Illegal fishing will not go unnoticed.
That's the message from Matt Read, Director of Operations, Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), following the seizure of more than 100 Southern Rock Lobsters (pictured above) earlier this month.
The incident occurred on 5 January 2026 near Port MacDonnell in the state’s South East, when a Mount Gambier man was intercepted by fisheries officers from PIRSA, with assistance from South Australia Police.
During the interception, officers located a significant quantity of Southern Rock Lobster and identified a number of alleged offences, including the use of an excessive number of rock lobster pots.
Further investigations included the execution of a residential search warrant, which resulted in the discovery of an additional 111 lobsters, many of which were undersize.
In South Australia, Southern Rock Lobster is classified as a priority species and is subject to strict size, bag and possession limits under the Fisheries Management Act 2007.
The minimum legal length is 10.5cm in the Northern Zone and 9.85cm in the Southern Zone.
Rock lobster pots must comply with South Australian fishing gear regulations relating to size, materials and escape holes. All pots must also be registered before use and renewed annually. The use of excessive or non-compliant pots is illegal.
The recreational daily bag limit for Southern Rock Lobster is four per person within both the Northern and Southern Rock Lobster Fishery fishing zones. The daily boat limit is eight when two or more fishers use pots registered in their name.
Offences involving large quantities of Southern Rock Lobster are considered serious, and investigations are continuing.
"Our fisheries officers regularly patrol South Australia’s coastline and waters to detect non-compliance, protect our fisheries and ensure those doing the wrong thing are held to account," Mr Read said.
"Fishing rules protect our valuable fish stocks, particularly during breeding seasons, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our fisheries for future generations."
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious fishing activity to Fishwatch at 1800 065 522.
Fishers are encouraged to download the free Recreational Fishing App, available on iPhone and Android devices, to stay up to date with fishing rules and limits. More information is also available on the website. (external site)
