It is a major worry when a species that is a foundation block in the marine food chain is in trouble. That’s why we can’t afford to ignore the NSW pipi crisis. Pipis are molluscs found in the surf zone of beaches from southern Queensland southwards to Eyre Peninsula in SA. Their populations are crashing with unsustainable harvesting thought largely to blame. Of the 22 beaches with pipi harvesting in NSW, 16 have had their pipi populations wiped out completely. An unwitting casualty of the decline in pipi populations is the threatened Pied Oyster Catcher which relies on the pipi for food.
In response to the crisis the NSW Government enacted a restriction on commercial take of pipis in the Estuary General Fishery limiting licence holders to 40kg hand gathered. In Queensland and Victoria commercial pipi harvesting is prohibited. Recreational fishers and conservationists believe an urgent and complete ban on commercial harvesting of pipis is needed in NSW.
Please help by filling out the form below to send a letter to the Minister requesting an urgent ban on commercial harvesting of pipis.
*UPDATE* The Minister has announced a 6 month ban on commercial harvesting. Read more here.
Here is Cate’s letter to the Minister along with the reply.
October 11th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
We have had the same experience in Moreton Bay in Qld. Some people who come to live here from different cultures and ways of life, collect any and everything considered edible from the foreshore. It is a good example of the lack of education given to new arrivals, re our way of life and what we condsider correct and incorrect. If we don’t educate and explain the rules of this country then we can hardly blame emigrants for their behaviour.
October 27th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Recreational fisherman have many bait choices, many fish, birds and mammals eat juvenile pipis before they get to breed, pollution affects the air and water qualities, so dont blame professional handgatherers. it is clear you have no idea where or how these creatures live. Rec fisherman with big opinions are upsetting the fisherman who by the natural limitations placed on them by tide and weather cannot overfish any one place. Professional fisherman instituted the bag and size limits. Check Oceanwatch, DPI, and sydney fish markets, all wild species go through cycles of boom and bust. and if they are not being sold doesnt mean they cant be found just not worth the cost of gathering.
October 27th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
I didnt mention that Pipis can bury themselves very deep when conditions dont suit them – just because it cant be seen doesn’t mean it’s not there.