An immediate halt has been placed on the take of abalone from the Southern Zone due to the impact of the Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) outbreak.
The closure, which is effective immediately, was activated ahead of the long weekend by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), based on industry observations of AVG-infected Abalone throughout the whole zone and preliminary results from recent SARDI surveys indicating loss of up to 96% of Abalone stock in some areas.
This latest closure – made in consultation with the abalone industry and RecFish SA – prohibits the take of any abalone (commercial or recreational) in waters from the River Murray Mouth to the Victorian Border.
It replaces all other closures that have been implemented since the virus was first detected in South Australian waters near Port MacDonnell in February 2024.
The closure will remain in place initially for 12 months to support stock recovery under a notice approved under section 79 of the Fisheries Management Act 2007.
Due to the abalone growth cycle, it is likely this closure could be extended.
PIRSA’s Executive Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Gavin Begg said since the initial detection of the disease in February 2024 in offshore waters near Port MacDonnell, the virus has continued to spread in the Southern Zone.
“While the fishery was initially able to continue operating through practising good biosecurity measures to mitigate human-induced spread of the disease, the latest survey results and diver observations has now forced the difficult decision to close all abalone fishing in the Southern Zone to provide depleted stocks in the zone every opportunity to rebuild as quickly as possible,” he said.
“PIRSA is committed to the ongoing monitoring of the Southern Zone Abalone Fishery and will provide updates if the situation changes.”
Secretary of the Southern Zone Abalone Management Incorporated Arthur Martel, representing the Southern Zone Abalone Fishery, is supportive of the closure.
“While this has been devastating news for us this closure, which we requested and support, is important not only to help the rebuilding of abalone stocks as quickly as possible but to also help to prevent further spread of this terrible disease and protect the rest of the industry in the Central and Western Abalone Zones,” he said
“I encourage anyone boating, diving or fishing in Southern Zone waters … to ensure they check, clean and dry their vessels and equipment before and after each excursion. It is vital that we all work together to get rid of AVG from South Australia.”
To help prevent any further spread of AVG in South Australia all water users are urged to practice good biosecurity measures including:
• Check: all vessels and fishing, diving and surfing equipment, and remove anything including water, sand or seaweed.
• Clean: boats at home or at a commercial car wash. Wash wetsuits, fishing and diving equipment with detergent and fresh water. Anything that has touched the seabed, such as anchors, must be decontaminated.
• Dry: all boating, fishing and diving equipment completely, preferably in the sun, before heading out into the water again. AVG is caused by a mollusc herpes virus that only infects abalone. It affects the abalone nervous system, causing weakness and eventually death, and AVG has the potential to severely impact local abalone stocks and reef ecosystems.
AVG can spread through the movement of:
• infected abalone or abalone product (tissue, offal, shell or mucus)
• diving equipment (including wetsuits)
• people who have come into contact with infected abalone or bottom habitat.
AVG is a notifiable disease. If you see sick abalone in South Australia, please call the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522 or use the SA Fishing app. It has no known effects on human health.
PIRSA also reminds fishers that abalone cannot be used for bait or berley in South Australian waters. For more information visit pir.sa.gov.au/avg
