Development of the Marine Scalefish Fishery (MSF) reform

The Marine Scalefish Fishery is a complex fishery which targets more than 60 species of fish using a range of gear types in our coastal waters. It is also a shared access fishery with the same species supporting a significant amount of recreational fishing activity and some traditional fishing.

The major underlying problem in the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery is there are too many commercial fishers and not enough fish to sustain a vibrant and profitable industry. It is why the focus of the reform process is on the commercial sector.

Commercial Marine Scalefish Reform Advisory Committee

In 2018 the State Government established a Commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery Reform Advisory Committee (CMSFRAC), to develop - in consultation with licence holders and key stakeholders - recommendations on a reform package for the South Australian commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery.

The Advisory Committee received technical support from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) Research Project Working Group which analysed available information about the fishery in order to evaluate possible options for zoning, licence reduction and unitised management. The Advisory Committee also worked with the Marine Fishers Association (MFA) Industry Forum, which provided initial industry input and feedback on reform options as they were developed.

Following the initial forum-led industry feedback, the Advisory Committee then led a public consultation in September and October 2019. It included regional meetings with commercial licence holders alongside inviting feedback on the industry consultation paper.

Feedback from the consultation period was taken into account by the Advisory Committee when presenting their recommendations to the State Government.

Advisory Committee recommendation report (PDF 610.1 KB)

Economic evaluation of the MSF fishery

To further assist the State Government and the Advisory Committee in developing the reform package, BDO EconSearch were commissioned to undertake an economic evaluation of the fishery. This informed consideration of the value of marine scale licences, and the number of that need to be removed to make the fishery viable over the long term for remaining fishers.

An economic analysis of the voluntary licence surrender program has also been undertaken to address what economic impact on the state economy would be expected.

Economic Analysis of the Marine Scalefish Fishery buyout (PDF 581.4 KB)

Reform consultation

During the Marine Scalefish Fishery (MSF) reform process, PIRSA sought feedback from industry on different aspects of the reform package.

Fishers were invited to provide feedback on the following documents:

Feedback on this information is now closed.

Survey responses

Thank you to those who provided feedback to the Stage 1 and 2 information packages.

A summary of comments received during the consultation is below:

Reform package announcement

On 8 May 2020, a $24.5 million Marine Scalefish Fishery reform package was announced by the State Government to increase the profitability of fishing businesses, grow sustainable fish populations, and improve opportunities for recreational fishers.

The reform package will be fully implemented by 1 July 2021.

Page last reviewed: 30 Jun 2021

 


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