Detailed Rules
Bag limits
- Limits apply to backlip and greenlip abalone combined.
- You cannot take abalone on behalf of another licence holder.
Size limits
Montagu east to Bridport - 132mm
All other State waters - 145mm
Moving between size limit zones
You can move between size limit zones, but you cannot possess abalone smaller than the minimum legal size for a particular area.
Possession limits
Licenced - 20
Non-licenced - 0 (on water), 5 (on land)
Child under 10 - 0
- Limits relate to blacklip and greenlip abalone combined.
Measuring abalone
- Abalone are measured across the widest part of the shell.
- You must carry a measuring device if you are fishing for abalone. An abalone measuring device must be either:
- a vernier calliper, or
- a gauge, knife or abalone iron with prominent markings or extended prongs that indicates the minimum size limits for abalone.
- Measure the abalone before detaching it where possible as abalone that have been cut may die.
- Undersize abalone must be replaced immediately.
You can get a free abalone measuring gauge from Service Tasmania.
Abalone tools
Only the following tools can be used to take abalone:
- A commercially manufactured knife with a blade not less than 18mm in width, excluding that part of the blade within 50mm of the tip.
- An abalone iron that is a broadly flat-bladed, chisel like lever not less than 18mm in width.
This does not apply to Aboriginal fishers.
Shucking and eating abalone
You can shuck (remove from shell) and eat one abalone per licence holder at sea. The shell must be retained and brought ashore. This abalone is included in your daily bag limit. All other abalone must be brought ashore above the high water mark before shucking.
No night fishing
You cannot take abalone between sunset and sunrise.
Area restrictions
Northern Bass Strait Biosecurity Zone
You cannot take or possess abalone in Northern Bass Strait Waters, unless you are within 50 metres of the shore of any island. This restriction aims to limit the risks associated with the spread of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis.
Recreationally caught abalone cannot be on board any vessels other than commercial trading vessels (e.g. Spirit of Tasmania) in the Northern Bass Strait Waters area unless you are within 50 metres of the shore of any land.
Research areas
There are multiple abalone research areas where the take of abalone is not permitted. These include the Bay of Fires, Waterwitch Reef, Inner Sister Island and Swan Island Abalone Research Areas. Restrictions also apply to other reserves and research areas.
More Information
Page Content
Habitat
Greenlip abalone
tend to congregate on the edge of reefs and boulders near sand or
seagrass beds. Found mainly in the north of Tasmania where they live in
areas of high turbulence around the north coast and Bass Strait islands.
Fishing information
Greenlip
abalone are taken recreationally by diving. They feed by trapping
drifting seaweeds with the front part of the foot or by grazing on algae
and seagrasses. Growth rates vary with location and time of year.
Handling
Try to size
abalone before you remove it. Do not leave abalone upside down or on a
sandy bottom. Abalone that have been cut will bleed to death so take
care in handling.
Public Health advice
Follow any public health alerts relating to eating wild shellfish - refer to the
Department of Health and Human Services or phone their hotline on 1800 671 738.
Cooking
Greenlip is
considered the best tasting of Tasmanian abalone and has a slightly
stronger flavour than blacklip. Abalone meat has low oil content and a
distinctive subtle flavour. It has a dense white flesh which may need
tenderising. Use whole or sliced.