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Fishers reminded of the rules as Snapper fishery opens

MEDIA RELEASE  

Monday 29 November, 2010

PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture has reminded commercial and recreational fishers that the annual snapper closure comes to an end at midday Tuesday 30 November.

The month-long Snapper closure has been in place since midday on Monday 1 November, applying to all recreational, commercial and charter fishing sectors.

PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture Manager Regional Operations, Peter Dietman, praised both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors for their cooperation during the annual closure.

“The month-long closure has been put in place to firstly reduce fishing effort on snapper which inturn reduces the overall catches and allows a proportion of larger, mature snapper to remain in the fishery longer,” Mr Dietman said.

“It was pleasing to see this year that the vast majority of fishers are embracing the notion of sustainability by doing the right thing and not targeting Snapper during November.

“It’s important however to remind fishers that the closure ends at midday on Tuesday 30 November, and therefore anyone caught taking snapper before then, including Tuesday morning, will face the risk of being fined.

“Our officers will continue to be on the lookout and it would be most disappointing to have to issue fines and expiations to fishers who jump the gun and start targeting snapper before the midday opening.”

Mr Dietman said that PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture’s flagship patrol vessel the FPV Southern Ranger as well as our regionally based vessels are patrolling known Snapper hot spots on the look out for anyone fishing before the midday opening or ignoring the strict size, bag and boat limits.

“Our officers will be undertaking targeted patrols in the Gulf St Vincent, Spencer Gulf, Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln areas,” he said.

If fishers are unsure of the regulations that apply to Snapper they can send a free text message with the name of the fish to the SMSFish number 0427 767 995 and receive an immediate response listing the official size, bag and boat limit that applies to that particular species.

Anyone can report illegal fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.  Callers can choose to remain anonymous.