On our way back home from the New Years Eve trip to Wilsons Promontory we decided to stop at Venus Bay. We had breakfast at a local cafe then headed to the beach to soak up the sun and catch some pippies (aka surf clams).
We had a lot of fun catching the pippies and ended up with about 15 kilograms worth of the little suckers. Enough for everyone who wanted some. I had a few for supper that night and they were pretty tasty too.
Anyways, I’ll leave you with a few photos from the day. These were all taken by Xuan. She took some pretty amazing photos.
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Hi, nice photos and well written. I enjoyed looking at them.
It is absolutely disgraceful that people are pippying at Venus Bay. Over the past few years, the beach has been destroyed by the constant digging of pippy hunters and the pippy populations have depleted significantly. I would most certainly not be proud of collecting 15 kilos of them. It is not only illegal (5 kilo limit) but it totally lacks any integrity or intelligence. Show more respect for our environment.
Lack of integrity or intelligence? That’s a bit harsh Sarah.
The bag/possession limit according to the Department of Primary Industries Victoria website is 5 litres per person or 1 litre if shucked. We were in a group of over 10 people with several of us fishing license carriers as well.
If there were any special pippy fishing restrictions specific to that area of Venus Bay at the time I definitely did not see any signs stating as such.
Totally agree with Sarah Belle. I am a local at VB and the last three summers have seen a massive increase in the numbers of people digging for pippies. Saturday 10 Jan I say a group of fifty going for it between beach 4 and 5! I have seen eskis so loaded up with pippies that it takes two guys to load them into the car, at least 30-50 kg of pippies (several thousand) gone just like that. Wonder where our native fish and birds are going to get their food from? The local Asian take away?
I know that some Asians can be over enthusiastic when it comes to catching shellfish at local beaches but at the end of the day though it’s up to the government to enforce laws and issue penalties to prevent over fishing.
Back in the 1980s shellfish and crustaceans in many beaches in Port Phillip bay were heavily over fished. The government then issued hefty penalties and eventually the local marine stocks recovered. Now seasonal fishing of the shellfish and crustaceans is allowed again with limits in place.
If you care so much about it maybe you should lobby your local government to do more rather than making comments some may find offensive.
Don’t worry, my wife and I have lobbied the South Gippsland Shire council. I encourage Sarah Belle and anyone else interested in the pippie issue to email council@southgippsland.vic.gov.au.
You may well think that you don’t like us to come and get pippies from your beautiful beaches, but I have not seen any sign of beach degredation. We all come (with fishing licences), we pick pippies, we eat at your local store, buy a pizza there for the drive back to Melbourne, and we leave no rubbish behind. Multiply this on the long weekend at least 200-300 people in total and I can tell you, we made a contribution to your lovely and polite local community.
I suppose there are always exceptions to this, but the authorities have done a good job dealing with them. Many thanks for your hospitality.
John
200-300 people? All taking roughly a bag limit each of 5 kgs? We pippy very occasionally for bait whilst we are fishing. I’ve noticed a very significant reduction in the pippy population in the last couple of years alone and this is BOUND to have an impact. Leaving it up to local law and government is a cop out. There have recently been valid and serious concerns that pippies are being harvested and marketed in suburban Melbourne markets. I think what we we need a revised bag limit on them and some heavy penalties for the deviation of laws or the place WILL be fished out. This sort of thing is NOT contributing to the community. Let me ask you this, once the pippies are gone, will you still frequent and ‘support’ this area?
You guys are concerned about the marine life yet there are more pressing matters present, I think you ppl need to get your priorities straight, there are massive global warming issues and not to mention the water restrictions saga, and to top it off the bush fires are in a rage, the government and councils have no time to be concerned about public fishing!!!
Adam Williams, by the sounds of your racist remark it is clear that the digging of pippies is not your issue but very much the fact that there are Asian people on ‘your’ beach taking ‘your’ bait. Would you have arked up if I, a blue eyed blonde hair Caucasian male was to do the same? Do us Aussies a favour, and take your ignorance elsewhere.
Erghh this is so childish!! I’m sure the local fish and birds will survive with less pippies on the beach. Adam Williams, it’s funny how you act like you’re so worried about the fish when you’re probably going to end up using those pippies to catch the fish that you’re going to have for dinner.
Also if the tourist weren’t coming to Venus Bay beaches to catch the pippies then I’m sure your local fishermen are going to do it anyways and then end up making money off the pippi sales.
