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 \u201csevere decline\u201d in some regions.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In response, the State Government today announced there would be temporary fishing restrictions from November 1 to allow for the recovery of these species.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe science tells us this unprecedented algal bloom has had an unprecedented impact on our fish stocks, particularly in Gulf St Vincent,\u201d Premier Peter Malinauskas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we help to protect and regenerate those species, and those whose livelihoods depend upon them.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Seafood Industry SA executive officer Kyri Toumazos said South Australia \u201cis facing probably the hardest journey that we have had in the history of commercial fishing in South Australia\u201d.<\/p>\n
Toumazos said Premier Malinauskas was making the \u201cright decision\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe decision to look after fish stocks in a trajectory of rebuilding over the next period is the right decision, which we fully support,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
SARDI AdviceGulf St Vincent\/Kangaroo IslandSpencer GulfCalamariSevere declineNorth: Broadly stable
South: DeclineGarfishSevere declineStableKing George WhitingSevere localised declinesStableBlue CrabDeclineNo evidence of impactAbaloneLocalised high mortalityNo evidence of impactPrawnLow survey catches
No evidence of impact to commercial catchStableLobsterUnaffected \u2013 outside bloom areas<\/p>\n
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Australian Fishing Trade Association independent chair Bob Baldwin said \u201c[i]t\u2019s 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\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said the algal bloom has had a \u201csignificant impact\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDecisions 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Centofanti said the Liberals have repeatedly called for a medium to long-term plan to sustain the fishing sector and is \u201cglad to see the Government has finally come to the table, eight months after the harmful algal bloom began\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n