Fishers reminded of snapper rules following investigation

12 July 2024

An investigation into illegal snapper fishing has prompted a reminder to anglers to familiarise themselves with the current snapper fishing closures.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) is advising fishers that the waters of the Gulf St Vincent, West Coast and Spencer Gulf regions remain closed to snapper fishing until 30 June 2026.

This follows PIRSA investigating allegations a man on Eyre Peninsula illegally took snapper, as well as being in possession of wrasse exceeding the daily fishing limit and undersized fish including nannygai (pictured above).

The man is further alleged to have attempted to conceal the fish in his vessel to avoid detection.

The maximum penalty for taking snapper from waters where there is a snapper fishing closure is $5000 for a first offence, $10,000 for a second offence and up to $20,000 for a third or subsequent offence.

PIRSA’s Director of Operations Fisheries and Aquaculture Benn Gramola encouraged all fishers to respect the snapper fishing closures as well as general bag and boat limits. Seized fish.

“The restrictions on snapper fishing have been put in place to protect the stocks and allow time for South Australia’s iconic fishery to be replenished so future generations can reap the benefits for decades to come,” Mr Gramola said.

“It is disappointing to have to investigate such allegations given the amount of effort by the community and the state government to protect snapper sticks.”

Recreational fishers must follow all rules and restrictions in state waters relating to:

fish size, bag and boat limits, and possession limits
the correct types of fishing great, including registering and marking your gear
temporal and spatial fishing closures
the complete protection of some species
responsible fish handing and reporting, including aquatic pests.

For more information on these restrictions, visit Recreational fishing rules on PIRSA's website.

Snapper stocks in the South East Fishing Zone are classified as sustainable, with a recreational daily bag limit of two snapper per person and a daily limit of six per boat if three or more people fishing on board.

Anyone who observes or is aware of any illegal fishing activity is encouraged to report it by phoning the Fishwatch 24-hour hotline on 1800 065 522.

For more information visit snapper recovery, contact the Fishwatch hotline, or check out the free SA Fishing app.