Data shows fish species decimated in SA waters
Tough new fishing restrictions are being announced as latest data shows the algal bloom’s unprecedented impact on South Australia’s fish species. The seafood industry says it faces “probably the hardest journey that we have had in the history of commercial fishing”.
Premier Peter Malinauskas today announced a strict new plan for the long-term recovery of fish stocks in waters affected by the algal bloom, as calamari, garfish and King George whiting face a “severe decline” in some regions.
Calamari, garfish and King George whiting numbers in the Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island regions face a severe decline, while blue crab faces a decline and abalone a localised high mortality rate, according to South Australian Research and Development Institute figures.
In response, the State Government today announced there would be temporary fishing restrictions from November 1 to allow for the recovery of these species.
“The science tells us this unprecedented algal bloom has had an unprecedented impact on our fish stocks, particularly in Gulf St Vincent,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we help to protect and regenerate those species, and those whose livelihoods depend upon them.”
The fishing restrictions include a temporary 50 per cent reduction in bag and boat limits for charter boat fishing in the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone, and a temporary 50 per cent reduction in bag and boat limits to squid, garfish, blue crab and King George whiting in the Spencer Gulf Fishing Zone.
There will also be a temporary restriction on all commercial Marine Scalefish Fishing and blue crab fishing in the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone.
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It is envisaged these restrictions will remain in place until June 30, 2026, while existing fishing restrictions on snapper will be extended until June 30, 2027.
Seafood Industry SA executive officer Kyri Toumazos said South Australia “is facing probably the hardest journey that we have had in the history of commercial fishing in South Australia”.
Toumazos said Premier Malinauskas was making the “right decision”.
“The decision to look after fish stocks in a trajectory of rebuilding over the next period is the right decision, which we fully support,” he said.
The plan includes fishing fee relief and industry assistance grants, expanded Small Business Support grants, a $500,000 comprehensive voluntary Marine Scalefish Fishery licence surrender study, the establishment of an industry recovery framework and discounted boat registration.
It also includes free access to boat ramps, free vehicle access to coastal parks, a threatened and vulnerable marine species breeding program, a saltwater restocking program, additional compliance and intensive scientific monitoring, more recreational fishing reefs and recreational fishing and tackle store support.
SARDI Advice
| Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island | Spencer Gulf | |
|---|---|---|
| Calamari | Severe decline | North: Broadly stable South: Decline |
| Garfish | Severe decline | Stable |
| King George Whiting | Severe localised declines | Stable |
| Blue Crab | Decline | No evidence of impact |
| Abalone | Localised high mortality | No evidence of impact |
| Prawn | Low survey catches No evidence of impact to commercial catch | Stable |
| Lobster | Unaffected – outside bloom areas | |
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Australian Fishing Trade Association independent chair Bob Baldwin said “[i]t’s never easy to make tough decisions, but it is made easier knowing that this is the right decision to support sustainability, not only in our industry, but in our oceans and marine stocks as well”.
“The plan that Premier Malinauskas has put together shows us the pathway forward, and we appreciate the support available to our retailers, especially with the small business grants increased to $50,000,” he said.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said the algal bloom has had a “significant impact” on fish stocks in the Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone, and that action is needed to give affected species time to recover in order to support future sustainability.
“We have been working closely with the commercial fishing industry to plan a way through this challenging time with comprehensive support for impacted fishers as well as a range of measures to support recreational fishing,” she said.
“Decisions of this nature must be based on the best science available, and these restrictions are being implemented based on the data available through the South Australian Research and Development Institute rapid stock assessments and ongoing monitoring.”
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Nicola Centofanti, said Port Wakefield has been struggling since July and questioned why the Labor government only announced the plan today.
“At the risk of sounding like a broken record, why has this taken so long? This is another example of the Premier expecting applause for his lacklustre performance,” she said.
“We welcome this measure to protect the future of the industry, and we stand with the fishing sector in calling for sustainability to be at the heart of any closure.”
Centofanti said the Liberals have repeatedly called for a medium to long-term plan to sustain the fishing sector and is “glad to see the Government has finally come to the table, eight months after the harmful algal bloom began”.
“It should also be acknowledged that not all those in the industry want to weather this storm, and we are pleased to see the Government finally listen to our calls and take the first step towards offering voluntary buy-backs for those who want to leave the industry,” she said.
“We also want to see the Government show compassion by streamlining the application processes for relief and grants, to avoid duplication, which only adds further pain for those doing it tough.”
Today’s announcement comes as the state and federal governments revealed their jointly funded $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan on October 14, which includes $20.6 million towards restoring the environment, $17.3 million for science, research and monitoring, $48 million for coastal businesses and communities and $16 million towards “ensuring South Australians can enjoy their summer”.
