Licensing & Registration

The commercial fishing industry in South Australia is obliged to meet the agreed costs of all services required to support the commercial sector, including research (biological and economic), management and compliance, as well as a range of additional services in support of the industry.

Commercial fishers in South Australia need to:

  • hold a licence or permit in respect of the particular fishery
  • register the boat to be used for fishing activity under a licence or permit in respect of the fishery
  • ensure that the person in charge of the boat is registered as the master of the boat
  • register devices to be used for fishing activity under a licence or permit in respect of the fishery.

Information about licence holders is included on the Public Register.

Licence and registration fees are calculated on a cost-recovery basis. The fees might vary for each year depending on research, compliance and management priorities. You can find more information about how and why the fees are set in the Fisheries Management Series paper, Cost Recovery in South Australia's Commercial Fisheries (PDF).

The majority of the revenue from fisheries licence fees is shared between the South Australian Research and Development Institute (external site) (SARDI) Aquatic Sciences and Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) Fisheries to cover the costs of:

  • biological and economic research to build our knowledge of fish populations and ecosystems
  • compliance tools, training and personnel to ensure sustainable fishing and appropriate care of the marine and freshwater environments
  • policy development and legislation to implement appropriate management rules and regulations
  • You can download copies of licence and registration forms or phone PIRSA Fisheries Licensing on 08 8347 6107 and ask for a copy of the relevant form to be sent to you. To renew a commercial licence you can also make your payment online.

Under the Fisheries Management Act 2007 (external site) the Director of PIRSA Fisheries Division can issue policy directives, notices and ministerial permits and exemptions to allow for permits and exemptions in specific circumstances.