FishFacts Issue 4, September 2006


Issue 4, September 2006
PIRSA logo. (Links to PIRSA website)

www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing


Crab season underway
The first of the blue swimmer crabs for the season have started to move inshore with the onset of the warmer weather.

Remember the size limit for blue swimmer crabs is 11cms measured across the carapace (shell) from the base of the largest spines. There is a combined bag limit of 40 blue and or sand crabs and a boat limit (when 3 or more are crabbing from the boat) of 120. Undersized crabs and female crabs carrying eggs must be returned to the water immediately.

Free crab measuring gauges are available from PIRSA Fisheries Offices or by calling the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065522. Fisheries Officers will also start patrolling crabbing beaches ensuring fishers abide by the rules.
Marine Parks Bill released for public comment
A draft Marine Parks Bill has been released by the South Australian Government for public comment.

The Bill will provide the legislative framework for the eventual creation of 19 marine parks across South Australia by 2010. The bill aims at ensuring greater protection for the State’s valuable marine environment with the parks providing protection to the State’s marine habitat, much like the on-land conservation park system.

The 19 marine parks will be zoned for multiple-use. This means that most activities such as recreational and commercial fishing, tourism operations and diving will be allowed within marine parks. The legislation provides an increased level of protection, whilst ensuring our waters continue to be able to support essential regional industries such as fishing, aquaculture and tourism.

The draft bill is available for public comment until 13 October 2006. For more information go to www.environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/mpas.html

Bream closed season
A closed season for bream in the Onkaparinga River, upstream of the main South Road Bridge, came into effect from 1 September and continues through until 30 November. This closure is in place to protect the fish during their spawning season.

Boat Trailer Exemption to Expire Soon
The transition period for some general use boat trailers not fitted with brakes is due to expire on 30 September 2006.

As from midnight on that date, trailers with a gross trailer mass greater than 750 kg will need to be fitted with brakes that operate on at least one wheel, at each end of one or more axles of the trailer. After this date, owners of trailers not fitted with brakes will be subject to penalties including trailer defects, expiation notices and court imposed fines.

For further information about the boat trailer brake exemption see the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure web page at www.transport.sa.gov.au/.

Secret sex life of Murray cod exposed
Scientists have thought the Murray cod, one of Australia’s iconic freshwater species, was monogamous (having one mate at a time).

However, they have recently discovered from a study of genes in larval fish that it is most likely to be polygamous, meaning the males pair with more than one female.

Researchers are looking to further their study by determining if genetically separate wild populations of cod exist, or have existed in the past, by analysing contemporary cod samples alongside historic fish scales collected up to 55 years ago.

Knowledge of the sex life of Murray cod will help in the management of the species to promote the long-term survival of wild populations, with flow-on benefits to anglers.

A closed season to protect the spawning season for Murray cod came into effect 1 September and continues until 31 December. Any Murray cod caught during this time must be returned to the water immediately.

Become a Fishcare Volunteer
Do you love fishing and would like to give something back to the fishing community? Then consider becoming a Fishcare Volunteer.

Fishcare Volunteers go to all the spots where recreational fishers can be found, providing them with the latest information regarding fishing in South Australia. The program is run by PIRSA Fisheries.

It is a great way to give something back to the community and, at the same time, mix with a great bunch of keen fishos.

The next Fishcare Volunteer induction course in planned for early October. For more information contact the State Coordinator, Fishcare Volunteer Program on 8347 6100 or click here

Yellowtail Kingfish
The temporary size limit for yellowtail kingfish measuring 45 to 60cms caught in Spencer Gulf will continue.

As a result, fishers can catch a bag limit of 10 or a boat limit of 30 of this sized fish. This applies to fish caught in the waters of Spencer Gulf only.

For fish measuring over 60cms, the bag limit is 2 and the boat limit is 6. This size limit applies to fish caught in all waters of the State.

Compliance round-up
  • A commercial rock lobster fisher from the State’s Limestone Coast was convicted of quota evasion offences in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court.

    The 46 year old from Port MacDonnell was found to have landed more rock lobster than was declared on his catch and disposal record.

    During an inspection, Fisheries Officers weighed the catch and found it to be 51.15 kg heavier and two bins less than declared on the catch and disposal records.

    The man was found guilty and fined $4000 plus $1500 in prosecution costs and $140 in court fees. He was also given a two month suspension from fishing pursuant to his licence, the suspension is to commence on the 1 October 2006. Forfeiture of the 51.15 kg of rock lobster was also confirmed.

  • South Australian Fisheries Officers have played critical roles in two separate trials of Chinese flagged stern trawlers apprehended in northern Australian waters in March this year.

    PIRSA Fisheries Officers, as part of their service level agreement, were involved in the investigations, assisting Darwin based Australian Fisheries Management Authority Officers (AFMA) in seizures, interviews and presentation of evidence in court.

    The masters of the two vessels were found guilty of being within the Australian Fishing Zone without fishing gear stowed and hindering investigating officers by failing to facilitate a boarding by officers.

    The men were fined $70,000 each with 6 months imprisonment. In addition, both vessels and their catch were forfeited.


PIRSA Fisheries produces Fishfacts as an information service to commercial and recreational fishers. Information about regulations and other laws is provided as a summary only and does not replace the legislation. It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure that they are aware of the law and comply with it.
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