Recreational fishing restrictions eased
Monday 22 December 2025 Fishing and aquaculture
Temporary fishing restrictions for recreational and charter boat fishers have been eased following the latest review of fish stocks.
Recreational and charter boat fishers can once again catch full bag, boat and passenger catch limits for Blue Swimmer Crab and Southern Garfish in Spencer Gulf.
Restrictions have also been lifted for migratory finfish species in the Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone from today.
The migratory finfish species include Australian Herring, Barracouta, Mulloway, Southern Bluefin Tuna, Western Australian Salmon and Yellowtail Kingfish.
The easing of restrictions follows the latest scientific review of fish stocks which includes updated scientific assessment that indicate Blue Swimmer Crab and Southern Garfish stocks are performing sustainably in Spencer Gulf.
The precautionary restrictions came into effect on 1 November aimed at assisting the recovery of fish stocks from algal bloom impacts.
As a result, the reinstated recreational bag and boat, and charter boat passenger trip limits for these species are as displayed in the table below.
All other temporary recreational bag, boat and charter boat passenger fishing limits remain in place. Learn more about fishing limits.
The State Government will continue to regularly review the temporary restrictions in line with scientific evidence.
Recreational fishers are also strongly encouraged to assist the scientific effort by reporting their catches via the SA Fishing app.
| Recreational fishers | Charter Boat fishers | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bag limit | Boat limit | < 3-day trip limit | > 3-day trip limit | |||||
| Species | Limits prior to 1 Nov 2025 | Temporary restrictions to be removed | Limits prior to 1 Nov 2025 | Temporary restrictions to be removed | Limits prior to 1 Nov 2025 | Temporary restrictions to be removed | Limits prior to 1 Nov 2025 | Temporary restrictions to be removed |
| Albacore | 2 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Australian herring | 40 | 20 | 120 | 60 | 40 | 20 | 120 | 60 |
| Barracouta | - | - | - | - | 5 | 3 | 15 | 8 |
| Mulloway (in waters other than Coorong) | 2 | 1 | 6 | 3 | Trip limit applies | Trip limit applies | 1 | 1 |
| Southern bluefin tuna | 2 | 1 | 6 | 3 | Trip limit applies | Trip limit applies | 1 | 1 |
| Western Australian salmon (21-35cm / >35cm) | 20/10 | 10/5 | 60/30 | 30/15 | 10/5 | 5/3 | 30/15 | 15/8 |
| Yellowtail kingfish | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | Trip limit applies | Trip limit applies | 1 | 1 |