Background
Abalone is the basis of Victoria's most valuable commercial fishery with a landed value in excess of $60 million per annum in 2005/06.
The commercial fishery has three management zones: Eastern, Central and Western, all of which are described in the Victorian Abalone Fishery Management Plan, which was released in April 2002.
Abalone are regularly taken by recreational and indigenous fishers. Abalone also forms the basis of a developing aquaculture industry.
Disease Impact
The disease causes inflammation of the nervous tissue, resulting in curling of the foot and swelling of the mouth.
In December 2005, the disease was detected on two land based abalone aquaculture farms and two offshore experimental farms in Victoria at:
- Portland (land-based facility)
- Port Fairy (land-based facility)
- Western Port (two sea-based facilities)
In early May 2006, the disease was found to have infected populations of wild abalone on reefs near Port Fairy. The disease has been responsible for mortalities amongst abalone populations in the southwest.
To date, the virus has since been confirmed as far east as White Cliffs near Johanna, and west as far as Discovery Bay Marine Park. | Symptoms include curling of the foot
and swelling of the mouth.
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