Recreational fishers can collect pipis (Goolwa cockles) from the beach at Goolwa and Middleton again from today.

Key points:

  • The pipi season has been extended to August 23 after a request from RecFish SA
  • The organisation says it is a “real win” for recreational fishers
  • The season will end before the peak spawning period in spring

A ban on collecting the mollusc was put in place in January due to the detection of high levels of E. coli caused by the floodwater from the nearby mouth of the Murray River.

South Australian Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven says the water and shellfish quality has now returned to normal and pipis can be safely collected and eaten.

The season would normally end on June 1 but the Ms Scriven said it would be extended by 12 weeks to August 23 following a request from RecFish SA.

A closure will still take place before the peak spring spawning season.

RecFish SA executive officer Asher Deszery told the SA Country Hour the extension was “a real win” for the recreational fishing community.

He said it would be harder to collect the cockles during the winter season due to the swell and cold conditions but it was important that the opportunity was there for keen fishers.

Ms Scriven said while she encouraged people to enjoy the reopened season, bag and vehicle limits remained in place.

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