SA snapper off the menu

Fisheries announces big changes to secure Gulf ‘brood' snapper stocks

A range of new management measures have being announced to provide greater protection to South Australia’s iconic snapper in a bid to safeguard future stocks.

This includes a two-week extension to the November snapper closure for commercial fishing this year, as well as concurrent reduced bag limits for recreational and charter fishers.

In 2013, the two-week extended closure will apply to all sectors.

Executive Director of PIRSA (Primary Industries and Regions SA) Fisheries and Aquaculture, Professor Mehdi Doroudi, said the new measures follow an extensive review and consultation into snapper management arrangements.

”The snapper review commenced in 2011 in response to concerns about the long-term sustainability of the fishery as a result of increasing commercial catches and a concentration of targeted fishing activity on breeding aggregations by all fishing sectors,” Professor Doroudi said.

“The aim of PIRSA’s review has been to establish new arrangements that control the level of commercial catch and minimise disturbance to the spawning aggregations so opportunities for spawning and recruitment success can be maximised.

“We have been mindful of the potential economic, social and tourism impacts of any changes and have worked closely with all fishing sectors, tourism authorities and local government bodies to achieve a balanced outcome,” Professor Doroudi added.

CHANGES TO SNAPPER FISHING

Complete ban in November to mid-December 2013

- In 2012, a 15-day extension to the annual statewide snapper fishing closure will apply to commercial fishers.

- In 2012, recreational and charter fishers will be able to fish for snapper during the 15-day extension period (midday 30 November – midday December 15). However during this time reduced snapper bag and boat limits will apply.

- From 2013 onwards, the 15-day extension to the snapper fishing closure will apply to all fishing sectors: commercial, recreational and charter. In effect, snapper fishing will be completely banned in all South Australian waters from midday November 1 to midday December 15 annually.

- Effective midday December 15, 2012, a daily commercial catch limit of 500kg will apply across all South Australian waters to control the commercial impact on snapper stocks.

- Effective midday December 15, 2012, commercial fishers will be restricted to using 200 hooks on set lines (reduced from 400 hooks) when operating in Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent.

Additional work and community consultation will be undertaken on the development and implementation of snapper spatial closures to further protect the main spawning aggregations in Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent, with any further announcements to be made in early 2013.

“Ultimately, the main objective is to protect and secure future snapper stocks for the benefit of all fishing sectors and the community,” Professor Doroudi said.

“PIRSA is committed to monitoring the health of the fishery and will continue to work with key stakeholders to implement management measures that ensure the ecologically sustainable development of this highly valued resource.”

Over coming months, PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture will undertake consultation on the implementation of spatial closures during the annual spawning aggregation period, which runs from November to January each year.

These measures will be designed to further safeguard snapper stocks by preventing fishers from targeting the fish in selected significant breeding areas during this critical reproductive period.

PIRSA will be communicating directly with the commercial and charter fishing sectors. Fishcare Volunteers will also be in the community explaining these changes.

2012 REDUCED RECREATIONAL FISHING LIMITS

Less big breeders in your bag

The following reduced fishing limits will apply to recreational fishers during the 15-day extension period, between midday November 30 to midday December 15, 2012.

- In the waters of Gulf St Vincent, Investigator Strait, Backstairs Passage: 38-60cm size limit, two fish bag limit per person, six fish boat limit. >60cm, two fish bag limit per person, six fish boat limit.

- Other waters: 38-60cm size limit, five fish bag limit per person, 15 fish boat limit. >60cm, one fish bag limit per person, three fish boat limit.

Recreational fishers are prohibited from fishing for snapper during the November closure, between midday November 1 to midday November 30, 2012.

More at www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing/target_species/snapper/Snapper_Management_Arrangements

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SA snapper off the menu

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