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Local fishers urged to stick to the rules this Spring

Wednesday 19 August, 2009

With Spring just around the corner, PIRSA Fisheries has issued a reminder to all recreational and commercial fishers of the need to comply with fisheries regulations.

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager Central North, Paul Faithow, said that with the onset of warmer weather more people will be out fishing and it was therefore important to remind fishers of the rules and regulations.

“We’ve already received reports of fishers blatantly disregarding the rules put in place to protect the long term health of South Australia’s fish stocks,” Mr Faithow said.
 
“During recent night patrols across the Yorke Peninsula, PIRSA Fisheries Officers have reported 41 individuals for offences relating to the taking of King George Whiting.”

The rules and regulations for catching King George Whiting include:
• Daily bag limit – 12 per person
• Daily boat limit for three or more persons fishing from a boat – 36 in total
• Size limit - 31 centimetres if caught east of longitude 136o or 30 centimetres if caught west of longitude 136o
• Recreational fishers are not permitted to sell or trade their catch.

Other recent reports from the Yorke Peninsula include:
• Two Port Hughes men were reported for exceeding their daily boat limit by making multiple trips and obtaining an extra 25 King George Whiting in one 24-hour period.
• A Moonta Bay man was reported at Port Hughes for exceeding the boat limit of King George Whiting and hindering Fisheries Officers in the course of their duties.
• A Wallaroo man was reported for exceeding the boat limit and for mutilating (removing the heads) and concealing King George Whiting.
• An Adelaide woman was reported at Port Victoria for exceeding the daily Snapper limit, by taking a total of 19 Snapper, all of which were undersize.
• A commercial net fisherman was reported for netting within the Will Creek netting closure at Price.
• A Price man was reported at Port Victoria for exceeding the boat limit and for concealing Calamari.

Mr Faithow said PIRSA Fisheries officers will continue to be on the look out for any illegal activity and will continue to monitor jetties and boat ramps across the Yorke Peninsula and elsewhere.

“Before you head out fishing, make sure you have an up to date copy of either the South Australian Recreational Fishing Guide, or our Size, Bag and Boat Limits brochure,” he said.

Copies are available for free at all good tackle shops or by visiting the PIRSA Fisheries website www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries.

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