There is a legal limit for all to abide by so what is the big deal? Its just part of life so get over it.
I grew up in a coastal NSW town. In the early ’70′s pippies were a feature of summers down at the beach. The kids used to dig ‘em up for fun then watch them bury themselves again. We started seeing Sydney-siders come and catch them and take them away in buckets. Now, many years later, pippies do not exist there anymore. I am sure that there has been an inpact to the local ecology, but I wouldn’t know what it is. I feel sorry at the loss of the pippies, but am sure that when mankind makes himself extinct, they (or something else) will return and re-balance the ecology making the planet a much better place. I just wish that we could be around to apologise to Mother Nature for what we’ve put her through.
ITS THE BLOODY ASIANS TAKING TOO MANY PIPPIES ARRRGH
The asians who come to venus bay for the pippies are just pillaging this area, they have no interest in anything else and plead ignorance when questioned. As a part time local resident in this area we are all concerned at the falling numbers in pippies compared to 3-4 years ago. The numbers of fisheries officers patrolling the beaches has increased over the last couple of years but it is still not enough to stop the invasion…………..
You blame Asian you blame everyone…
Take a chill pill guys….
I know that in my youth I’d go down to Venus Bay and get potato sack full of pipis for fishing that I would keep in the fridge or pickle. I’ve seen locals take a tractor down the beach and drop a rake into the sand taking hundreds of kilos of pipi’s in one hit. Mind you there was no bag limit then. Still you think you are different, alas you are not.
Complaining that it cause degradation to the beach is just ridiculous you look for them [pipis] in the intertidal zone any hole that is dug is refilled at high tide…You should ban stingrays and flounder from the beach if this is a point for your argument.
The best solution is banning it all together then no one comes and gets clams off “your” beach…
Basically its your right, if we wish to take the pipis you take them…Its no different now to it was 50 years ago only its not a local in a tractor or me with my potato sack…It’s everyone exercising there rights to collect them.
The collection limits are forever being decreased eventually it will reach zero point at then the area will be part of the Bunarong Marine Park and your problems will be solved.
Or will they?
There’s always a compromise…
P.S. Kham I hope you have more sunny days on the Bass Coast.
Catch ya later
Zai Jian
Chào ông
If anyone wants to know, the catching limit has been reduced from 5 to 2 litres per person since mid 2009. So, the local gov do care about some concerns raised which is fair enough. To be honest, I have witnessed some people, unfortunately, Asians, deliberately ignored the rule and filled up their eskis a lot more than that.
We are so lucky living in this beautiful country. Believe me you would not find something like this in many parts of the world and it is part of our accountability to preserve this nature gift.
Adam Williams When was the last time, you carried a full size esky on your own? just because there are two people carrying an esky doesnt mean that it is full. Esky’s are large and quite akward to carry. And i havent seen these new clear ones which allow you to see into them….. I must keep an eye out for them.
When you see people doing something wrong, it is your right to speak up. But when you point of the race of the person who has done the wrong, you are being a racist.
The government has spent a lifetime brainwashing the next generation of Australians telling us how multicultural we are. But they forget to mention people like you, instead of seeing the fault you see the race. Because anglo saxon australians are the supreme race. IIm sorry to the anglo saxon folk who have been supportive of Kham’s post. But sometimes you just have to fight stupidity with stupidity.
Coast line erosion happens naturally. Your car is killing my environment, stop driving. Your beef patties are one of the largers contributors to global warming, stop eating meat.
Im sorry you feel that “your beach is being violated” by us asians. Maybe we all should just go back to where we came from. Maybe then you wont be so grumpy.
Racism sucks. so it sucks to be you.
Only Venus Bay has pippies? Rye has it too, plenty of it when there’s low tide.
Nice blog and lovely to read. Pity for the few uneducated racist that should get out and see the world. You’re not in Venus Bay because of the pipis (and if you are, I feel sorry for you) and next time you make racist comments, check the clothes you wear and the things you own. I bet you more than half is made in Asia and if it weren’t for the Asians, you probably can’t afford most of them. I do condemn those people who disregard the law just as I do those that leaves puffers and other unwanted fish to die by the beach or pier. For your information, the last time I was on beach no.5, the only people I saw digging for pipis were non-Asians. There are many factors that explains the fluctuation in pipi abundance each year and it is related mostly to tidal conditions. The next time you think the Asians are just pillaging your area or just taking and not giving, consider that you’re in Asia Pacific and that your entire economy relies on Asia. Get out of your well and see the world.
