VFA Abalone Measure

This Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) Abalone Measure (yellow ruler) is used to measure abalone.

To help recreational anglers comply with catch limits, particularly minimum legal lengths, the Victorian Fisheries Authority has produced a range of plastic measures which complement the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.

Measures are available free of charge by calling the VFA Customer Service Centre on 136 186. They are also available at some fishing tackle stores that sell recreational fishing licences, and at The Scuba Doctor.

Please note: You must carry a device for measuring abalone when fishing for abalone. Please refer to the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide for more information.

Recreational Abalone Open Days for Central Victorian Waters

There is a permanent closed season on the take of abalone from Central Victorian waters, except for these nominated open days each year:

• Every Saturday and Sunday between 16 November and 30 April the following year inclusive.
• Every declared public holiday in Victoria between 16 November and 30 April the following year.
• 25 December through to the second Sunday in January the following year inclusive.

Collecting Abalone

• You must carry a measuring device.
• You must use a blunt instrument when taking abalone.
• You must not use knives, screwdrivers or sharp items that could cut the abalone.
• You must not shuck abalone, or be in possession of shucked abalone, or land shucked abalone, in, under or on Victorian waters, including for use as bait or berley.
• You may only shuck abalone upon the place of consumption.
• You can take abalone only between sunrise and sunset.

Measuring Your Catch

Abalone must be measured at the widest part of the shell whether it is whole or damaged, immediately upon removal and returned to the location of take if found to be undersized.