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Praise for snapper competition entrants


Thursday 12 April 2007

PIRSA Fisheries Officers have praised entrants in the recent Whyalla snapper competition following a joint operation to ensure compliance with fisheries and boating safety regulations.

Over the four days of the competition:

  • Approximately 126 vessels were checked for safety gear and current registration.  The majority of these vessels had sufficient safety gear to legally launch their vessel.
  • Approximately 375 boat inspections were made both offshore and at point of landing.  Five persons were formally cautioned for fisheries related offences.  Three received on the spot fines for fishing inside Cowleds Landing aquatic reserve and using in excess of two rods.
  • Approximately 165 persons were breath tested by SAPOL officers both before launching and upon returning.  No person was found over the .05 BAC limit for operating a vessel.
  • Fishcare volunteers provided fisheries educational material to a total of 464 people.

Acting PIRSA Fisheries Manager Compliance Services, Ms Mel Snart said this had been a joint operation involving officers from PIRSA Fisheries, the South Australian Police (Whyalla Station and the Water Operations Unit) and the Department of Transport Energy and Infrastructure.

“The majority of the fishers checked during the weekend appeared to be familiar with the regulations in place for fishing and boating,” Ms Snart said.

“The Whyalla fishing competition is one of the State’s premier fishing events and for officers to detect minimal illegal activity only further reinforces the professionalism shown by both the event coordinators and the participants.”

“While we were pleased with the high levels of compliance displayed during the competition, Fisheries Officers will continue to maintain a presence both on the water and at boat ramps throughout the busy school holiday period.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected illegal fishing activity to the 24 hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.