Recreational Fishers caught with illegally taken Snapper

Three people are facing charges for allegedly flouting fishing restrictions after they were caught in possession of 40 snapper taken from the Spencer Gulf.

Following a tip-off from the Fishwatch hotline (1800 065 522), at 3.15pm on Monday, 26 October, a vehicle carrying three men was stopped by SA Police near Port Wakefield.

A subsequent inspection by Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) detected 40 snapper in the boot of the vehicle.

The snapper and an assortment of fishing equipment and storage containers were seized, pending further investigations.

The trio of alleged offenders, all from Adelaide, are expected to be charged with possessing snapper taken during a closure and will appear in court at a later date.

Snapper is an iconic South Australian species and an important commercial, recreational, charter boat and cultural resource.

Since November 2019, snapper fishing closures have been in place in the West Coast, Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island fishing zones to support stock recovery and secure the long-term sustainability of the species. These restrictions remain in place until 30 June 2027.

Currently, snapper can only be legally caught in the South East Fishing Zone, with catch limits in place for all fishing sectors.

The latest extension of Snapper fishing closures to June 2027 was based on advice from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and the results of stock assessments undertaken through the State Government’s Snapper Science Program.

While these assessments indicate recovery is underway, uncertainty remains about impacts of the harmful algal bloom on recovering snapper stocks, particularly in the Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone. Additional assessments will be undertaken in 2026–27 to better understand these impacts.

Fishers are reminded they are responsible for knowing and observing fishing rules, closures and catch limits. Information available via the free SA Fishing App (available through the App Store or Google Play) and at recreational fishing.

Illegal or suspicious fishing activity can be reported via the SA Fishing App or by calling the 24-hour Fishwatch number on 1800 065 522.