Major illegal rock lobster bust near Port MacDonnell
Tuesday 3 February 2026
Fishers are being reminded of the serious consequences of failing to comply with fishing rules and regulations following the seizure of over 100 Southern Rock Lobsters by Fisheries Officers earlier this month.
The incident occurred on 5 January 2026 near Port MacDonnell in the state’s South East, when a Mount Gambier man was intercepted by Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), with assistance from South Australia Police (SAPOL).
During the interception, officers located a significant quantity of Southern Rock Lobsters and identified a number of alleged offences, including the use of an excessive number of rock lobster pots.
Further investigations included the execution of a residential search warrant, which resulted in the discovery of an additional 111 Southern Rock Lobsters, many of which were undersize.
In South Australia, Southern Rock Lobster is classified as a priority species and is subject to strict size, bag and possession limits under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. The minimum legal length is 10.5 cm in the Northern Zone and 9.85 cm in the Southern Zone.
Rock Lobster pots must comply with South Australian fishing gear regulations relating to size, materials and escape holes. All pots must also be registered before use and renewed annually. The use of excessive or non-compliant pots is illegal.
The recreational daily bag limit for Southern Rock Lobster is four per person within both the Northern and Southern Rock Lobster Fishery fishing zones. The daily boat limit is eight when two or more fishers use pots registered in their name.
Female rock lobsters carrying external eggs are fully protected and must be returned to the water immediately if caught.
All rock lobsters (of any species) taken by recreational fishers must also have the middle tail fan clipped or a round hole punched through it. Failure to do so may result in prosecution.
Offences involving large quantities of Southern Rock Lobster are considered serious, and investigations are continuing. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious fishing activity to Fishwatch at 1800 065 522.
Fishers are encouraged to download the free Recreational Fishing App, available on iPhone and Android devices, to stay up to date with fishing rules and limits. More information is also available on the website page - recreational fishing.