Gill-ty fisher pays the price for targeting protected species

The 42-year-old faced the Port Lincoln Magistrates Court last month where he was convicted of possessing Snapper taken from Spencer Gulf waters, taking undersize fish, exceeding the daily bag limit of Wrasse and failing to carry suitable safety equipment. He was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling $4,980.

In June 2024, Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) checked the man’s catch at Axel Stenross boat ramp in Port Lincoln when he returned from a fishing trip.

Fisheries officers then conducted a search of the boat and located 6 Snapper and 2 undersized Nannygai, also known as Bight Redfish, hidden at the back of the boat.

The 6 Snapper, which measured between 22 cm and 30 cm, were seized along with the 2 Nannygai. An additional 6 Wrasse, including one undersize, were also seized for exceeding the daily bag limit.

The waters of the Gulf St Vincent, West Coast and Spencer Gulf regions remain closed to Snapper fishing until 30 June 2026. The maximum penalty for taking Snapper from these waters is:

• $5,000 for a first offence
• $10,000 for a second offence
• up to $20,000 for a third or subsequent offence.

The maximum penalty for possessing Snapper on the water in a closed area is $20,000.

Acting Director of Operations, Fisheries and Aquaculture at PIRSA, Matt Read, said it was a timely reminder for fishers that if they break the law, they will be caught.

“The restrictions on Snapper fishing are an important management measure to help support the rebuilding of Snapper stocks in order to secure the long-term future of the species for all South Australian fishers,” he said.

“Fishers who deliberately flout the rules are acting well outside community expectations and are letting down all the South Australians who have collectively foregone Snapper in order to help rebuild stocks of this important and iconic species.”

Recreational fishers must follow all rules and restrictions in state waters relating to:

• fish size, bag and boat limits, and possession limits
• the correct types of fishing gear, including registering and marking your gear
• temporal and spatial fishing closures
• the complete protection of some species
• responsible fish handling
• reporting, including aquatic pests.

If people observe or are aware of any illegal fishing activity they are encouraged to report it by phoning the Fishwatch 24-hour hotline on 1800 065 522.

Find more information on Snapper recovery, or check out the free SA Fishing app.

Snapper limits at a glance

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 strictly prohibited in closed areas.

South East Fishing Zone:

• Size limit: 38 cm measured from tip of snout to tip of tail
• Daily bag limit: 2
• Daily boat limit: 6 (3 or more persons)
• All Snapper must be reported via the SA Fishing App or through Fishwatch.

For Redfish and Swallowtail

• Size limit: 30 cm measured from tip of snout to tip of tail
• Daily bag limit: 10
• Daily boat limit: 30 (3 or more persons)

For Wrasse (excluding Western Blue Groper)

• Size limit: 25 cm measured from tip of snout to tip of tail
• Daily bag limit: 5
• Daily boat limit: 15 (3 or more persons).