Recreational fishers are to be able to catch snapper in the waters off the South East of South Australia all year round as the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) cancels seasonal fishing closures in the area.
Announced by the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, David Basham, the change follows consultation with the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council and the Charter Boat Association of South Australia.
Mr Basham said the current season had been due to finish on 31 October but the Government would remove the seasonal closure in the South East and continue current arrangements.
“Restrictions that remain in place include the recreational bag limit of one snapper per person and a boat limit of three snapper per boat and the Snapper Harvest Tag System for charter boat operators remains in place,” Mr Basham said.
“It is important to note that a total closure on all snapper fishing for the Spencer Gulf, West Coast and Gulf St Vincent waters remains in place until 31 January 2023.”
The Minister said recreational snapper fishing arrangements in South Eastern waters from 1 November included a minimum size limit of 38cm; a bag limit of one snapper per person; a boat limit of three snapper; and mandatory reporting of snapper catches either through the SA Fishing App or Fishwatch prior to departing the point of landing or departing a land-based fishing location.
He said that while not a mandatory requirement, the possession and use of a ‘release-weight’ when returning accidentally caught snapper to all South Australian waters by recreational fishers was strongly encouraged.
Further information on snapper management arrangements for all fishing sectors can be accessed at this PS News link.
