Recreational and charter boat fishers across South Australia are set to enjoy a welcome boost this summer, with the State Government easing a range of temporary fishing restrictions following updated scientific assessments of fish stocks.
From today, recreational and charter boat fishers can once again take full bag, boat and passenger catch limits for Blue Swimmer Crab and Southern Garfish in Spencer Gulf. Restrictions have also been lifted for key migratory finfish species in the Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone, reopening opportunities for anglers targeting Australian Herring, Barracouta, Mulloway, Southern Bluefin Tuna, Western Australian Salmon and Yellowtail Kingfish.
The changes follow the latest scientific review of fish stocks, which indicates that Blue Swimmer Crab and Southern Garfish stocks in Spencer Gulf are performing sustainably, and that easing limits on selected migratory species will have minimal impact. The precautionary restrictions were first introduced on 1 November to support stock recovery following the impacts of a harmful algal bloom.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the decision reflects improving environmental conditions and a commitment to evidence-based fisheries management. “We have seen promising results with low to no harmful Karenia algae around the majority of our coastline for some weeks now,” he said, adding that “the easing of some of these restrictions provides an opportunity for recreational and charter boat anglers additional opportunities to fish this summer.”
Mr Malinauskas said the government had been clear from the outset that the restrictions would be reviewed regularly. “When we put in place temporary restrictions to manage the impact of the harmful algal bloom, we made clear we would regularly review them, and that our decisions would be guided by science,” he said. “Science is guiding our decision today to lift some of those restrictions.”
He noted that updated advice confirmed that reinstating full bag limits for migratory species including Australian Herring, Barracouta, Mulloway, Southern Bluefin Tuna, Western Australian Salmon and Yellowtail Kingfish would have minimal impact, while scientific assessments showed Blue Swimmer Crab and Southern Garfish stocks were sustainable in Spencer Gulf. “We will continue to monitor these restrictions on a regular basis,” he said.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the easing of restrictions was always intended once new data supported it. “When we placed these temporary restrictions, we announced that if new data became available or the outlook changed, we would lift these limits as soon as possible,” she said. Ms Scriven said the ongoing review process confirmed it was sustainable for original bag and boat limits to apply once again, delivering benefits to recreational fishers, the charter boat sector and associated businesses. “Changes will benefit recreational fishers, the charter boat fishery and associated businesses, further boosting their recovery from the impacts of this algal bloom event,” she said.
RecFishSA Executive Officer Asher Dezsery welcomed the announcement, saying the sector was confident the government was following through on its commitments. “South Australian fisheries and our gulfs are unique, and this presents an opportunity to simultaneously protect, foster and rebuild fisheries stocks, whilst enabling the continuation of important fishing activities that form the very culture of the South Australian summer,” he said.
While the eased restrictions will be a relief for many, other temporary recreational, boat and charter limits remain in place. Fishers are encouraged to check current limits and contribute to ongoing scientific monitoring by reporting their catches through the SA Fishing app.
All other temporary recreational bag, boat and charter boat passenger fishing limits remain in place. For further details on all fishing limits visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing.
