Home / Projects / Tackling Litter / Yabby Trap Round Up / Yabby Trap Round Up – New South Wales

Swap your opera house yabby traps
for an Oar-Gee Plow lure!

We’ve teamed up with TierraMar, through its Ghostnets Australia program, in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to bring The Yabby Trap Round-Up to New South Wales. 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 new Oar-Gee Plow lure.

Lure quantities are limited, so get in while stocks last

It’s easy to get involved and support sustainable fishing practices!

POST YOUR NETS

Send us the net from your yabby trap using the free ‘Reply Paid’ postage service.

Step by step instructions are listed under the frequently asked questions. Label the package with the following address and take it to Australia Post to use the free ‘Reply Paid’ postage service. Don’t forget to write down your details and put it in the package so we can send you your free lure!

OzFish Unlimited
TackleLoop
Reply Paid 91075
Ballina NSW 2478

DISMANTLING EVENTS

Thanks to the support of the rec fishing community, we now have heaps of traps! To get them ready for recycling, we’ll be holding dismantling events.

For each net you dismantle at one of these events, you’ll automatically enter a draw to win one of four $100 BCF vouchers. If you’re interested in holding a dismantling event in your area, please email info@ozfish.org.au. The competition is on until 31st July.

The next dismantling event is at the Tocal Field Days, 3-5 May, Tocal NSW.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Step by step instructions to send the nets to OzFish for free.

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: Include Your Details
Inside the package, include a note with your name, address, email and phone number so we can send your free Oar-Gee lure to the right location.

Step 4: 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
Is there a limit on how many traps I can drop off or send in?

No, there is no limit; you can swap all of your old yabby traps. However, please note that you will receive only one free Oar-Gee lure.
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 free lure is 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 and get a lure if I don’t live in NSW?

Of course you can. We encourage stopping the use of opera style yabby trap nets across Australia to support sustainable fishing.
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 Foundation 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. Click here for a fact sheet from NSW Department of Primary Industries.
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.
How can I promote these upcoming events in my community?

It’s easy! Simply download a poster here, or get in touch with us at info@ozfish.org.au to find out how else we can help.

LATEST NEWS

DECEMBER 5th 2023 | Hundreds of yabby traps collected, 5000 on target

By early 2024, OzFish aims to have collected 5000 traps, having already gathered several hundred. They are now calling on the community to get the last of the traps in for recycling. To help, OzFish has added more Trap Drop Spots over the next few months, including events in Port Macquarie and Marks Point. They have also established a free “Reply Paid” service through Australia Post to support those who can’t get to an event. In return, no matter which way you take part, you’ll get a brand-new Oar-Gee Plow lure.

Find Out More

JULY 27th 2023 | NSW Fishers encouraged to round up yabby traps to help restore fish habitat

Recreational fishers throughout NSW will have the chance to swap their old and unwanted opera house yabby traps for an Oar-Gee Plow lure, at upcoming events across the state to support sustainable fishing practices. An initiative by TierraMar, through its Ghostnets Australia program, in collaboration with OzFish Unlimited and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), is helping the recreational fishing community participate in protecting the future of fishing and the health of the state’s waterways.