Fishers travelling to South East waters reminded of biosecurity restrictions to protect abalone

All fishers and water-users travelling to and from the South East are reminded of important biosecurity restrictions and measures in place to protect abalone stocks as they recover from abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG).

The restrictions – including no recreational or commercial take of any abalone in the Southern Zone waters – also include decontamination requirements to reduce the risk of the virus being transferred to other regions.

AVG – which affects wild abalone and has no human health impacts – was first detected in the state’s Southern Zone in 2024 and subsequently spread throughout the area causing significant mortalities. As a result, all fishing for abalone in the area was closed in March to allow the stocks to recover.

The Southern Zone extends from the Murray Mouth to the Victorian border, and the decontamination requirements for marine equipment apply before it can be used in other zones.

Fishers are reminded to:

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

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

These measures are in place to help reduce the risk of spread and protect the state’s remaining abalone stocks. If you've been in or on the ocean in the Southern Zone, you must adhere to the requirements for decontamination as required under the Livestock Act notice.

Permanent roadside signs have also been installed on key roads in the area to ensure fishers are reminded of the requirements.

Please report suspected non-compliance to FishWatch on 1800 065 522.

For more information see Abalone viral ganglioneuritis.