Great to know there are pipies there and I will make sure everyone carries exact 2kg home when I visit Venus Bay. Catching pipies is probably the most attracted idea for people/family visiting the area. Digging is fun and they are nice eating. Hopefully no one crys because they are in my yummy soup instead of being on the hook as fishing bait, and of course, I hope those fish they catch are legal size too.
Wow….I was planning to drop in to admire the reported beauty of Venus Bay and hopefully meet some friendly locals. I have read Venus Bay offers great hospitality and great surf fishing during the winter periods (year round too). While searching for some photos to show the family of the exciting upcoming visit to Venus Bay I encountered this blog. The blog starts off showing the true beauty of Venus bay and great images of the local beaches (well done Kham, you’re a champ). However, having read some of the remarks from what appears to be a small handful of irate locals I am dumb founded to read such racism and uncalled- for remarks about Asians invading Venus Bay for pipis! – call the national guards, we are invaded. Is this a joke! Comments like “lack of intelligence”, “Asian Invasion”, “Arrrg Asians” what the!! Remarks like this can only come from non-true-blue Aussies who spend too much time harvesting pipis and abusing the environment themselves. I guess building a town over wildlife habitats so close to breaking surf does little harm to the environment……fair go!
Blaming others and especially finger pointing “Asians” for collecting too much pipis is definitely hurtful, selfish and totally un-Australian. This blog was meant (I believe) to share and encourage all to experience the beauty of Australia and not a platform to slander others through ignorance. We should all learn from our past, look forward to the future and live our current lives as sharing human beings. People collecting too much “whatever” should be approached and informed of the impact of their actions. Finger pointing and racist comments have no place in this modern society. Using pipi collecting as an excuse to exercise your true racist nature is cowardice.
Yes, I will still visit Venus Bay as I run a tour guide business, showing 1000’s (not 200-300) of foreigners (Asians inclusive) to enjoy and appreciate the great wonders of Australia. I have Venus Bay as my targeted tour guide site and who knows, by introducing overwhelming interest in pipi collecting I can accelerate council declaration of Venus Bay as a “Wildlife Sanctuary”. Long live the pipis! …
I look forward to your next adventure write up champ!
U F***ING PHO F***ERS, STOP TAKING THE PIPIS AT VENUS BAY. I’M A LOCAL RESIDENT AND AM DISGUSTED WHEN I SEE A HOARD OF YOU ASIANS COMING DOWN AND PILLAGING THE ALREADY STRUGGLING PIPI POPULATION. YOU ALWAYS TAKE ABOVE THE REQUIRED LIMIT. HOW DO I KNOW THAT? WELL WHY IS IT WHEN LOCAL RESIDENTS LIKE US WALK PAST YOU HIDE YOUR BUCKETS/RICE BAGS ETC.. REEKS OF GUILT.
I DON’T MIND THE SINGLE ASIAN FAMILIES COMING WITH THEIR KIDS FOR SOME FUN TO PIPI BUT IT IS WHEN I SEE A MASS GROUP THAT IRKS ME TO THE BONE.
ME AND A FEW MATES MAKE IT OUR MISSION TO CALL IN FISHERIES WHEN WE NOTICE DODGEY AFFAIRS DOWN AT THE BEACH.
YOU’RE LUCKY YOU DO NOT KNOW THE LOCATIONS TO COLLECT WILD MUSSELS AND OYSTERS DOWN AT THE BAY, OR THOSE RESOURCES WILL BE DEPLETED.
* Expletives edited from original comment
It’s no wonder that many people in other countries think Australians are a racist bunch with comments like yours…
I wouldn’t usually let such comments go through but since it did make one or two valid points I let it go.
While I certainly don’t support overfishing of our country’s resources from anyone I don’t think name calling and using words like “YOU ASIANS” really helps your cause. The worst thing is you topped it off with calling yourself “chalk supremacy” which killed your whole argument.
Hi Kham,
Great blog buddy, i envy you of having visiting everywhere
. hehe thanks for the inspiration by the way i am now planning to go to lake emerald and great ocean road (seems like a must) . by any chance do you have any other recommendation of which place to go to within 50-100 km radius of melb city.
and guyss chilllll !!!! … pipies population may decrease and worst case extict (which is unlikely to happen this generation ). i know its good to care of your enviroment etc, but do you know whats going to happen in 20-40-60 years maybe after you die ?? who knows mate. … they make that place you love so much to famous tourist attraction ??(more pipies going to be captured etc) ?? oil digging nearby maybe and oil spill ( thats going to make you cry bad) or how about lets say war !
and gezz GUYS dont make this blog a spamming of anger. go somewhere else and GROW UP !
