Interim Snapper limit announced
A commercial daily trip limit for Snapper has been introduced as an interim measure to protect local stocks. The change is effective 1 January to 31 June 2012 and will contain commercial fishers to an 800 kg daily commercial trip limit within gulf waters. View map of the restricted areas and answers to frequently asked questions.

Snapper Options Paper
PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture has released the Options Paper - Management Options for Snapper in South Australia for public consultation, as well as the Background Paper for Management Options for Snapper in South Australia. The deadline for submissions is 5pm, Tuesday 31 January 2012.  A Community Feedback form is available here.

Fishing Possession Limits Options Paper
The Fisheries Minister has released the Options Paper - Possession Limits for South Australian Recreational Fishery for public consultation. The deadline for submissions has been extended by two weeks. Submissions must now be received no later than 5pm, Friday 11 November.
Options paper ...

Noxious aquatic species in dams
Primary Industries has recently been tackling the issue of exotic and noxious species on private waterways. In most cases, people are unaware that the exotic and noxious species part of the Fisheries Management Act 2007 still applies to waterways on private land.
More information ...

Recreational fishing survey underways
Recreational fishers are invited to participate in a that will help inform management of SA fisheries from a social perspective. The survey can be completed online or a hard copy can be obtained by calling 1800 981 499. Respondents who complete the survey will also be eligible to enter a random prize draw to win their choice of a charter boat trip for three or a $500 fishing voucher.
Find out more ...

SA Marine Parks
For information on SA Marine Parks go to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources website (external site)

Australian Fisheries National Compliance Strategy 2010-2015
This newly-released document outlines the strategic objectives that Australian fisheries agencies will pursue to promote voluntary compliance and create effective deterrents to illegal fishing activity.  It outlines the principles that agencies under the umbrella of National Fisheries Compliance Committee (NFCC) will use when planning the delivery of cost-effective and efficient fisheries compliance programs. Click here to access the full document (.pdf).

Draft management plans
For Blue Swimmer Crabs, Abalone, Charter Fishery and the American River Aquatic Reserve are now available for public comment. View the papers on the Fisheries Council of SA website.

European Union Catch Certificate
The European Commission requires that fish and fishery products caught from 1 January 2010 can only be imported into a member country of the European Union when accompanied by an appropriate catch certificate. Application form available Appendix 2 (PDF) or Appendix 3 (PDF).

GPS & Google Earth downloads
Fishers can now download coordinates for the State’s aquatic reserves direct to their GPS or marine plotter. More information...

Australian fish names
For a full list of standard Australian fish names go to the Standard Fish Names Database at http://www.fishnames.com.au/

Free! FishFacts E-Newsletter

For the latest in fishing news from around South Australia subscribe to PIRSA Fisheries free FishFacts e-newsletter.

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Recreational fishing is now the nation’s biggest participation sport. In South Australia alone about one quarter or an estimated 236 000 South Australian’s enjoy fishing each year. Apart from the enjoyment, recreational fishing injects millions of dollars into the economy in the purchase and maintenance of boats, marine engines, tackle and equipment.

South Australia also has a strong, viable commercial fishing industry. In 2007–08 the State’s commercial wild fisheries were worth A$207.5 million. The industry is an important source of employment, both directly and via support industries, and as an earner of valuable export dollars.

Both the commercial and the recreational fishing industry rely on a healthy, well-managed fisheries resource. PIRSA Fisheries Division acts as the caretaker of the fishing resource in South Australia. The role of the division is to ensure:

  • maximum economic gain from the resource
  • that the resource is shared equitably amongst all user groups (including recreational and commercial fishers)
  • the long-term sustainability of the commercial and recreational fishing industries whilst protecting biological diversity and maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.

PIRSA Fisheries Division is responsible for:

  • fisheries management and planning
  • licensing and permits
  • services to ensure compliance with legislation for recreational fishers and the commercial fishing industry
  • providing information and advice for anyone with an interest in fishing and our fisheries resource.

Fish stocks are a finite resource. It is only through careful management, based on sound research, that we can ensure the health of our fish stocks for today and into the future.  Fisheries management policies are informed by research and development undertaken by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) (external site).

The Fisheries Division is constantly working to improve its services and build closer relationships with key customers, including the commercial fishing industry, recreational fishers, the government and the community of South Australia. The Customer Service Strategy (.PDF) sets out our customer service standards and offers helpful advice on how you can help improve the service.

No matter what your involvement with fishing in South Australia, with more and more pressure being exerted on our fish stocks, it is important that we all:

  • take responsibility for the care of our fisheries
  • play our part in preserving our fish stocks for the future.