in the Southern Zone to other waters without full decontamination.



Basic biosecurity measures fishers and divers are required to undertake include:



Check: all vessels, fishing, diving and surfing equipment and remove anything including water, sand or seaweed. 


Check your abalone catch for signs of illness.



Clean: boats at home or at a commercial car wash. 


Wash wetsuits, fishing and diving equipment with detergent and fresh water.



Dry: all boating, fishing and diving equipment completely, preferably in the sun, before heading out into the water again.



“Play your part to protect our oceans and fishing industries from aquatic pests and diseases,” a PIRSA spokesman said.


“Call the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522 to report sick or dead abalone.”