Hi Anthony,
I really hope you do visit Emerald Lake and see the beautiful sights along the Great Ocean Road.
There are just so many places within a 50-100 km radius of Melbourne that it’s difficult to suggest something without knowing what you’re into.
If you haven’t already checked out VisitMelbourne.com I suggest you do as it’s packed with heaps of information on things to do and places to visit.
We are making progress in dealing with greedy scumbags. DPI have just caught some illegal pipi poachers at venus bay. Watch out, they are after you and we will be reporting.
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/media-releases/category/fisheries/venus-bay-pipi
OMG, i was just going to plan a trip down to venus bay with the kids, since we are of asian backround i will think again!! my kids wont even be able to pick up shells without the locals thinking they are catching pipies. Say what you have to say but the racism is disgraceful. Thank god my kids are taught acceptance and respect.
Hi Chantelle, there are other places your kids can pick up shells without worrying about catching pippies. Try Rye beach, sorrento, squeaky beach, portsea.
Watch out for the crabs
I am disgusted by the racism and ignorance of some people.
I was going to drop by Venus Bay when I finished up in Phillip Island but I might not anymore, because the locals will think I’m collecting pippis to sell.
Didn’t know that the locals always had this in the back of their minds when they see Asians there.
I find the beach areas in Australia in general are quite racist. Absolutely disgusting.
was at beach 4 2/1/11 lots of pippis hunters and watched them drop there rubbish too in the car park went back 8am next morning car park side of road rubbish everywhere discusting pigs breaks my heart to see the place destroyed like that PIPPI HUNTERS = LOCUSTS [ 36 year semi resident]
OMG, we’re planning to go to Venus Bay,
and i’ve seen this blog and asked my brother about the racism at Venus bay, he has told me that it is really bad to the point that the local bashed an Asian to death/.
No i’m not going…..
this is my first time on your blog, Kham.
I’ve seen the Nha trang pixs which was back in 2007 in think.
I feel really sad now that we have such a beautiful country (VN) but unfortunately we have to leave, wish to come back one day though, back to our home.
Most of my friends are of Asian background and I am very disappointed to have read some of the most disgusting racist comments! I have always been taught to love all race and appreciate what each can offer/contribute.
There are Asian people who do the right thing and obey the regulations. You have to see people as individuals and not group them! I’m sure there are lots of non Asians that do not follow the fishing regulations, but we don’t go around grouping them and making racist remarks.
Racist people needs to go travel more and see the beauty of the world and not stay in their own little world!
Wow i am seriously disgusted at the stupidity this world has come through.
YOU guys are blaming us asians for the destruction of the australian environment. I studied marine biology in university and everytime I went the beach to check out for the local pippies/coral population, i saw everyone doing the right thing. We had a team going, checking if people were doing the right thing, i never seen a group during the two weeks who has had eskies over 5kg per a person (back then)
So to tell you, everyone is contributing to this and as matter of fact, the locals living there are to be blamed for their regular fishing in the area which consist catching pippies. This is evidenced due to a survey we have constructed. people that go their ‘regularly’ actually comes to venus bay every 1 or 2 years that is excluding locals. And everyone else that falls into the other groups came only once and have no plan to come back for the next 2 or 3 years. Therefore i dont see how the pippies are having lower population rates due to ‘asians’ visiting the area.
As a Venus Bay local, I have seen a steady increase in the amount of pippies taken from the surf beach.
It is very concerning, not just for the pippi population but for the wider, far reaching consequences of this event.
It’s not just the fish that will suffer, but the birds (we have migatory birds that visit these beaches year after year, alot of the species are endangered) and everything that feeds on them in nature.
Pippies are a filter feeder, you take that away or reduce their numbers, you effect the WHOLE eco-stsytem.
It’s like taking away worms from the soil….EVERY creature is effected in one way or another.
When you take away or signifficantly reduce a major food source from nature whole eco-systems are destroyed or over balanced. Unwanted or pest species flourish, which will make it very difficult for endangered or healthy species to survive.
