Collaborative effort to protect our vital fish stocks

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP is pleased the Charter Boat, Commercial and Recreational Fishing sectors have banded together for a common-sense solution to address the science just released that shows Snapper stocks in Spencer and St Vincent Gulfs are in strife.

“The latest science from SARDI revealed Snapper in Gulf St Vincent is on the decline and that the numbers are even worse in Spencer Gulf so a decision on how to allow stocks to recover had to be made this week,” Mr Ellis said.

“I feared a complete ban may have been on the cards which would have greatly impacted our fishing and tourism industries.

“Urgent talks with all three fishing sectors resulted in the call for five spatial closures to be introduced for Snapper in Spencer Gulf, and two new spatial closures in Gulf St Vincent which I believe is the best possible outcome.

“Congratulations to the representatives from the South Australian Fishing Alliance, FishinSA, RecFishSA, the Marine Fishers Association and the Surveyed Charter Boat Owners and Operators Association of South Australia who helped reach this consensus.

“It is now really important the spatial closures are respected by everyone, for the long term health of our fish stocks. It would be at the peril of all industries which rely on fishing to not adhere to the restrictions,” Mr Ellis said.

“I am very interested to know how species reach the point of depletion, which doesn’t happen overnight.

“Industry and fisheries management reform is necessary and that is why the Marshall Liberal Government is establishing a new recreational fishing body, a new Charter Boat Management Plan, and has a reform committee looking at the sustainability of the commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery.

“I encourage all fishers to get involved in these processes – for example, this Monday nominations open for fishers interested in serving on the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council”.

For more information on the Recreational Fishing Advisory Council:

visit www.yourSAy.sa.gov.au/fishing 

For more information and mapping of the announced new spatial closures:

visit: www.pir.sa.gov.au/snapper