Abalone Disease
Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) is a viral disease which affects the nervous system of abalone and results in the foot curling up, swelling of the mouth, leading to weakness and death of abalone. There are no effects on human health.
The virus was most recently detected in Victoria in early 2022 and recent surveillance has returned no positives sign of AVG.
The virus was most recently detected in Victoria in early 2022 and recent surveillance has returned no positives sign of the AVG. The prolonged effects of the outbreak has, however, resulted in a severe depletion of wild abalone stocks in the Portland region. As such, the area between Whites Beach and Point Danger, inclusive of Lawrence Rocks, will be closed to all abalone fishing until 30 June 2023.
During this time, the area will continue to be assessed for signs of the virus and stock rehabilitation. The specified waters for this closure area are illustrated in the map below. Click here or on the map to enlarge the image.
Click here to download a PDF flyer with important information about the Control Area.
To reduce the risk of future spread it is important to remain vigilant to signs of this virus.
Across Victoria, you cannot:
- Use abalone, including gut as bait
- Dispose of abalone shell or gut back into the ocean. You must use your rubbish bin for disposal.
If you find an abalone that you think is sick, anywhere in Victoria, please call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
To see what a sick abalone looks like, view the below video.
Watch the below video for tips on washing your boat to help protect our oceans from disease and pests
View this short video which explains the steps to follow when washing your dive gear to help protect our oceans from disease and pests.
To find out how you can help reduce the risk of spread, click the link below:
Click here to learn how to effectively clean your gear and boat to stay safe.