SNAPPER catch limits have increased for recreational fishers in the South East fishery zone following recent record recruitment events and an increase in snapper fish stocks.
The limit has increased from one snapper per person each day to two.
The boat limit where three or more people are on board has increased from three snapper per boat to six with charter boat fishing trips remaining the same.
The 2023/24 season total allowable catch for snapper in the South East fishery has been increased by 10 per cent for the Recreational Fishery and Charter Boat Fishery as a result of uncaught carry-over from the 2022/23 season.
Changes have also been made to mandatory reporting regarding snapper with boat based fishers int he South East now required to report their snapper catch before the fish is brought ashore or landed.
Shore based fishing is still required to be reported prior to fishers leaving their location.
Minister for Primary Industries Clare Scriven said the increase in snapper fishing limits for recreational fishers in the South East was “based on the best available scientific information” and expert advice.
“We want people to enjoy this iconic fish species while ensuring sustainability of the snapper fishery for future generations,” Ms Scriven said.
“Protecting the species is vital and the only reason why the Snapper fishery remains closed in the other fishing zones.”
Ms Scriven also announced the State Government’s continued support for recreational fishing in Lake George in association with the Lake George Management Committee and RecFish South Australia.
It was announced there will be juvenile yelloweye mullet translocated from coastal areas to support the “ongoing viability” of the lake’s population.
The decision was made to replenish stock in Lake George by translocation and was due to the ongoing disconnection of the lake from the sea.
The fish translocation will be led by scientists from PIRSA’s South Australian Research and Development Institute.
Ms Scriven said recreational netting in Lake George was an “important economic and community” activity in the Beachport area.
“Attracting fishers to the site for a unique fishing experience, with any recreational fisher able to register annually to use a mesh net within Lake George,” Ms Scriven said.
“However, the stresses on the fish stocks due to current environmental factors means it is important to investigate ways to enable recreational netting to continue sustainably.
“While a natural connection between Lake George and the sea would have been the ideal solution to generate further replenishment of this popular local species, this proposed translocation is the next best and feasible option to boost the existing population.”
She said if successful the translocation would establish a new population of younger fish which would continue to grow, contributing to the fishery business.
Mandatory reporting of Snapper catches can be made via the SA Fishing App, or Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.
