The growing popularity of harvesting pipis at Venus Bay has prompted new research

The growing popularity of harvesting pipis at Venus Bay has prompted new research to ensure their numbers are managed sustainably.

Last summer Venus Bay experienced an abundance of pipis and, at the same time, harvest levels from recreational fishers increased.

That increase led to a reduction in the daily bag limit, from five to two litres (in the shell) in May, to ensure the resource was shared amongst recreational fishers.

The new limits apply in the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park between Arch Rock and Point Smythe and will stay in place until at least May next year.

The pipi is an edible shellfish that is also popular as bait among the fishing community.

Pipis can only be harvested by licensed recreational fishers, unless exempt, using their hands and feet only. No shovels or other tools can be used.

Acting Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria Anthony Hurst said the main objective of the study is to better understand the biological behaviour of pipi populations and pipi harvesting by recreational fishers at Venus Bay.

Fisheries Victoria has funded a research project, to be conducted by Victoria University, that will provide valuable information on pipi stocks, Mr Hurst said.

The research will be part of the post graduate studies of a student supervised by the Ecology and Sustainability Group at Victoria University and Fisheries Victoria, and is expected to be completed around June 2010.

Research from other locations has shown pipi numbers can change noticeably from year to year with plentiful supplies in some years and scarcity in others.

The variations are most likely caused by natural changes in the patterns of coastal currents and wind, which drive the transport of larval pipis.

This is the first time a study of this kind has been undertaken on pip.