FishFacts Issue 6, December 2006


Issue 6, December 2006
PIRSA logo. (Links to PIRSA website)

www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing


Snapper back on the menu
The snapper fishery in South Australia will re-open from 12noon Thursday 30 November.

Snapper catches are expected to be good following the month long closure, with good numbers reported around Whyalla and some of the well known snapper hot spots in Gulf St Vincent such as the Semaphore Tyre Reef and the Goannas.

Round 4 of Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program
Round 4 of the Commonwealth Government’s Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program is now open for applications.

The Government is contributing $15 million over three years for projects that enhance recreational fishing opportunities and activities throughout Australia in fresh and salt water.

The program supports local initiatives that enhance recreational fishing and tourism experiences, both through on-ground activities and education and awareness, as well as protecting near shore coastal environments.

For more information on how to apply, go to www.daff.gov.au/recfishinggrants or call 1800 665 105. Round 4 closes at 5pm on Thursday, 25 January 2007.

Yellowtail kingfish lower size limit continues
Temporary changes to size, bag and boat limits for yellowtail kingfish caught in Spencer Gulf will continue until at least December 2007.

As a result, the minimum size limit of 45 centimetres will continue to apply in Spencer Gulf. This lower size limit only applies in the waters of Spencer Gulf (north of a line from Cape Catastrophe on Eyre Peninsula to Cape Spencer on York Peninsula).

Fish between 45 and 60 centimetres will have a recreational bag limit of 10, and a boat limit of 30. Fish greater than 60 centimetres will continue to have a recreational bag limit of 2 and a boat limit of 6 in all State waters.

The temporary limit will be considered as part of the current review of recreational bag limits, expected to be finalised in late 2007.

Brochures on-line
Electronic copies of PIRSA Fisheries information brochures are available free of charge from the PIRSA Fisheries web site.

The brochures include size bag and boat limit information as well as specific brochures covering rock lobster fishing, intertidal reef protection and information about how to use the Fishwatch hotline.

The rec fishing guide can also be viewed on line and copies of this or any other brochure can also be requested via the Fishwatch hotline 1800 065 522.

Click here to go to the PIRSA Fisheries brochures web page.
Marine pest stickers
A bumper sticker reminding recreational fishers to inspect their boats, trailers and fishing gear and generally keep an eye out for invasive pests species is available from PIRSA Fisheries.

In South Australia, 22 introduced marine pest species have been identified ranging from the large European fan worm to microscopic planktonic species. Some are toxic and can create extensive blooms that may kill fish, crustaceans, seabirds and even humans.

Early detection and monitoring by the community are vital tools in controlling the spread and minimising the impacts of marine pests.

Any suspected marine pest sightings should be reported to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.

Aquaculture public register
A new aquaculture web-based public register has been launched and is now available to the public.

The website enables users to view accurate, up-to-date aquaculture lease and licence information across the State of South Australia.

Click here to visit the aquaculture public register.
Compliance round-up
PIRSA Fisheries has reported high levels of compliance with the starting time of the northern zone rock lobster season.

Fisheries Officers from Port Lincoln, in conjunction with the Fisheries Patrol Vessel “Southern Ranger”, conducted an aerial patrol of the northern zone rock lobster fishing grounds to ensure that fishers did not set their lobster pots early.

No offences were detected but Fisheries Officers will continue to conduct sea, land and aerial patrols throughout the season, to monitor all aspects of commercial and recreational fishing activity.

For more information on recreational rock lobster fishing in SA, go to PIRSA Fisheries rock lobster web site.

Chance to comment on Port water quality
South Australians can have their say on a strategy to reduce pollution in the Port River and Barker Inlet.

Prepared by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority, the draft Water Quality Improvement Plan outlines key ways to reduce nutrients from the remaining major nutrient sources impacting on the Port waterways. It also explores options for further re-use of wastewater from SA Water’s Bolivar wastewater treatment plant.

The Port Waterways Water Quality Improvement Plan and details on how to make a submission on the plan are available at www.epa.sa.gov.au. Comments are due by 31 January 2007.


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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