DPI conducts Pipi harvesting advisory campaign

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries' staff and Fishcare Volunteers will conduct a pipi advisory campaign at Seven Mile Beach from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads, on Saturday January 8, from 10 am to 3 pm.

DPI Fisheries Education Officer, Gavin McDonall, reminded recreational fishers that they are not allowed to collect pipis for human consumption.

"In NSW, pipis are for use as bait only, and it is an offence to possess pipis beyond 50 metres of the high tide mark. There is also a bag limit of 50 pipis per fisher.

"These rules are in place because some pipis contain biotoxins natural poisons that may be harmful to humans if eaten.

"There is a small commercial fishery for pipis in NSW. Pipis gathered commercially are only gathered in areas which are closely monitored for these toxins".

"The area enjoys an influx of visitors to the area during the Christmas holiday period, and many of these people may not be aware of the fishing regulations regarding the harvesting of pipis."

Teams of DPI Fisheries' staff and Fishcare Volunteers will be moving along the beach throughout the advisory day to answer questions and disseminate advisory and educational material.

Mr McDonall said the main aim of the campaign was to increase people's awareness of the regulations relating to human consumption of pipis.

The advisory campaign is being funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, which also funds the DPI Fishcare Volunteers.

All money raised by the NSW recreational fishing licence scheme is placed into saltwater and freshwater trusts overseen by anglers and used to improve recreational fishing .

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: GAVIN MCDONALL ON 0438 245 190.