Yep, got sent this the other day.
Cheers
From: Vin Gannon [vin@vada.com.au]
Sent: Friday, 27 February 2009 4:27 PM
To: Vin Gannon
Subject: AVG Virus Update
Attachments: AVG Front 27-2-09.jpg; Sticker Virus Buoy Publication 2.pdf; Virus buoy 2l low.pdf
Hi All,
Today VADA sent a commercial diver out to survey and locate the active AVG virus front. Surveys of the Rotten Point area show no signs of the virus with all abalone stocks strong and healthy. The diver then crossed the areas of sand to Whitecliffs, Johanna beach area. It appears that the virus has moved approximately 500 metres to 1 kilometre from the further easterly point previously known to be infected (13-11-08) Samples have been taken to confirm presence of AVG.
As tends to be the case, there is quite significant mortalities in some gutters while others have had lower impact (at this stage). I have attached a picture of the AVG front location for your information. As you can see there are extensive areas of sand between the virus front and Cape Otway. (approximately 17 Kilometres) It is hoped that the virus will not be able to jump this distance naturally. Human assisted movement of the virus is always a concern.
If you remember at that time the AVG virus was located in a single gutter that had a land based access point in it. Subsequent surveys failed to find active virus (18-11-08) outside the gutter. At that time the area of Moonlight Head etc had no signs of the virus.
Over the Christmas school holiday period, it was reported that recreational divers had found active virus at Moonlight head, Ryans Den etc. Of concern at that time was reports of Recreational divers leaving Apollo Bay going and visiting the active virus front and returning to Apollo Bay. Over this period of time VADA distributed significant number of biosecurity posters and pamphlets. (See attached samples) There have been no reports (at this stage) of the virus having jumped past the Whitecliffs area. As you are aware VADA closed the area from White cliffs to Cape Otway to commercial abalone diving. This is a distance of approximately 17 kilometres. Normal commercial abalone diving operations have been occurring at Cape Otway, (as recently as today) with no signs to the virus.
While surveys on the (18-11-08) showed no signs of the virus having been at Moonlight head or to the west of the gutter, The survey diver confirmed today that the fronts appeared to have joined up and there had been significant mortalities at Moonlight subsequent to November 2008.
As usual the survey divers conducted full biosecurity wash downs prior to leaving the infected areas, and the vessel and equipment will undergo full procedures of disinfecting and drying over several days.
VADA would like to thank the Commercial Rock lobster fishers who voluntarily have not been potting in the area where the virus is active.
Biosecurity is of great concern, and everyone is requested to ensure that they wash their vessels and/or equipment between each fishing location.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There has been no further movement of the AVG virus West of Cape Bridgewater since December, 2007. Abalone Divers have been regularly working the Discovery Bay area and report all abalone strong and healthy. It appears that the large natural sand barrier (Approx 30 kilometres) from Cape Bridge water to Nelson has not allowed the virus to extend its westerly range.
Recently surveys were completed of approximately 80 kilometres of coast that had previously been infected by the AVG virus over the past 12 to 24 months. No signs of active virus at any of the surveyed locations. There had been an unconfirmed report of a re-infection of abalone at Childers Cove 25 kilometres from Warrnambool. An extensive survey was completed of the site, as well as reef areas back towards Warrnambool. The surveys indicated that abalone stocks are rebuilding quite well in a lot of areas, while there is still some areas not showing much signs of recovery.
Most people are aware of the tagging and translocation of 500 abalone during operation AVG Firebreak, in November, 2007. This involved the translocation of the abalone from in front of the virus front to a location that had been previously infected 6 months earlier. As reported at the time in January, 2008 (2 months later) all abalone except for 3 had survived the translocation. A survey of the tagged abalone this several days ago revealed another 3 dead tagged abalone shells. Typical amounts (% wise) of tagged abalone were located. Most showing good signs of health and growth. I have attached some pictures of the tagged abalone for your information. As you can see the bottom looks quite good and not over grown.
All commercial and recreational fishers should ensure that they clean their fishing gear and equipment between prior to changing fishing locations. This includes using detergent to wash down fishing vessels, equipment and dive gear.
VADA recommends that there should be no human activity in areas known to have active AVG virus in them.
The VADA website keeps an up to date map of the virus location and people can check the website if unsure.
Codes of Practice and bio-security information can be located on the VADA website
athttp://www.vada.com.au/ and follow the links.
For further information you can contact Vincent Gannon on 0418 292 004 or at
vin@vada.com.au VADA Web Site UpDates
Click on the following links to know more
Added markers on the virus map
http://www.vada.com.au/Virus/CodeMap.htm (14-11-08)
MOU page re. closures, added links to the relevant reef code maps.
http://www.vada.com.au/MOUInformation.htm (14-11-08)
Changed the reef code maps at the western end to reflect the virus.
http://www.vada.com.au/MAPS/ReefCodes/P ... 0River.htm (14-11-08)
Vincent Gannon
Executive Officer
Ph. (03) 5529 2001
Fax. (03) 8660 2755
Mob. (0418) 292 004
vin@vada.com.auwww.vada.com.au RMB 2200,
Portland. Vic. 3305
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