Victor Harbor yabby fishers can swap their old opera house-style nets and replace them with wildlife-friendly nets for free in September.

A ban on the old-style nets came into effect from 1 July 2023 which applies to all South Australian waters, including private dams.

The state government ban on the enclosed style nets aims to protect native aquatic fauna 

It brings South Australian laws in line with the majority of other Australian states.

The ban is relevant to both recreational and commercial fishers who are still able to use pyramid nets and drop nets for yabby fishing.

To help with the changeover to wildlife-friendly alternatives, the City of Victor Harbor is offering to replace old yabby nets for free.

The opera style yabby nets can be swapped at the council depot on Greenhills Road on Tuesday 5 September and Wednesday 6 September between 9am and 4pm.

A maximum of two yabby nets per person can be swapped, while stocks last.

Email the City of Victor Harbor for more details of the yabby net swap program. l

For more information about permitted fishing gear in state waters, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regions website.