MORE than 1600 South East fishers have applied for the State Government’s snapper tag ballot, which will allow 303 amateur anglers an opportunity to catch five of the iconic species each year.
Applications for the recreational snapper tag system closed on Sunday, with more than 3000 applications across the state.
A total closure on snapper fishing in the Spencer Gulf, West Coast and Gulf St Vincent is in place until January 31, 2023, but limited access to snapper will be granted when fishing opens in South East waters on February 1.
The strict control measures have been widely criticised by anglers, who believe South East fish stocks are sustainable given they do not derive from the same area as snapper in the gulf.
Following a meeting held last week, the Port MacDonnell Professional Fishermen’s Association wrote to the State Government urging to either reopen the snapper fishery without restrictions or close the sector for three years.
Association president Roger Cutting said implementing the ballot system was unfair and its implementation would be a “shambles”.
However, Acting Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the control measures were considered as the “best way to manage South Australian Snapper fisheries going forward”.
“The tag ballot will ensure snapper stocks in the South East are not over exploited while the fishery in the gulfs and West Coast are closed, while providing for a rewarding fishing experience for hundreds of recreational fishers” he said.
“Charter boats operators with an active licence will each get 49 tags, which opens up snapper fishing for tourists or any South Australian fishers who are not successful in the ballot.”
Successful applicants will be notified before the end of this month.
