South East residents seeking more information on the Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) outbreak are invited to a community meeting at the Port MacDonnell Football Club on Friday afternoon, 1 March.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has activated a response team and will run a question-answer session from 5:30 pm, this Friday 1 March 2024.
On 21 February 2024, a commercial abalone fisher reported finding dead and dying abalone at Breaksea Reef off Port MacDonnell, and testing of submitted samples confirmed the disease – South Australia's first ever detection.
A ban on all fishing activities, from shore or boat, now extends from the Victorian border along the South Australian coast to Nene Valley, and 10 kilometres (5 nautical miles) out to sea, to prevent further spread.
Human activity is a high-risk factor in spreading this disease, and therefore commercial and recreational fishers are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting.
PIRSA outgoing Incident Controller of the AVG response Robert Baker will update attendees on the response, restrictions, and Control Area. PIRSA Regional Manager, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Melanie Teagle will also be available to take questions.
Meeting details
Date: Friday 1 March
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Address: Port MacDonnell Football Club, 5 Elizabeth St, Port MacDonnell
No registration needed.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and to express any concerns in a respectful and informative environment.
Play your part to protect our marine life and fishing industries – follow the restrictions and keep your marine equipment clean.
A Mount Gambier community meeting will also follow next week, with more information available soon via PIRSA's Facebook and website.
For more information see Abalone viral ganglioneuritis.
To report sick or dead abalone, call the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522 or use the SA Fishing app.
