Recreational abalone divers are being reminded of the importance of maintaining good biosecurity practices by keeping their gear and boat clean and disinfected between trips.

The Department of Primary Industries and Water previously posted all recreational abalone licence holders a copy of the brochure Help protect Tasmania from Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis.

The brochure and information in the current 2007-08 Recreational Sea Fishing Guide advises recreational fishers on how to identify the signs of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis and what they can do to prevent the spread of the disease.

The General Manager of Biosecurity and Product Integrity, Alex Schaap, advised fishers to:

· RETAIN all abalone waste, including shells and offal and dispose of it in land-based waste disposal such as your household rubbish. It is illegal shuck abalone at sea or use abalone viscera as fishing bait.

· CLEAN and DRY all boats, fishing and diving equipment. This includes catch bags, gloves, knives, measuring devices, wetsuits, buoyancy vests, masks, regulators, tanks, boats and people who have come into contact with abalone. Allow equipment to dry in the sun.

· REPORT any signs to the Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888 (24-hours).

“These simple practices can help ensure any outbreak of the disease in wild abalone stocks is not spread to new locations and that any outbreaks can be successfully contained,” Mr Schaap said.

“While I am sure recreational dive fishers have been following these recommendations, which are in everyone’s interests, it is timely to remind fishers of the important role they can play in protecting our abalone stocks.”

Source : NSW DPI