Three rock lobster zones remain closed
by DPIPWE Fishing News 7 Dec 2017 19:10 GMT
Three rock lobster zones remain closed © DPIPWE
Closures remain for the Central, Maria Island and Lower East Coast Biotoxin Zones
Due to very challenging weather and sea conditions earlier this week, the sampling program is running several days behind schedule. It is now underway in the closed zones with assistance from IMAS, a commercial fisher and a private contractor. The delivery of samples to the Sydney laboratory will be expedited as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated the results may be received by Friday 15 December or Monday 18 December. The bloom appears to be dissipating on the mid east coast but is still lingering around the lower east coast.
A significant reduction in paralytic shellfish toxins is needed before any zone can be re-opened. Flushing of toxins from rock lobster takes some time, even when the algal bloom has ended. Samples tested in early November recorded extremely high PST levels.