The state government is backing South Australia’s recreational fishers with a range of measures to support fishing activity during the unprecedented algal bloom and to set-up the recovery of fish stocks.

The commitments include:

• $300,000 to install a strategically placed recreational fishing reef in an impacted Gulf region to support the survival and reproduction of key recreational species and allow real-time monitoring for citizen scientists, schools, and researchers.
• Establishing a fish stocking program in freshwater bodies such as reservoirs and lakes.
• Opening more reservoirs to recreational fishing where consistent with public health advice.
• Boosting regional tourism by supporting RecFish SA to deliver a series of four fishing events and competitions in regional areas in conjunction with local tackle stores and businesses.
• Supporting RecFish SA to deliver a series of fishing forums at local tackle stores, using fishing personalities and local experts.
• Providing RecFish SA a grant of $200,000 to further support more than a hundred community fishing clinics and programs across South Australia, fishing events and competitions, and engagement with recreational fishing clubs to boost participation.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says fishing is a way of life for many South Australians. 

“It’s a healthy activity families can engage in away from screens and technology, and a way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of our state.

"It is also a significant driver of tourism in our regions. Many businesses rely on it.

"The algal bloom is presenting a real challenge for fishers and these businesses in many parts of our state. It is also true that those in the more than two-thirds of our coastline that is unaffected by the bloom are also suffering from diminished public confidence

"These sensible support measures will help support our fishers, and the businesses and communities which support them, through this natural disaster.

"They will also set up our fish stocks for the longer term.

The measures to support recreational fishing are in addition to the business support available through the state and federal governments’ algal bloom support package.

For further information on the algal bloom, including grants and other supports available, visit the dedicated website.