Changes desperately needed so we can... FISH FOR THE FUTURE

GULF St Vincent should be used to trial new approaches to managing commercial and recreational fishing, says YP Country Times fishing columnist Greg James.

In the wake of new fishing restrictions introduced in response to the algal bloom, Mr James said the crisis presented an opportunity to move beyond bag and boat limits, to help ensure sustainable fish stocks for the future.

Primary Industries and Regions South Australia recreational and commercial fishing restrictions for Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf zones took effect on November 1, and will apply until June 30, 2026, subject to scientific review.

All commercial fishing is banned in the Gulf St Vincent zone, while 50 per cent reductions apply to bag and boat limits for recreational and charter boat fishing.

In the Spencer Gulf zone, there is a 50 per cent reduction in bag and boat limits for recreational and charter boat fishing, applying to calamari, garfish, blue crabs and King George whiting.

Commercial fishing in Spencer Gulf remains unaffected, as are the state’s commercial sardine, abalone and rock lobster fisheries.

Prawn fisheries are operating as normal, with a temporary November-December spawning closure in parts of northern Gulf St Vincent and existing restrictions on snapper will be extended until June 30, 2027.

Mr James, a passionate recreational fisher who has also worked in commercial fishing, described the restrictions as a “knee jerk reaction”.

“The management of the fishery needs to be completely rejigged in light of the algal bloom,” he said.

“PIRSA are locked into this bag and boat limit scenario and so their only response that they can do because they haven’t rejigged the fishery is to cut limits.

“You can’t have a best managed fishery in the world if you’ve got a snapper season closed for seven years. 

“That just flies in the face of a common-sense argument.

“Their intent is good, but I think they’re devoid of any real solutions.”

Mr James said the SA Government should temporarily close Gulf St Vincent to all fishing, allowing fish stocks to rebuild, and then introduce zone-based fishing limits for various species.

“Gulf St Vincent, with the trouble it’s in, that gives us a chance to remodel that fishery,” he said. 

“It’s got almost zero fish.

“If the commercial fishers can’t catch anything there, the recreationals won’t.”

He said zone fishing limits — used in countries such as New Zealand and Canada and around the Mediterranean — could better reflect current local circumstances for each species, unlike SA’s existing statewide limits that apply across diverse coastal environments.

This model would require fishers to launch and return from the same location, supported by increased compliance officers and possibly volunteers to monitor adherence.

“It’s a much more responsive and adaptive way to manage fisheries than having set limits across the entire state,” Mr James said.

He proposed reinstating recreational fishing reinstated in Gulf St Vincent, followed by a gradual return of commercial fishing, based on the health of fish stocks.

“I would also propose a buyout of commercial fishing licences over, say, five years, so those fishers aren’t left high and dry,” he said.

“In that time, the state government could utilise their knowledge of the marine environment and the species to help rebuild the stocks."

Grants of up to $20,000 for coastal events

ORGANISERS of events in South Australia’s coastal regions can now apply for grants under the new $750,000 Algal Bloom Event Support Fund.

The grants can cover marketing and promotion costs, as well as audience development initiatives, enhanced programming, and costs directly related to holding events.

The fund will support events held from December 1 to March 31, 2026, in the same postcodes as the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher and Dining Cashback programs.

Grants of up to $20,000 will be made available to existing events in metropolitan and regional coastal areas to stimulate visitation, drive economic recovery, and foster community connection.

Events will need to meet the fund criteria and may include leisure events, council events, and community events.

The South Australian Tourism Commission will deliver the Algal Bloom Event Support Fund, which is part of the state and federal governments’ Algal Bloom Summer Plan.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said events of all sizes were fundamental in bringing communities together and boosting local morale, while also driving visitation and economic activity.

“There are many wonderful events in summer in coastal regions across our state that bring people together and we want to help make them their best this season,” she said.

Funding applications opened on Friday, November 21 and will close at 5pm on March 1 or until funds are exhausted. 

For more information and to apply for funding, go to tourism.sa.gov.au/events/event-funding.

Juniors learn on the jetty

ASPIRING anglers gathered at Wallaroo jetty on Saturday, November 22, to sharpen their skills with guidance from RecFish SA volunteers.

The Reeling in Junior Anglers program introduces young people to the joys of recreational fishing in a fun, safe and educational environment.

RecFish SA executive officer Asher Dezsery said the workshops are funded under the state government’s Algal Bloom Summer Plan.

“We’re encouraging kids to get back into fishing and get outside — into the environment and off the screens,” he said.

“If schools and groups on Yorke Peninsula want to be involved, we can get the team up there again.”

Participants learnt essential fishing skills, tackle handling, and safety practices, and gained an appreciation for sustainable fishing and aquatic ecosystems.

To request a Junior Angler workshop in your area, email programs@recfishsa.org.au.

Funding for beach-based clubs

CLUBS involved in sailing, ocean swimming, surf lifesaving and other beach-based activities can now apply for a share of $500,000 in funding.

The Algal Bloom Support Program, part of the state and federal governments’ $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan, aims to help affected clubs maintain their programs and events and respond to increased needs over the summer.

Funding can be used for essential costs such as medical and first aid supplies, equipment for program delivery, event expenses, and to offset short-term funding gaps.

Projects that support wellbeing and inclusion — or contribute to safe, high-quality experiences for members, participants and the wider community — are also eligible.

Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Rhiannon Pearce said the initiative highlighted the state government’s commitment to supporting beach-based organisations.

“Through their efforts, we can continue to foster participation, safety and wellbeing in and around the water,” she said.

“I also want to thank the workforce and volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to delivering sport and active recreation opportunities across our beaches.”

Applications close at midday on Wednesday, December 17.

For more information, visit: orsr.sa.gov.au/grants/algal-bloom-support-program.

Libs offer $21m fisheries buyback

A NEW Liberal Government would deliver a $21 million voluntary fisheries buyback scheme to restore confidence in South Australia’s commercial fishing industry, following damage caused by the ongoing algal bloom.

State Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the plan aimed to help fish stocks recover and offer fishers a clear, fair exit strategy.

Under the proposal, fishers affected by environmental events such as algal blooms could voluntarily leave the industry through a scheme developed in consultation with industry to ensure fairness, transparency and long-term sustainability.

“We want to ensure those ready to leave can do so with dignity, while those who remain have a viable industry,” Mr Tarzia said.

“Labor has been slow to act. 

“Instead of wasting time on feasibility studies, we’ll work directly with the sector to accelerate buybacks and provide certainty.”

The package includes independent reviews at two, five and 10 years, with scope for further buybacks and quota reallocation if stocks recover.

Opposition Primary Industries spokesperson Nicola Centofanti said the scheme would be fully voluntary and focus on fairness.

“This is a targeted adjustment to protect fish stocks while ensuring those remaining have a stronger future,” she said.

Fishers exiting the industry would have first rights to re-enter if stocks recovered.

Dr Centofanti also promised an independent review of scalefish stock research to ensure science-based decisions.

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis welcomed the plan but raised concerns about the funding.

“It’s important that both licences and quotas are bought out to reduce actual fishing effort,” he said.

“I’m not convinced about the ‘first refusal’ right — once you’re out, you’re out. 

“Any new quota should go to those still in the industry and rec fishers.”

He urged both major parties to strengthen their commitments.