Illegal fishing lands two fishers with $5,725 penalties

Fishers are being warned to follow South Australia’s fishing rules or face serious consequences, following a significant fishing offence involving Southern Calamari.

A husband and wife have each been handed a substantial penalty after being caught with 124 Southern Calamari, more than four times the daily allowable bag limit. The defendants were found in possession of a commercial quantity of Southern Calamari (Squid) without authorisation.

The case was heard in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court last week, 4 September, where Magistrate Martin recognised the seriousness of the offending and acknowledged that if members of the public do not adhere to fishing restrictions, it has ramifications for all users and a flow-on effect for the entire marine ecosystem.

Each defendant was convicted and ordered to pay a total of $5,725 in fines, penalties and costs. The Magistrate also forfeited their catch and fishing gear, including rods, tackle bags, an esky and buckets. Additionally, the defendants were prohibited from targeting or catching Southern Calamari for a period of 24 months, and from possessing equipment, including rods, reels, and squid jigs used to catch Southern Calamari for a period of 12 months.

In South Australia, Southern Calamari are subject to combined bag and boat limits with Cuttlefish under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. These rules help protect fish stocks and support the long-term sustainability of South Australia’s fisheries.

The South Australian Government has also implemented temporary, precautionary fishing restrictions to support the recovery of fish stocks following the impacts of the algal bloom. Anglers are encouraged to visit PIRSA's fishing limits to check the latest fishing arrangements.

A total closure has been in place since 1 May 2026, prohibiting the targeting and catching of Southern Calamari in the Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island fishing zones for recreational and charter boat fishing.

The targeting and taking of all cephalopods – including squid, cuttlefish and octopus – is also prohibited at all times in the waters of False Bay, Spencer Gulf, near Whyalla.

There’s also a permanent closure to protect the iconic Giant Australian Cuttlefish in the Northern Spencer Gulf, prohibiting their capture or targeting in all waters north of the line between Arno Bay and Wallaroo. Anyone caught taking cuttlefish, whose numbers have significantly declined this year, faces a fine of up to $20,000.

Outside these closed areas, the daily recreational bag limit for Southern Calamari is 15, with a daily boat limit of 45.

Serious offences involving the taking and possession of large quantities of Southern Calamari by recreational fishers are investigated thoroughly, with significant penalties applying to those who breach fishing rules.

Fishers are reminded that they are responsible for knowing and following the rules that apply to the area where they are fishing. Anyone who sees suspicious fishing activity is encouraged to report it to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.

Fishers can also download the free Recreational Fishing App on iPhone and Android devices to check current fishing rules, closures and catch limits.