New Demerit Point system for fisheries offences
A demerit point system for fishing offences under the Fisheries Management Act 2007 has been introduced, which will apply from 1 July 2009. Click here for more information.

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

Murray cod fishery closed to all fishing
A new closed season for Murray cod will come into effect from January 1, 2009 and continue until July 31 when the existing seasonal closure (August 1 to December 31) comes into effect.
These new arrangements effectively close the Murray cod fishery to all fishing activity for all of 2009.
Murray Cod catch limit and legal length

Updated Fishing Guide
The 2008 Recreational Fishing Guide is now available free of charge. The guide has the latest information on the state's fishing rules and other important changes. View the Guide...

Abalone virus
Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis can cause high mortalities in both aquaculture and wild fisheries. The virus has not been found in South Australia, although the disease is currently in Victoria. PIRSA is managing to ensure that the disease is not introduced into our waters, and have a well prepared response strategy if it is. More information...

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Recreational fishing is now the nation’s biggest participation sport. In South Australia alone about one quarter or an estimated 328 000 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 2005–06 the State’s commercial wild fisheries were worth A$193.5 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.