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Fish processor size limit rules

Fish processors have a duty to check for undersize fish as soon as possible after the consignment is received.

If an undersized fish is found, a written record detailing the species and quantity must be kept. The fish must be rendered unsuitable for sale and then disposed of appropriately.

Minimum legal size limits for some fish species are in place to allow fish to:

  • reach maturity
  • complete their breeding cycle
  • contribute to sustainable fish stocks.

Commercial fishing size limits

Any species that is not listed below does not have a size limit.

Blacklip Abalone

Measured across the widest part of shell / meat weight.

  • Southern Zone – Spatially managed areas, please consult local Fisheries Officers.
  • All other waters – 13 cm / 113 gm

Black Bream

  • 30 cm

Blue Morwong

Measured from tip of snout to tip of tail.

  • 38 cm

Blue Swimmer Crab

Measured across the carapace from the base of the largest spines.

  • 11 cm

Bugs (Ibacus spp)

Measured at widest part of the carapace.

  • 10.2 cm

Flathead

  • 30 cm

Flounder

  • 25 cm

Garfish

Measured from upper jaw to the tip of the tail.

  • 25 cm

Giant Crab

Measured from top to bottom  of the carapace.

  • 15 cm

Greenlip Abalone

Measured across the widest part of shell / meat weight.

  • Western Zone – 14.5cm / 140 gm
  • All other waters – 13 cm / 113 gm

Gummy Shark

Measured from the 5th gill slit to the base of the tail.

  • 45 cm

King George Whiting

  • East of longitude 136° - 32 cm
  • West of longitude 136° - 30 cm

Mullet

  • 21cm

Mulloway

  • Coorong – 46 cm
  • All other waters – 82 cm

Pipi (Goolwa Cockle)

Measured at the widest part of the shell.

  • 3.5 cm

Redfish, Bight Redfish and Swallowtail

  • 30 cm

Samsonfish

  • 88 cm

Sand Crab

Measured at widest part of the carapace.

  • 10 cm

Scallop

  • 6.5 cm

Salmon

  • 21 cm

School Shark

Measured from the 5th gill slit to the base of the tail.

  • 45 cm

Silver Trevally

  • 24 cm

Snapper

Juvenile

Female

Male

  • 38 cm

Snook

  • 41 cm

Southern Rock Lobster

Measured along the middle and on the top of the carapace (the main body shell) from the front edge of the groove between the antennae (frontal tubercule) to the rear edge of the carapace (but not including any hairs attached to the carapace). The measuring device used must be able to fit firmly into the groove between the antennae.

  • Southern Zone - 9.85 cm
  • Northern Zone – 10.5 cm

Sweep

  • 24 cm

Vongole (Mud Cockle)

Measured at the widest part of the shell.

  • Coffin Bay (Yellows and Whites only) - 3.5 cm
  • All other species / waters - 3.0 cm

Wrasse

Female

Male

Excludes Western Blue Groper which cannot be taken.

  • 25 cm

Yellowfin Whiting

  • 24 cm

Yellowtail Kingfish

Measured from tip of snout to tip of tail.

  • 60 cm
Page Last Reviewed: 23 Jan 2018
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