This is how extinction of species occurs…it’s sad how common this really is…
You can have bag limits reduced, BUT for the incredible increase of people down here on the beach all year round now, it won’t make a dam difference on the pippi population, they will still be in decline because of the huge amount of people taking them now.
I am not going to name races here, but I think no matter what race you are if you take more than what is legal you should be punished.
I just wish people would look more at the bigger picture and not have such a narrow vision and just a selfish want to line their pockets with money or get something for free just because they can….
I personally would buy a product, over taking from nature if it is going to cause a eco-system to collapse in the long run….I’m in support of sustainable fishing as long as it dosen’t effect the balance of nature or decimate another species.
At the end of the day, this really is the only world we have and we should show more respect and preserve it more, for the future generations.
Money was created by MANKIND, this world was not created by MANKIND, and so we are just another being that lives and dies on it….so the point from this statement is We do not own this world, we are just custodians of it like every other creature.
i reckon the issue that needs to be educated here is racism. because if these racist comments keep going on then soon wont be any Mankind left to fight over pippies.
well we might as well just call pippie killing scientific reserch
yep no probs at all since australia has been branded as racist country and has been killing Indians last yr. no one will be surprised hahahahaha i’m enjoying watching bring it on
Just back from Venus Bay – it’s true – too many selfish types digging bucket loads of Pippies for their stalls at the Vic Market!! The locals are furious as these feed all the local fish – no pippies, fewer fish. The weekend before last I personally saw 10 vans of Asian families all digging away for their lives at the edge of the surf and pinching way over the daily limit! Not fair!! There are clear signs stating the limit – but no fisheries officers to enforce these limits. I hate any sort of exploitation, but more so when a few greedy types are getting super rich selling these local shell fish for exorbitant prices at the market.
I was at venus bay on 22/01/2011. A very nice place. Of course, I saw a lot of people catching pipi and fisheries officers were there educating locals and vistors.
Looking around the bay, it reminded me of the gold rush era.
I have a dumb idea. Can you put the daily limits of pipi taking to “per area per day” on top of “per person per day” to limit the actual number of pipi taking away from the area daily. Obviously this requires a hugh people resources from the local and the fisheries department to enforce it.
I was planning on going to Venus Bay to pippi this weekend. I will be going with family and friends. However, after reading this blog the locals terrify me.
I understand how upset you all are but your mentality is depressing.
When you guys come down to Melbourne, you will notice that people down here are not closed minded and are very accepting of all races. Drop by Chinatown when you’re down here. I’m sure everyone won’t be staring at you like you’re different.
So sad that the pippi debate has caused ill feeling between locals and visitors. Venus Bay is a really beautiful and friendly place. Unfortunately pippi collectors come into town on mass usually at peak holiday times such as boxing day. Any local visiting the beach at that time is shocked and horrified to see hundreds of people madly digging up the beautiful beach and yes leaving rubbish behind.
Locals have become more distressed about the practice since it was rumoured that the pippis were being sold at markets. Not that upset to bash someone to death though. That ones a lie.
After chatting with a Fisheries officer on Xmas day I now understand that pippis have a short life span and that the collection of pippis will continue as a recreational activity. I also understand that abusing the pippi law is a criminal offense and that offenders can not only cop a fine but get their vehicles confiscated.
Any Asians reading this, i hope you take offence and do not visit Venus Bay.
Any Australians ready this, we are easy going locals who enjoy the sun, sand and fishing, don’t hesitate to come and visit.
We are very regular visitors to Venus Bay and we are continually horrified by the number of people taking Pippis and the amount they take. It’s greedy and selfish to take more than you need for fishing or a family meal. I DON’T CARE WHAT NATIONALITY YOU ARE – JUST STOP TAKING TOO MANY PIPPIES !! We will continue to report to the Fisheries Dept when we see people take more thn 2kg per person, to give them the details and number plates of the offenders. PLEASE JUST COME COME TO VENUS BAY TO ENJOY ITS BEAUTY, NOT DESTROY IT!
Most of people come to catch Pippies are just want to have a good day out with family and friends, they traveled hundred of KM to get there, I’m sure it is cheaper for them just to buy pippies from the fish shop.
If you don’t break the law, what’s the big deal? OK, some people are greedy, taking more than what they need, but they will pay the penalty if they get caught.
DON”T BREAK THE LAW AND DON’T BE GREEDY, JUST DO THE RIGHT THING, I’m going to Venus Bay tomorrow to CATCH PIPPIES with friends and family, we are going to have a good time. Yoo Hooo….
