Fishing survey highlights impact of recreational anglers

17 March, 2003: Recreational fishers are having a significant impact on South Australia's fish stocks, according to a survey of anglers.

Southern Fisheries magazine, which goes on sale today, contains a detailed analysis of the survey results and says the survey reinforces the need for effective management to maintain valuable fish stocks.
It states: "Future stock assessments will take into account the data obtained in this survey to help determine appropriate total catch levels.

"Stock assessments are developed annually by SARDI Aquatic Sciences to provide a definitive snapshot of the State's fisheries, and are used by fisheries managers to make informed decisions for sustainable management targets.

"If stock assessments show recreational fishing is unsustainable, it may result in reduced bag and boat limits for some of the popular species, including King George whiting and snapper."
Southern Fisheries, the official publication of PIRSA Fisheries and SARDI Aquatic Sciences, provides a definitive report on the depth and diversity of recreational fishing in South Australia through the results of the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey.

Conducted between May 2000 and April 2001, it is the most comprehensive survey carried out on the extent and impact of recreational angling in Australia.

The survey indicates that South Australia's estimated 319,000 recreational fishers harvest 58.3 per cent of all King George whiting, 56 per cent of Tommy ruff, 70.6 per cent of black bream, 21.3 per cent of garfish, 39.6 per cent of snapper, 37 per cent of blue crabs, 46.1 per cent of squid and cuttlefish, 46.8 per cent of snook and 43.5 per cent of European carp.

Southern Fisheries states: "In recent years commercial catches of species like King George whiting have been falling while participation rates and catch by recreational fishers has increased.
"The on-going objective is to share our fisheries resources equitably while maintaining healthy fish stocks into the future."

The survey indicated that recreational fishers on average take 4.5 fish or other species from SA waters per fishing trip.
The survey, which used telephone and diary methods among a representative number of South Australian fishing households, showed that about 67 per cent of recreational fishers were males, however participation in angling by females is increasing.

During the 12 months of the survey, recreational fishers spent $149 million, or $454 per person, on fishing related expenses including purchase of boats, fuel, bait, tackle, equipment such as sounders and global positioning systems, food and accommodation.

Line fishing in the coastal zone from shore to about 5km to sea remains the most popular form of recreational fishing and of the vessels used 95.2 per cent were privately owned, 3.1 per cent were hire boats and 1.7 per cent were charters.

The Southern Fisheries report also detailed catch and release figures showing that 73.3 per cent of caught snapper were returned to the water, bream (69.1 per cent), mulloway (67.3 per cent), callop (61 per cent) and King George whiting (26.3 per cent).

Southern Fisheries magazine features an eight page definitive report on the recreational fishing survey. The magazine is available by subscription or from major newsagencies.

FISHCARE program continues to expand

13 March 2003: It will be even easier for recreational fishers to keep up to date with all the latest fishing information following the expansion of Kangaroo Island’s successful FISHCARE Volunteer Program.

Locals, Patrick Lavers, Peter Gill, and Les and Sharon Gullickson have just joined the program after completing an intensive two-day training course on fisheries resource management.

All four are highly motivated and enthusiastic about the work they will be doing and are keen to provide advice and assistance to fishers.

Volunteer Captain, Barry Tydeman welcomed the new additions saying it would help the team cover a larger area and speak to more people.

“The Island attracts a lot of interstate and overseas visitors who don’t necessarily know what they need to do to help look after our fish stocks.

“As a team we will be out and about providing all fishers with the latest printed information, free measuring gauges and even a tip or two,” Barry said.

The FISHCARE Volunteer program is run by Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) Fishwatch and was established in 1994. Its aim is to educate and inform recreational fishers about the rules and regulations associated with fishing in South Australia.

The program utilises volunteers to encourage South Australia’s 319,000 recreational fishers to adopt a personal responsibility towards protecting our fish stocks and the aquatic environment as well as understand the importance of conserving those stocks both now and for the future.

For further information or to register an interest in becoming a FISHCARE Volunteer, please contact Lena Goncharov, State Coordinator of the FISHCARE Volunteer Program on 8347 6100.

Suspended jail sentence for abalone offenders

11 March 2003: Two men have received suspended jail sentences after pleading guilty to various abalone related offences, including a charge of taking abalone for sale.

The Mount Gambier Magistrates Court today heard how William Wi Taunoa (45) and Ripley Ataria (57) both shearers from Queensland, had been observed by Fisheries Officers on 13 January 2003 diving for abalone at Shelley Beach, near Port MacDonnell in the State's south-east.

At the time, officers interviewed the men and as a result seized 55 abalone and a quantity of dive gear.
In handing down his judgement, Magistrate Gurry imposed a three-month jail sentence on both men. The jail sentence was suspended upon them entering an 18-month good behaviour bond. They were each fined an additional penalty of $5,555 including court fees and charges. Forfeiture of the abalone and the majority of the confiscated dive gear was also confirmed.

Acting Manager Operations, Helen Croft said the outcome was a satisfactory one.
"A suspended jail sentence reflects the serious nature of this type of illegal activity and hopefully will act as an effective deterrent against any others looking to gain from this type of illegal activity.

"Also of a serious nature was the defendants conviction for failing to comply with the directions of a fisheries officer.

"The Court has sent a clear message that fisheries officers conducting their lawful duty, can expect to do so unhindered," Ms Croft said.

Commercial fisher reported for quota evasion

7 March 2003: A southern zone commercial rock lobster fisher from Port MacDonnell, in the State’s southeast, has been reported for avoiding quota and other fisheries related offences.

The report resulted from an undercover investigation by Fisheries Officers from Primary Industries and Resources SA.

Officers seized 31 southern rock lobster weighing 21.95 kilograms that had been hidden under a false floor in a tender vessel. The tender vessel was also seized.

PIRSA General Manager Fisheries Services Mark Lewis said his officers would use any means at their disposal to uncover quota evasion.

“The southern zone rock lobster fishery is a quota-based fishery and all commercial fishers are lawfully required to weigh their total catch upon landing. The total weight of the catch is then subtracted from their annual catch quota.”

“Fishers who attempt to avoid reporting their catch face prosecution,” Mr Lewis said.

Investigations are continuing.

The southern zone rock lobster fishery includes the south east of the state from the mouth of the River Murray to the Victorian border. The season runs from 1 October to 30 April each year. One of the tools used to sustainably manage the southern zone rock lobster fishery is by setting a total allowable catch for the fishery.