Reminder about berleying from jetties
Thursday 8 February 2007
Fisheries Officers have reminded all fishers of the rules that apply to berleying from jetties. The reminder follows an increased number of reports of this type of activity along the metropolitan coastline to the Fishwatch hotline.
In South Australia, it is illegal for anyone to berley the water using blood, bone, meat, offal or the skin of an animal when fishing within two nautical miles (about 3.7 kilometres) off the mainland shores or any offshore islands including Kangaroo Island.
PIRSA Fisheries Manager Operations, Paul Tatarelli said berleying is a method used to attract fish and is an accepted fishing practice.
“But the use of this type of berley, specifically designed to attract sharks, has the potential to endanger the lives of swimmers and divers that may use the same area,” he said.
“The three kilometre limit reduces the likelihood of this type of activity endangering swimmers or other water users.
“To undertake this type of activity from a metropolitan jetty is not only unlawful but irresponsible and will not be tolerated.
“I strongly urge the community to report this type of anti-social behaviour to the 24 hour Fishwatch hotline on1800 065 522 so Fisheries Officers can respond.”
The maximum fine for this type of activity is $2,500.
Mr Tatarelli also reminded water users to report sightings of large sharks around the South Australian coastline.
“The public should report any large shark sightings to the PIRSA Fishwatch telephone hotline on 1800 065 522,” Mr Tatarelli said.
However he stressed that any shark sightings that pose a threat to human life should be reported immediately to Police on 000.
