Closures

Many fish have traditional breeding and nursery grounds. These are either spawning areas where fish migrate to every year, or nursery areas where juvenile fish can develop and grow under optimum conditions and in relative safety.

To protect the juvenile animals and their habitats these areas may be permanently or temporarily considered as closed areas.

Seasonal closures might also be declared to protect heavily-fished species during their breeding season. Any species caught during the closure period must be returned to the water immediately.

In South Australia there are 15 aquatic reserves where fishing and other activities might be prohibited or restricted. These have been established to protect the habitat, ecosystems and communities of the rich variety of underwater organisms found in the marine and estuarine waters of South Australia.

There might also be restrictions and prohibitions on fishing and other activities in aquatic reserves and marine protected areas.

The taking of all bottom dwelling organisms from any intertidal rocky reefs anywhere in South Australia is prohibited.