The state government will impose temporary fishing restrictions from 1 November following stock assessments of the waters of Gulf St Vincent, Kangaroo Island and Spencer Gulf showing declines of some species.

Calamari, Garfish and King George Whiting have particularly declined in Gulf St Vincent, with other species including Blue Crab and Abalone also impacted.

 

To allow for recovery of stocks of species a temporary 50 per cent reduction in bag and boat limits will be implemented for recreational fishing and passenger bag limits for charter boat fishing in the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone.

 

A temporary 50 per cent reduction in bag and boat limits for recreational fishing and passenger bag limits for charter boat fishing will also apply to Calamari, Garfish, Blue Crab and King George Whiting in the Spencer Gulf Fishing Zone.

 

A temporary restriction on all commercial Marine Scalefish Fishing and Blue Crab fishing will be implemented in the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone.

It is envisaged the restrictions will remain in place until 30 June 2026, subject to regular science reviews.

 

Subject to existing limits or catch quotas, commercial fishing in Spencer Gulf will remain unaffected.

 

Commercial Sardine, Abalone and Rock Lobster fisheries across the state will remain unaffected.

 

Prawn fisheries will operate as normal, noting a temporary November-December spawning closure will occur in parts of northern Gulf St Vincent, as occurred last year.

 

Existing fishing restrictions on Snapper will be extended until 30 June 2027.

 

Recreational fishers are strongly encouraged to assist the scientific effort by reporting their catches via the SA Fishing app. Visit the PIRSA website for details.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says the science shows the algal bloom has had an unprecedented impact on fish stocks, particularly in Gulf St Vincent.

 

“It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we help to protect and regenerate those species, and those whose livelihoods depend upon them.

 

“Through the Algal Bloom Summer Plan, we have carefully calibrated a comprehensive package of measures designed to protect industry, support recreational fishers, and to help recover our fish stocks.

 

“The package includes free access to boat ramps and coastal parks, discounted boat rego, significant industry support, and a range of other measures from reefs to restocking.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven says the algal bloom has had a significant impact on fish stocks in the Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone and action is needed to give affected species time to recover and in order to support sustainability into the future.

 

“We have been working closely with the commercial fishing industry to plan a way through this challenging time with comprehensive support for impacted fishers as well as a range of measures to support recreational fishing.

 

“Decisions of this nature must be based on the best science available and these restrictions are being implemented based on the data available through the South Australian Research and Development Institute rapid stock assessments and ongoing monitoring.”

The plan for the long-term recovery of fishing stocks in waters affected by the algal bloom forms part of the Algal Bloom Summer Plan, which includes short and long term measures to protect and support businesses, support recreational fishing, and protect and grow fishing stocks.

It has received support from Kyri Toumazos, Executive Officer, Seafood Industry SA.

“The decision to look after fish stocks in a trajectory of rebuilding over the next period is the right decision which we fully support,” he says.

“I would like to highlight the leadership and the custodianship of the marine ecosystem by the commercial fishing sector, having those conversations is not easy.

“The State Government has always listened to what we have brought to the table and all of the support measures will help build resilience for those family businesses to stay committed in the long term and to build the industry, so it is stronger after the algal bloom and better prepared for any future events.”

RecFish SA CEO Asher Dezsery has expressed concern about the fishing restrictions’ impact on recreational fishers.

He told ABC Radio that it seems illogical for the Summer Plan funding to encourage  people to visit and enjoy the coast and then restrict their ability to do so.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were says that although there is some concern in the community about the restrictions she believes there is broad support for action.

“There is a high priority on trying to ensure economic and environmental wellbeing into the long term.

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