Australian aborigines have collected pipis and other shellfish for many thousands of years, and shells are found at middens along the coast.

Pipis have been found on sandy surf beaches in the tidal 
zone, 6-10cm below the surface. At low tide, they may be seen burrowing into the sand, or just lumps on the surface.

Pipis belong to a group of shellfish known as bivalves. This group is characterised by having two shells joined by a hinge. The shell of the Pipi is essentially smooth, and the colour varies from tinted white through yellow and brown, to purple-blue.

COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL
FISHING

Pipis are harvested in New South Wales on a commercial basis to supply bait and for human consumption. 

BIOLOGY

Research into the pipi in South Australia suggests that they mature at about 13 months (shell length about 36mm). They Grow to a maximum size of 60mm after 3 and a half years. Growth Varies according season and age,  and most pipis range between 30 and 55mm. They live for gour or five years.

The abundance of pipis fluctuates enormously. They produce huge numbers of young over a long spawning season, and age are able to repopulate  quickly after periods of low abundance.

THE EFFECTS OF HARVESTING

A study to examine the effects of commercial pipi harvesting was completed in 1990. Areas where commercial harvesting occured  were compared to places where no commercial activity took place. There seemed to be no decline in pipi density at those sites where commercial harvesting occured.

BURY THE LITTLE ONES

When you are collecting , make sure you re-bury the small pipis that you don't want. If you leave them on the sand they will probably die, and won't be there next time.

INTERTIDAL PROTECTED AREAS

Collecting of invertebrate animals, including, is prohibited in Intertidal Protected Areas, IPAs. There are currently 14 IPAs in the Sydney area, and more are planned soon for the rest of the coast.

PENALTIES

On the spot fines of $300 can be imposed for people who break the law. The Fisheries Management Act allows for fines as high as $10,000 for certain offences

FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact the nearest NSW Fisheries offices or the Fisheries Information Service (02) 9566 7802