Public consultation on recreational fishing in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (ADS) is now open. Temporary measures are in place to strike a balance between recreational fishing access and enhancing protection of dolphins whilst the public consultation is undertaken, to inform longer term arrangements.
The Port River and Barker Inlet region, and wider ADS region, is a popular recreational fishing area that is readily accessed by land and boat.
From the October 1, a temporary 4-month arrangement will be in place under Section 79 of the Fisheries Management Act 2007 that will require recreational fishers to bring in their hand line, rod and line, or teaser line, if they are within 50 metres of a visible dolphin within the sanctuary.
This reasonable approach reflects the concerns for dolphins in the ADS, particularly during the coming months where larger recreationally targeted species such as Kingfish and Mulloway may be present. It ensures that recreational fishers have access to these waters as they do now, with a greater awareness regarding the Port River dolphins.
Following a review and initial consultation with stakeholders by the Government of South Australia, a discussion paper has been released. It explores the suitability of recreational fishing regulations in the area with respect to potential interactions with dolphins.
The options being considered may assist in mitigating dolphin interactions with recreational fishing gear and baits in the ADS. These options include:
- No change to recreational fishing regulations, but a targeted education and awareness initiative be undertaken.
- Spatial (relating to particular areas) restrictions on the use of heavy fishing gear (large hook sizes and capacity of fishing line) for recreational fishing in the ADS.
- Spatial (relating to particular areas) and temporal (relating to particular times) restrictions on the use of heavy fishing gear (large hook sizes and capacity of fishing line) for recreational fishing in the ADS.
Public consultation will be open for 4 weeks and will close on Sunday 30 October, 2022.
Anyone with an interest in recreational fishing and the ADS is invited to have their say. For more information and provide your feedback visit the YourSay page.
This media release has been updated to reflect the correct consultation closing date.