Home / Projects / Tackling Litter / Yabby Trap Round Up / Yabby Trap Round Up – South Australia

Swap your opera house yabby traps
for a pyramid net!

We’ve teamed up with OceanEarth Foundation, through its Ghostnets Australia program, in collaboration with RecFish SA to bring The Yabby Trap Round-Up to South Australia. We’re looking to collect all your old and unwanted Opera House yabby traps and recycle them into useful products for fishers.

As a thank you, we’ll give you a pyramid net.

*Limit of two pyramid nets per person. Quantities are limited, so get in while stocks last.

Getting involved and swapping your yabby traps is simple—just locate your nearest Trap Drop Spot, and we’ll take care of the rest! Look for the symbol below.

 

Next event:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • I can't make it to any of the events to drop off my yabby trap. What can I do?

    If you are unable to attend any of the events with a Trap Drop Spot, you can still participate in the program by sending us the net from your yabby trap.

    Step 1: Safely Remove the Fabric Net
    Using scissors, carefully separate the fabric net from the metal frame of your yabby trap.

    Step 2: Package the Net
    Place the fabric netting into an appropriately sized envelope or package. Remember, we only need the net, so please recycle the metal frame yourself. Local Council waste centers often provide free metal recycling services.

    Step 3: Label and Post
    Label the package with the following address and take it to Australia Post to use the free ‘Reply Paid’ postage service:

    OzFish Unlimited
    TackleLoop
    Reply Paid 91075
    Ballina NSW 2478

    Due to the size of pyramid nets and the limited quantity, we are unable to send any in return. Posting your nets is a great way to ensure they are recycled and turned into new products, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our waterways and landfill.

  • Is there a limit on how many traps I can drop off?

    No, there is no limit; however, at Trap Drop Spots, you’ll only receive 2 pyramid nets, dependent on quantity available.

  • Will sending in my net cost me anything?

    Not at all! We cover the cost of return postage through Australia Post’s ‘Reply Paid’ service.

  • How long is the swap program running?

    The pyramid nets are only available while stocks last. However, OzFish will continue to collect nets as part of its Tackle Loop program.

  • Can I participate in the program if I don’t live in SA?

    Of course you can. We encourage stopping the use of opera style yabby trap nets across Australia to support sustainable fishing. However, you will only be eligible to receive a pyramid net if you attend a Trap Drop Spot in South Australia.

  • What will happen with the Yabby Traps?

    For those who drop off their yabby traps, the frame will be separated from the net, which will then go to a metal recycling facility. All nets will go to OceanEarth, who are developing a way to upcycle the nets into a fishing product.

  • Why shouldn't I use yabby trap?

    Non-target species including platypus, native water rats (rakali), turtles and birds are attracted to the bait placed in traps, which are at high risk of becoming caught and drowning.

  • Is using yabby traps illegal?

    It is illegal to use yabby traps in NSW, VIC, TAS, WA and SA, and in QLD there are restrictions. The ban in SA was effective from 1 July 2023, click here for a news article from South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

  • What can I use instead of a yabby trap?

    Open-top pyramid and hoop nets are a more environmentally friendly design, allowing non-target species to escape if they swim in, while being effective at catching yabbies. Click here for information about what fishing gear is allowed to be used in South Australia.

The Yabby Trap Round-Up program is an initiative of OceanEarth Foundation in collaboration with OzFish Unlimited and RecFish SA. It is also supported by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.