Recreational fishing survey casts its net down south
Monday 29 October, 2007
South Australia’s largest ever recreational fishing survey will be seeking the assistance of south coast fishers this weekend.
Between Friday 2 and Sunday 4 November 2007, trained Recreational Fishing Survey Fish Recorders will be conducting on-site interviews of recreational fishers along the south coast from Victor Harbor through to the Mundoo Channel including Goolwa Beach.
During these interviews, recreational fishers will be asked to provide information on their recreational fishing catch.
PIRSA Fisheries, Executive Director, Mr Will Zacharin explained that the survey would collect up to date information on catches, fishing activity and catch rates for key managed species throughout metropolitan and regional South Australia by both boating and shore based fishers.
“It is vitally important for the future sustainability of our State’s fisheries that we have up to date recreational fishing data available and on-site interviews of fishers at key boat ramps and jetties are a vital component of the survey,” Mr Zacharin said.
“Information on size compositions of those species taken in the southern Fleurieu waters, including rock lobster, mulloway and Goolwa cockles will be collected to add to our existing biological knowledge on those key species taken by recreational fishers in this region.”
The recreational fishing survey aims to provide PIRSA Fisheries with a better understanding of changes in fish populations and recreational fishing practices in South Australia.
The Statewide survey will be conducted over an 18 month period, using a number of different sample methods from phone interviews of about 7,500 randomly selected households, and fishing diaries issued to more than 1,000 of these households, together with the on-site interviews.
“There are currently an estimated 328,000 recreational fishers in this State and we encourage those who are contacted as part of the survey to take this opportunity to participate and help shape the future of recreational fishing in South Australia,” Mr Zacharin said.
The final survey report will be completed by early 2009.
More information about the Recreational Fishing Survey is available from the PIRSA Fisheries website: www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishingsurvey
Mr Zacharin also reminded fishers that the closed season for snapper in South Australian waters would commence from midday on Thursday, 1 November and continue through to midday on Friday, 30 November.
“Fishers are reminded that any snapper accidentally caught during the closure must be returned to the water immediately,” he said.
