Goolwa Pipis are back on the menu as season set to commence

Recreational fishers will be able to collect pipis at Goolwa Beach from this weekend, as health experts confirm they’re officially safe to eat.

The welcome news comes as the much-awaited annual pipi season commences on Sunday, 1 November, marking the return of a popular seaside activity that brings communities together and delivers economic benefits to the state’s fishing and seafood industries.

For most of last season, Goolwa Beach pipis were only deemed safe for use as bait due to brevetoxin levels that exceeded strict food safety limits.

Testing through the South Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) now shows brevetoxin levels in Goolwa Beach pipis have declined well below safety limits, and SA Health has confirmed the popular delicacy is safe to eat.

The recreational pipi fishery will be open to the public at Goolwa Beach, up to the Murray Mouth.

Areas along the Younghusband Peninsula (Coorong Beach), between the Murray Mouth and 28 Mile Crossing, remain closed to recreational harvesting.

The minimum legal size for pipis are 3.5 cm, measured across the widest part of the shell. For more information about recreational pipi fishing rules, including daily bag and vehicle limits, visit https://pir.sa.gov.au/pipi

The 2026-27 Southern Rock Lobster season also gets underway in the Northern Zone, starting at noon on Sunday, 1 November.

Recreational fishers should familiarise themselves with the rules and requirements for catching Southern Rock Lobsters, including the differences in rules between the Northern and Southern zones, to avoid unintentional penalties.

To find out more, check the SA Fishing App or visit rock lobster.

Southern Rock Lobster is a priority species in South Australia and is subject to strict size, bag and possession limits under the Fisheries Management Act 2007.

Rock Lobster pots must be registered and comply with gear requirements relating to size, materials and escape holes. All recreationally caught Southern Rock Lobster must have the middle tail fan clipped or punched with a hole (no less than 10 mm in diameter) before being brought ashore. Females carrying eggs must be immediately returned to the water.

Recreational fishing is part of the South Australian way of life. To support the sector, the State Government has established the Recreational Fishing Authority (RFA) to enhance fishing and tourism opportunities in the state.

The RFA is overseeing a range of initiatives to improve access and experiences for recreational fishers across South Australia, including fish stocking, fishing programs and infrastructure improvements.

For the latest advice on recreational fishing rules and regulations, visit recreational fishing rules.