RecFish SA calls for uniform ban on ‘opera house’ yabby nets as commercial fishers given exemption

A uniform ban on “opera house” yabby nets is needed to protect native animals, the peak body for recreational fishers in SA says.

The peak body for recreational fishers in South Australia says native animals are at risk of dying if commercial fishers are allowed to continue using the now-banned “opera house” yabby nets.

The enclosed yabby nets, referred to as “opera house” nets because of their similar shape to the iconic Australian landmark, were banned for recreational use from July 1 to reduce deaths of native animals.

However, exemptions to the ban have been made for commercial yabby fishers who are able to modify the opening of their nets from 7.5cm to 4.5cm to stop small animals from being becoming stuck in the net and drowning.

However, RecFish SA executive officer Asher Dezsery said the modification would not prevent native animals from being killed.

“Opera house” yabby nets have been banned for recreational use in South Australia but commercial yabby fishers will be exempt from the ban if they modify the size of the net opening.

“At the end of the day, the function remains the same,” he said.

“Small air-breathing animals, even with a 4.5cm entrance, will 100 per cent still be able to enter that net and not get out.

“The recreational fishing sector care about the environment and they care about the impact they’re having on air-breathing animals.

“The recreational sector have really knuckled down and taken that hit to their back pocket to support that.

“It’s obviously a big financial burden for all recreational fishermen to have to throw out those opera house nets.”

RecFish SA executive officer Asher Dezsery said the modified nets would still trap and kill native animals. Picture: Supplied

Mr Dezsery said about 2500 opera house nets were still being used across the state by commercial yabby fishers.

PIRSA fisheries and aquaculture executive director Gaven Begg said a 12-month trial would allow commercial fishers to use the modified nets.

“It is important to note that these are not opera house nets, but a different trap type altogether,” he said.

RecFish SA was notified in May the ban would come into effect from July 1 which Mr Dezsery said had left recreational fishers “out of pocket” with no compensation offered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) for the nets which are no longer able to be used.

However, Mr Dezsery said $20,000 of Green Adelaide money will fund a “buyback” scheme for fishers to dispose of their nets.

“There’s been significant time to create solutions to this ongoing issue and to phase out (the nets) and certainly work with all sectors to prepare for this,” he said.

Mr Begg said the ban put South Australia in line with other states that had banned the nets including Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania.

“The ban on the use of opera house style yabby nets follows research and consultation that commenced back in 2020 with the recreational fishing advisory body to government at the time,” Mr Begg said.

“A key consideration in imposing the ban was the risks identified to air-breathing animals that can get caught up in them, such as platypus, freshwater turtles and Rakali (water rats).”