You idiots think it makes a difference whether the Asians buy the pipis at the market or take them from “your” beach. They have to come from somewhere, or maybe Aussies don’t eat seafood, or is it if it’s not comin from your backyard it’s ok? FYI rec fishers will never outfish the Aussie license holders which are entitled to take 36800 tonnes a year in sa. Yes about 16 license holders making a massive profit outfishing all of the Asians put together. I really doubt anyone drives 200km to make a profit off pipi it’s just a fun day out. The reason you probably think it’s the same people coming batch to catch and sell at the markets is cause we all look the same to you fools
I am another Venus Bay local of 20 years and echo the sentiments of residents above.The behavior of the visitors over this christmas period has been anti social in the extreme. What is wrong with coming to the beach and building a sandcastle of having a swim? Do you need to rape the environment at every chance. Can you find an activity that isn’t focused on commerce or your stomach?
You can employ all the denial you want but 100+ cars at number 5 mining the beach day in day out will have a measurable impact in the environment. Like all other locals we will be watching and ruthlessly pursuing fisheries for any beaches of the daily limit.
I’m amazed that 4 years on from the initial post, this is still attracting comments.
There appears to be some degree of investigation by fisheries, Venus bay in particular:
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-fishing/catch-limits-and-closed-seasons/molluscs-and-other-invertebrates/molluscs-all-other/pipis/pipis-now-and-forever
I’m also surprised there hasn’t been any mention of maybe a tourist information centre at the beach, to help ensure visitors are educated and do the right thing. It all sounds a bit draconian but the Philip Island setup seems to do well in protecting the penguins. Why not something smaller for pipis during the peak season?
At the very least it will provide transparent monitoring of pippying instead of the current cloak and dagger style of reporting and catching the baddies, which encourages an us versus them attitude (locals vs visitors). At best it could educate and generate more income from visitors.
Thanks Kham for keeping this discussion ongoing.
I heard about the pipi catching at Venus Bay from a couple years ago.
Would have loved to go Pipi catching w kids.
Unfortunately my wife is from ASIA…with her memories of catching pipis as a child back in ASIA somewhere.
Visitors must respect the locals of any area, & if Venus Bay natives want their pipis left alone (or keep profit-making for themselves) then they have every right to do so.
We simply need to find alternatives for recreational activities for our families.
They are SO yummy stir fried with a bit of sweet soy sauce & chilli
To. Adrian. I do not agree with you
The local do not own Venus Bay. As a tax payer and Aussie citizen. I have every right to use and enjoy the beach, including catching pipies. As long as i don’t break the law,it should not be a problem, if the local don’t like it. They can move some where eles, just like if i don’t like where i live i will sell my house and move to the place that i like
Please don’t generalise all asians you make me feel disgusted after reading this.
I am an Australian born Chinese and I reassure you my family were well under the limit with fishing licence in hand.
How dare you people write such filth.
What is wrong with you people? your sense of entitlement and deserving is mind blowing. Assembling in packs to rip off the natural resources is core to your culture?.. Respecting the environment is central to ours.
I just came back today from Venus bay. I can understand the concern of the locals. I am an Australian born “Asian” and I did face any type of racism. I live and breathe Australian. I went with my girlfriend and sister and their cousin and we caught around 4 litres, all with licences.
I can tell you now, I can understand the stereotyping because let’s face it, we all do it! But if the visiting “Asians” don’t look shifty and actually speak up and smile then I don’t think the locals would have a problem. I know for a fact that Asian people can be very timid which can be mistaken for being shifty. It just depends on the individual.
I don’t believe the locals are being racists as pointing out “Asians” is natural because WE ARE Asians! But I agree, don’t bring in hoards of them! I agree on both locals and as a visitor. I’ve been there a few times and never been subjected to any taunts, glares or anything to make me feel uncomfortable. I hope the locals can say “G’day” and the visitors respond and share stories so everyone can reduce “suspicion” of visitors intentions and break the ice and welcome visitors.
I wonder what the locals would think when they see a White guy with an Asian gf/wife? Would they have mix feelings? Because I can tell you now, that there are MANY White man with Asian partners! So if they start catching pipi’s what would you locals think? We invade your pipi’s and you invade our women but do we care? Nah of course not
did not face any type of racsim*
I was in Venus Bay with my friends last weekend and we took all the pippis we could carry. No fisheries officers anywhere. Get down there, pay not attention to the ignorant locals and help yourself.