A recreational fisher at Seacliff has been detected with 69 southern calamari, well above the daily personal bag limit of 15 per person per day.
Early in December, while operating on information received from members of the public, Fisheries Officers conducted surveillance on an individual, who was subsequently stopped and their vessel was inspected.
Fisheries Officers uncovered a total of 69 southern calamari in the vessel, weighing more than 25 kg. Fisheries Officers seized the catch and the vessel.
This is a serious offence and a reminder to fishers to be aware of their limits and that Fisheries Officers are patrolling South Australia’s coastline to protect our precious aquatic resources.
Members of the public are reminded that any suspected illegal fishing activity can be reported to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.
Fishing limits for southern calamari (squid) in South Australia:
- there is no minimum legal length
- personal daily bag limit: either 15 squid or a combined total of 15 squid and cuttlefish
- daily boat limit when 3 or more people are fishing on board: either 45 squid or a combined total of 45 squid and cuttlefish
- the targeting and taking of all cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish and octopus) is prohibited at all times in the waters of False Bay, Spencer Gulf, near Whyalla.
Recreational fishers are also reminded that a separate cuttlefish only closure remains in place for rest of northern Spencer Gulf waters (north of a line between Arno Bay and Wallaroo). While squid is allowed to be taken from these waters (excepting False Bay), any cuttlefish caught unintentionally must be immediately and carefully returned to the water.
To learn more, see recreational fishing.
