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Charter boat fishery

Charter boat fishery

South Australian charter boat fishing limits

Charter boat operators must be aware of size, bags, boat and trip limits that apply to their operation. These might vary from limits that apply to individual recreational fishers.

Recreational fishers are not allowed to sell their catch.

Charter boats are not allowed to fish in closed areas.

Download the Charter Boat Fishing Limits brochure

Charter boat fishing is considered a commercial platform for recreational fishing. The charter boat fishery is managed through a licensing and registration system.

Charter boat fishing happens in South Australian marine waters and has bag, boat, size and trip limits. These might vary from limits that apply to individual fishers.

Charter boat diversification program

The charter boat diversification program took place over 2019–20, giving active charter licence holders the opportunity to apply for grants from $2000 to $25,000 for projects that help expand and strengthen the charter sectors offering as a tourism experience.

All funding has now been allocated. Take a look at the successful projects.

Snapper management review

The review of management arrangements for South Australia's Snapper fishery has been finalised, with new management measures to support the recovery of Snapper stocks taking effect on 1 November 2019.

A total allowable recreation catch (TARC) was set for the South East Region from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

The Charter Boat Fishery component of the TARC, including carry over of 10% uncaught TARC from 2022-23, is set at 9,952 kg of fish which equates to 5,026 fish.

Charter fishing for Snapper in the South East will be closed if the TARC is reached prior to 30 June 2024.

The following limits apply:

For charter boat operators, access to Snapper in the South East will now be managed by the regulated daily passenger limits of 1 large (>60 cm) and 3 small (38–60 cm) Snapper per person
Minimum size limit of 38 cm.
All recreational fishers, including on a charter boat, should use a release weight when fishing to release undersized Snapper or unintentionally caught Snapper.
A determination has been made to allow all charter boat operators to transit through the West Coast, Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent closure area with Snapper lawfully caught in the South East onboard.
The determination requires prior reporting of the transit and a licence condition requires that the Snapper be sealed in receptacles with PIRSA issued tags prior to transit through the closure.

Mandatory reporting

Mandatory reporting of Snapper catches is required through a determination by calling the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522 or via the Commercial fishing app.

Learn more about the Snapper management changes.

Licensing

No new licences for charter boat fishing are currently being issued. Charter boat licences can be purchased from existing licence holders.

Expiry

Charter boat fishery licences are issued for the term of the management plan. The revised management plan is effective from 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2032.

Fees

Commercial licence fees must be paid each financial year. Invoices are issued annually in June and payments can be made:

up-front
in a lump sum
in quarterly instalments.

Licence transfer

Licences can be transferred from 1 person to another. A joint application must be made by the:

holder of the charter boat fishing licence
transferee.

Use the Charter Boat Fishing Licence Transfer form (PDF 279.0 KB) .

Boat registration and de-registration

Every boat that is used for commercial fishing must be registered. Use the following form to register or de-register a boat.

Apply online – Application to vary a boat registration charter boat fishery
Apply via post or email – PDF version (PDF 164.8 KB)

Boat master registration

All people who act as a commercial fishing boat master must be registered by the licence holder. Multiple boat masters can be registered by completing an Application to change registration of a master (PDF 186.2 KB)