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Molluscs and Other Invertebrates

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Abalone (all species)

Blacklip Abalone
Blacklip Abalone

Greenlip Abalone
Greenlip Abalone

Common Name: Abalone (all species)
Minimum legal size: see map below
Bag Limit:

All Victorian waters - 5 (of which no more than 2 can be greenlip abalone)
Possession limit
(in, on or next to Victorian waters):

5 (of which no more than 2 can be greenlip abalone).
Possession limit
(anywhere else in Victoria):

10 (of which no more than 4 can be greenlip abalone).
Closures:

Central Victorian waters – permanent closure except on nominated days each year (see map below).
Port Phillip Bay – permanent ban on the take of greenlip abalone.

Measuring your catch

Abalone collection methods

Abalone: Abalone must be measured prior to removal from its original location. Abalone must be measured at the widest part of the shell, regardless of whether the shell is whole or damaged.

Measuring devices and pocket guides of abalone regulations are available free of charge from the DPI Customer Service Centre, call 136 186.

Abalone regulations

Central Victorian waters

There is a permanent ban on the taking of all abalone species from Central Victorian waters except on nominated days each year (see below).

Central Victorian waters are defined as marine waters east of the mouth of Aire River to Arch Rock (near Cape Liptrap) including Port Phillip Bay. The southern boundary is a line running three nautical miles from the coast which is the seaward limit of state waters.

There has been an increase to the minimum legal length for blacklip abalone from 12cm to 13cm in waters west of the mouth of the Hopkins River to the South Australian border.

Map of Central Victorian Waters

Map of Central Victorian Waters

Recreational Abalone Open Days for Central Victorian Waters

There is a permanent closed season on the take of abalone from central Victorian waters, except for 60 nominated open days of the year.

60 NOMINATED DAYS FOR RECREATIONAL TAKE OF ABALONE DURING 2012-2013

  • 24 to 25 November 2012 (2 days)
  • 1 to 2 December 2012 (2 days)
  • 8 to 9 December 2012 (2 days)
  • 15 to 16 December 2012 (2 days)
  • 22 December 2012 to 2 January 2013 (12 days)
  • 5 to 6 January 2013 (2 days)
  • 12 to 13 January 2013 (2 days)
  • 19 to 20 January 2013 (2 days)
  • 26 to 28 January 2013 (3 days)
  • 2 to 3 February 2013 (2 days)
  • 9 to 10 February 2013 (2 days)
  • 16 to 17 February 2013 (2 days)
  • 23 to 24 February 2013 (2 days)
  • 2 to 3 March 2013 (2 days)
  • 9 to 11 March 2013 (3 days)
  • 16 to 17 March 2013 (2 days)
  • 23 to 24 March 2013 (2 days)
  • 29 March to 1 April 2013 (4 days)
  • 6 to 7 April 2013 (2 days)
  • 13 to 14 April 2013 (2 days)
  • 20 to 21 April 2013 (2 days)
  • 25 to 28 April 2013 (4 days)

Collection methods for abalone

  • You must carry a measuring device.
  • You must use a blunt instrument when taking abalone.
  • You must not use knives, screwdrivers or any sharp instrument that could cut the abalone.
  • You must not shuck abalone, or be in possession of shucked abalone, or land shucked abalone, in, under or on Victorian waters (you may only shuck abalone upon the place of consumption).
  • You can take abalone only between sunrise and sunset.
  • You must not fish for abalone in the intertidal zone (waters less than 2m deep).

Abalone Virus

A disease has caused abalone deaths along the south west coast of Victoria.

The disease poses no known or likely threats to human health.

To minimise the risk of spreading the disease you should:

  • Wash vessels, wetsuits, dive equipment and your hands with soapy freshwater.
  • Remove all seaweed from vessels and equipment.
  • Dispose of abalone shell, meat and gut with your household waste.

To report any signs of the disease please contact the DPI Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.