District Council of Yankalilla has joined the yabby net swap program, offering free replacement of ‘opera house’ style nets.

The state government has banned the use of opera house style yabby nets in all public and private South Australian waters from 1 July this year. 

The ban aims to help protect native aquatic fauna at risk from the use of the enclosed style nets and bring South Australia in line with the majority of other states. 

Opera house style nets are a risk to air-breathing aquatic animals such as platypus, freshwater turtles and native water rats. 

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

To find out more about Permitted Fishing Gear in South Australian waters visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regions website.

To help protect native wildlife and support local recreational fishers, the District Council of Yankalilla is swapping opera house nets for wildlife-friendly yabby nets. 

Free swap sessions will be held at Fleurieu Coast Community Nursery, on Kemmiss Hill Road on Monday 4 and Monday 18 September between 12pm and 3.30pm. 

There is a limit of three nets per person and to ensure sufficient nets are available booking is required online.

For more information email the council [email protected] or call 8558 0200.