Anglers in the South East Fishery Zone are now allowed to take two snapper per day in the area – an increase from one per day – with the boat limit increased from three per day to six.
Charter boat fishing trip limits remain the same, with daily bag and boat limits specified by the regulations.
The increase – the result of uncaught carry-over from the 2022-23 season – only applies in the South East Fishery Zone, with population recovery closures remaining in place in both St Vincent and Spencer gulfs and the state’s West Coast until June 30, 2026.
The mandatory reporting requirement when taking snapper has also changed. Boat-based fishers in the South-East are now required to report their catch before the snapper is brought ashore or landed.
Shore-based fishing is still required to be reported prior to fishers leaving their location. Mandatory reporting of snapper catches can be made via the SA Fishing App or through Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.
The news came as a dedicated information hub providing a one-stop source of information relating to the Snapper Science Program and snapper recovery was launched by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.
The Snapper Recovery Hub includes an overview of the research program, which involves 12 projects related to biology and ecology, estimates of biomass, and monitoring and assessment which will be regularly updated throughout the program.
The three-year, $5 million Snapper Science Program is funded by the Australian Government's Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the South Australian Government from its $8.8 million recovery package, which was announced in response to the extended closure of the Spencer Gulf, West Coast and Gulf St Vincent snapper stocks.
