THERE was no need to ban commercial harvesting of pipis on Tweed beaches because there was no viable industry left, according to a Tweed Head fisher.

NSW primary industries minister Katrina Hodgkinson announced that some beaches would be closed to commercial harvesting to help save the species from extinction.

“I have been concerned by reports from various stakeholders, including local fishermen, that the pipi population has dwindled rapidly in the past five to 10 years,” Katrina Hodgkinson said.

“I will be keeping a close eye on the progress and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary.”

Seagulls Fishing Club president Charlie Howe has campaigned to stop the commercial harvesting of pipis on NSW beaches.

He said the last company to harvest pipis for human consumption in northern NSW closed its doors five years ago.

“Ever since pipis had been for human consumption that's when harvesting sky rocketed to 700 tonnes.

That's what went through the Sydney Fish Market in 2000-2001.

They were taking pipis on a daily basis from around here for human consumption.”

Mr Howe welcomed the decision but said more had to be done, with some of the government's ideas to save the species ineffective when attempted by South Australia in 2010.

“It's (banning) a start.

"We are not criticising this minister because the problem was here before she was in the position and she wants to hear from all stakeholders.

“Everyone's been worried for a long time; there are species that rely on this food source.

"It's worrying to be removing a natural resource from the food chain.”

Mr Howe said the government just had to close shop on pipi harvesting.