Closures - Fiund out about the area and seasonal fishing closures that apply in SA

Fish mortalities response
Latest update available now. Read more

Spencer Gulf Cuttlefish closure
Cuttlefish fishing in northern Spencer Gulf has been closed until 27 March 2014.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
Map of closure area

Recreational shark fishing restrictions
Restrictions on targeted recreational shark fishing in metropolitan waters have been updated. Find out more.

Redmap launches in SA
Redmap is a new and interactive website, that invites the Australian community to spot, log and map marine species that are uncommon in Australia, or along particular parts of our coast. Find out more

Recreational fishing possession limits begin
Recreational fishing possession limits are now in place in South Australia, limiting the amount of King George Whiting, Pipi and Razorfish that recreational fishers can catch and stockpile. View media release and find out more

Port River Mud Cockle closure
The Port River Mud Cockle fishing closure has been extended until 30 June 2013 due to ongoing concerns about sustainability. View map of closure area and frequently asked questions.

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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 Australians 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).

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.