Thank God for the Southern Ranger!

That’s no doubt the view of the seven men rescued from a sinking pleasure cruiser off of Edithburgh on the Yorke Peninsula during May.

The Southern Ranger crew, who were moored just off Edithburgh at the time, were called into action by SA Police after the $1.5 million luxury cruiser lost power and started taking on water.

None of the seven passengers - all men on a fishing trip - were injured.

Southern Ranger skipper Les Parsons explained that the crew deployed its inflatable tender boat to retrieve the seven occupants of the sinking vessel amongst some fairly treacherous seas.

“We were faced with a challenging situation in getting our vessel alongside their’s and transferring the seven passengers from one moving vessel to another moving vessel, with these large swells moving in at different intervals," he said.

"The water was coming in quickly and the passengers were getting apprehensive because water was splashing around in their boat.

“This is a great example of the capabilities of the Southern Ranger, not only in protecting our fish stocks from illegal activity, but also in responding to emergencies at sea.”

SA fishers are being urged to report any possible sightings of a nationally listed marine pest, the Colonial Sea Squirt.

The exotic species (Didemnum spp.) has become a major pest overseas, including in New Zealand, and a suspected case has been reported in the waters of Twofold Bay, New South Wales.

Vic Neverauskas, PIRSA Biosecurity - Aquatic Pests, said while the pest is not currently present in South Australia, it is important that industry be on the alert to protect the biosecurity of our marine habitats.

“If it were to become established in South Australian waters, it would be a particular threat to our shellfish and finfish aquaculture,” Mr Neverauskas said.

“It overgrows many species, including sponges, anemones, limpets, oysters, mussels, scallops and barnacles.”

While similar in appearance to some native species, it should not be handled, removed or broken up in the sea as this increases the chance of it spreading. It is not considered toxic to human health.

It has a distinctive mustard or orange-yellow colour and forms large, spongy clumps, often wax-like in appearance.

People are urged to report any suspected sightings by:

• taking a photo, if possible
• recording an accurate note of the location, by GPS and landmarks
• then reporting it to FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522.

PIRSA Biosecurity is monitoring the NSW situation and is preparing a management strategy in the event of an outbreak in SA.

We’ve got some bad news for fishing offenders.

PIRSA Fisheries compliance presence received a significant boost in March with six new recruits graduating as fully-fledged Fisheries Officers.

Manager Regional Operations, Peter Dietman, said that the new recruits recently undertook a month long induction program at Birkenhead under the guidance of experienced senior officers.

“The new officers bring with them a range skills and attributes that will compliment and add to the existing team of dedicated and highly professional officers,” he said.

“They come from varied backgrounds and life experiences but all share the common passion to be part of ensuring the future of fishing in SA.

“With six new officers on patrol, Fisheries will be able to continue its commitment to providing an effective presence and service across the state’s beaches and waterways.”

The new recruits will now head off to their respective postings at Mt Gambier, Kingscote, Kadina, Pt Lincoln and Ceduna.

Always keen to educate South Australian fishers on the regulations that apply in this state, PIRSA Fisheries has gone on line to reach local anglers.

Fisheries now has its own designated section on Strike & Hook, an-online recreational fishing forum set up specifically for SA anglers.

PIRSA Fisheries Communications Officer, Dave Primer, said that the forum has been set up specifically to give anglers an avenue to ask questions regarding rules and regulations that apply in SA.

“It is important however that any users of the website understand that PIRSA Fisheries will not be entering into political debates or offering personal opinions on decisions/regulations,” he said.

“We think this is a great way of engaging rec fishers and providing them with a direct avenue to gain clarification on any fishing rules they may not fully understand.”

To sign up as a Strike & Hook member go to: www.strikehook.com

PIRSA Fisheries has issued a reminder of the regulations that apply to Opera House-style Yabby pots following a number of recent inspections carried out by Fisheries Officers on the River Murray.

Senior Fisheries Officer with PIRSA Fisheries, Dave Grant, said that a number of anglers in the region have been found using Opera House pots that do not comply with South Australian fishing regulations. 

“It’s important that fishers ensure that any Opera House pots they use must have no more than two entrance funnels,” he said.

“Each entrance funnel must also have a rigid ring, which does not exceed 7.5cm in diameter.

“PIRSA Fisheries is aware of a number of fishing tackle outlets in South Australia selling Opera House pots that have entrance funnels that are larger than 7.5cm.

“Whilst these may be legal to use in some other states, they can not be used in South Australian waters.

“The maximum funnel size of 7.5cm on aims to prevent non-targeted species such as turtles and water rats from entering the pots. These animals have a tendency to enter the nets to get the bait placed in there, but are then unable to get out and may subsequently drown.”

PIRSA Fisheries has reminded South Australian fishers that both the Northern and Southern Zone Rocklobster seasons come to a close at 6:00pm on Monday 31 May.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager Limestone Coast, Mel Snart, said that it was important to remind recreational fishers that all pots should be removed from the water prior to this closure coming into effect. 

“If you see any rocklobster pots still in the water after the 31 May deadline, we ask that you report them to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522,” Ms Snart said.

"If for any unforseen circumstances individuals are unable to get their rocklobster pots out of the water by the closure date they are advised to contact their local Fisheries Office prior to the closure date”