Fishers caught red handed with illegal Snapper catch

Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) conducted a routine inspection of a boat returning from fishing near Cape Jervis earlier this month.

The officers questioned the three men who stated they had been fishing but denied having any fish on board. The officers then conducted the inspection, finding an esky with 22 Snapper inside. After measuring the fish, 20 were identified as under the legal minimum size of 38cm.

It was then revealed that the Snapper had been caught in waters to the west of Cape Jervis, where the take and possession of Snapper is currently prohibited.

All of the fish were seized by Fisheries Officers, together with the esky that the fish were stored in. The men were each issued with expiation notices with fines totalling almost $4,000 for offences under the Fisheries Management Act 2007.

All of the seized fish have been provided to the South Australian Research and Development Institute’s (SARDI) Aquatic Sciences team to assist with the ongoing research into Snapper in South Australia.

Acting Director of Operations Fisheries and Aquaculture at PIRSA, Matt Read, said such blatant disregard of the rules was disappointing.

“Snapper is an important and iconic species in South Australia,” he said.

“The Snapper fishing closure is an important management measure to help support the rebuilding of Snapper stocks and help secure the long-term future of this species for all South Australian fishers.”

“It is crucial that fishers do the right thing and abide by the closures, as well as the rules and restrictions relating to fish size, bag and boat limits.”

This is a timely reminder for fishers that the West Coast, Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zones are closed to Snapper fishing until 30 June 2026. Catch and release fishing is also strictly prohibited in closed areas.

Fishers must not transit through a Snapper closure area if they have legally caught Snapper on board. This means no Snapper can be brought back to any boat ramp in a closed area, such as boat ramps at Cape Jervis, Wirrina or Penneshaw.

Whilst South East waters are open to Snapper fishing, fishers are reminded that a two Snapper bag limit and six Snapper boat limit applies and a report must be lodged for catches of Snapper in this area.

Recreational fishers must report any Snapper caught via the SA Fishing app or to the Fishwatch 24-hour hotline on 1800 065 522. When boat fishing, fishers must report prior to their catch being brought to land, and if caught on shore, they must report before leaving the fishing location. Information on Snapper fishing limits and closures is on the Snapper page.