With the recreational Goolwa pipi season set to close on 31 May, fishers will benefit from a boost to the bag limit from next season for the hugely popular species, iconic to Goolwa and the State's South Coast.
Goolwa pipi is traditionally collected for bait, however, has become increasingly popular as a feature of its own in many dishes. Collecting pipi for bait has been an important part of minimising costs for recreational fishers while also being an activity enjoyed by South Australians for generations.
From next season the recreational bag limit will increase from 300 to 330 with a vehicle limit (3 or more persons) of 990 and a possession limit of 1320 (east of longitude 136°E). There are no changes to size limits (3.5 cm across widest part of shell).
A proposal was brought forward from RecFish SA, and in consideration of advice from SARDI on stock sustainability indicating that an increase to the bag limit of 10% was a low risk to sustainability of the pipi fishery, the increases were supported.
The regulation changes to bring effect to the increased bag limit are expected to be finalised in time for the next pipi season opening on the 1 November 2024.
The State Government and RecFish SA continue to work together to bring about positive outcomes for the state's approximately 360,000 recreational anglers.
