Public Health Alert - Great Oyster Bay
by NRE Tas 28 Apr 2022 11:21 UTC
Public Health Alert © DPIPWE Fishing
Do not eat recreationally collected shellfish from Great Oyster Bay
A Public Health alert has been released stating that toxic algal blooms are currently present in Great Oyster Bay. Elevated levels of algal toxins have been detected in shellfish from this region.
Recreationally harvested shellfish should not be eaten from this area because the algal toxins are harmful to humans. Wild shellfish include: oysters, mussels, clams, pipis, cockles and wedge shells. Abalone, scallop roe and the intestines and livers (tomalley) of rock lobster can also be affected when toxic algal blooms are present.
Seafood in shops and restaurants is safe to eat because the Tasmanian Shellfish Market Access Program monitors the safety of commercially grown shellfish.
For details refer to the Tasmanian Department of Health website.
Biotoxin update - rock lobster fishery
The Great Oyster Bay Zone will close to commercial rock lobster fishing for the testing of paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) on Friday, 29 April 2022.
The recreational season in this area will close as scheduled on Saturday, 30 April 2022.
Keep up to date by checking our Biotoxin Events webpage or following us on Facebook.
Got an idea to improve fishing in your local area?
If you have a great idea for a project to install or upgrade marine recreational fishing facilities in your area, please get in touch.
We have grants available for small (up to $15,000) and large (up to $150,000) projects for recreational shore-based fishing facilities. This may include pontoons, jetties, fish cleaning tables, bins, tables, shelters, lighting and walkways to fishing locations.
Check out the funding guidelines and contact us to discuss your ideas by phoning 0407 502 046 or emailing
FAD retrieval
The five East Coast fish aggregation devices (FADs) are due to be retrieved around the end of April to avoid interactions with migrating whales (with the exception of the Tasman Peninsula FAD which was retrieved early). They will be redeployed in November.
Rock lobster information sessions
It's not too late to book into our recreational fisher sessions to discuss the proposed rock lobster changes. We are in the south next week, then the North West and West Coasts. Or have your say online.
Season reminders
Saturday, 30 April - The recreational rock lobster season closes for all lobster in the Eastern Region and females in the Western Region.
Sunday, 1 May - the banded morwong season re-opens.