The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has issued a warning to recreational fishers to abide by the rules following a spike in the number of people taking more than their legal share.
Commenting on the warning, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, David Basham said numerous recreational fishers had been caught breaking the rules since August with either too many, or undersized, King George Whiting (KGW) on the Yorke Peninsula.
Mr Basham said fishers must follow the rules or run the risk of being caught, fined and having their fishing equipment forfeited.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s one fish or 100 fish – the rules apply to all to ensure the long-term sustained viability of our seafood sector,” he said.
“Those who exceed bag or boat limits, along with anyone who takes undersize fish can expect to face serious consequences.”
Mr Basham said rogue fishers who were caught doing the wrong thing would have a significant hit to the hip pocket with maximum fines of $20,000 for undersized KGW or exceeding the bag/boat limit.
He said KGW fishers were reminded that minimum size measured from tip of snout to tip of tail was: East of longitude 136oE (including all Gulf waters) 32 cm; and West of longitude 136oE, 30 cm.
Mr Basham said the personal daily bag limit was 10 in all waters and the daily boat limit when three or more people were fishing on board was 30.
Illegal or suspicious fishing activity can be reported anonymously to the 24-hour Fishwatch number 1800 065 522 or through the SA Recreational Fishing Guide app at this PS News link.
