PIRSA fisheries compliance officers conducted a coastal patrol from Beachport to Southend on Wednesday and seven lobster pots were located and seized.
The officers had launched a twin-engined boat from the recreational boat ramp at Beachport.
With the annual closure of all recreational rock lobster fishing activity in South Australia in effect since the end of May, PIRSA reminded fishers who had not removed pots from the water before the closure they could now face fines along with the seizure of their pots.
PIRSA Fisheries spokesman Gavin Begg said it was disappointing to see fishers had not removed their pots from Rivoli Bay before the closure.
“These closures protect the long-term sustainability of the rock lobster fishery across the state and ensure the recreational fishery operates within its allocated share of the resource,” Mr Begg said.
“Fisheries officers will continue to conduct patrols in coastal waters throughout the closed season.
“If lobster pots are found in the water during the closed season. the owners risk being fined and having their pots seized.”
The annual closure bans all recreational lobster fishing activity in South Australian waters and will apply in the Southern Zone – which includes South East waters – until 6am on October 1 and in the Northern Zone until midday on November 1.
If seized pots are unclaimed, they are forfeited to the Crown and it is customary to be offered for sale at a public auction.
