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Clam


Latin name: K. Peronei


Common names: beach Pipi, eugarie, Goolwa cockles, Goolwa pipis

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Wild Caught

Region:
VIC

Note: The Tasmanian fishery for vongole in Ansons Bay is currently closed following a collapse of the population due to overfishing and environmental factors (severe flooding in 2014 killed many vongole). A 2018 review of vongole numbers showed the population has not yet recovered. If the fishery re-opens, the fishery will be assessed for inclusion in this Guide.

Key Facts

  • Pipis are hand collected in Discovery and Venus Bay in VIC. This collection method is highly targeted.
  • Relatively little is known about the health of the Pipi population in VIC.
  • New scientific research and fishing rules are currently being brought in which should improve the management of this fishery.
  • The highly targeted collection method means other marine animals are not harmed.
  • Pipis and vongoles are important prey for birds, rays and fish but current Pipi fishing levels do not appear to be affecting any of these species.

More information

  • VIC Ocean Fishery (34t in 2017)

Pipis are hand collected from the intertidal zone in Discovery and Venus Bay in VIC. Pipis are unique to Australia, grow fairly quickly and are resilient to fishing.

The VIC Government is currently bringing in new controls over the way in which fishing is conducted. The level of pipi harvesting has been poorly controlled until recently, and the health of the population is unknown. Although there are not serious sustainability concerns at present, these new management controls have yet to prove their effectiveness.

Hand collecting is effective at targeting only pipis, resulting in a negligible impact of extraction on any other marine or beach-dwelling species. As collection is so highly targeted, discarding of unwanted catch is not an issue, and undersized pips and vongoles can be returned without harm.

Pipis are important prey for many birds, fish and rays but scientific studies from other areas show the level of current fishing is not affecting the availability of prey for birds.