Assessment of recreational fishing participation
Overview
Due to ongoing impacts and fishing management arrangements associated with an algal bloom affecting South Australian waters since March 2025, an assessment of recreational fishing participation will be conducted in 2026–27 ahead of a full statewide recreational fishing survey in 2027–28.
The assessment will provide reliable information on recreational fishing participation and behaviour during the algal bloom period.
The assessment, led by SARDI, will estimate how many South Australians have participated in recreational fishing over the previous 12 months and assess whether the algal bloom has influenced participation and fishing behaviour.
How the assessment works
Household telephone survey
From September 2026, a randomly selected sample of households will be contacted by the University of Tasmania on behalf of the South Australian Government.
Participation is voluntary. Those who choose to take part will be asked questions, such as:
- whether anyone in their household has participated in recreational fishing during the previous 12 months
- broad categories of fishing activity during the previous 12 months
- basic background information about household members (such as age group and gender)
- whether the algal bloom conditions or associated management measures have influenced fishing behaviour.
The survey includes both fishing and non-fishing households to help understand whether algal bloom conditions have affected participation in recreational fishing.
This will provide an up-to-date picture of recreational fishing participation across the state, including whether and where participation has changed during the algal bloom period. It will also help identify any short-term changes in behaviour.
Analysis of app-based data
Fishers can log and report their trips in the SA Fishing App. Trip details and catch information help build a broader understanding of recreational fishing across the state.
Reporting through the app is voluntary and anonymous and contributes to the assessment of recreational fishing participation.
Since December 2025, Fisheries Officers have also been recording recreational fishing observations through the SA Fishing App to help fill knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of recreational fishing catch and effort.
As part of the assessment of recreational fishing, SARDI will be analysing the Fisheries Officer reports and voluntary reports submitted by recreational fishers through the SA Fishing App.
Because reporting through the app is voluntary, the information collected does not represent all fishing activity across South Australia. However, it provides valuable supplementary information that helps interpret survey findings.
Why your participation matters
Every contribution – a phone call, a quick chat at a boat ramp, or logging a trip in the app – helps improve our understanding of recreational fishing in South Australia.
Reliable information supports evidence-based decisions for sustainable fishery management, and future recreational fishing opportunities.
Privacy and confidentiality
We are committed to protecting your privacy.
- Participation in all assessment activities is voluntary.
- Personal information and individual responses are confidential.
- No individual locations or fishing spots are ever published.
- No personal or trip‑specific information is shared.
- Information collected is used for research and to support fisheries management.
Timeframe
- September 2026 – Household telephone survey (households contacted)
- Late 2026 – Data analysis
- Early 2027 – Results published on the PIRSA website.