SA's snapper stocks are under serious threat, with numbers having dropped dramatically in recent times, according to the latest scientific information.
In the past five years, there has been an 87 per cent decrease in snapper stocks in Gulf St Vincent, and a 23pc per cent decline in stocks in the Spencer Gulf.
The findings have come from a snapper egg survey completed by SARDI Aquatic Sciences in December last year, with the results released on Thursday at a joint meeting of the commercial, charter and recreational fishing sectors, where a range of management options were considered.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said urgent action was required in order to return the snapper fishery to a sustainable stock.
"We need to implement strong restrictions across all sectors to protect the current snapper stock and enable them to recover," he said.
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As an interim measure to protect snapper stocks, eight spatial closures were implemented in December last year, and charter bot bag limits were cut.
But Mr Whetstone said further action was required.
"Since (December), the state government has been consulting with the commercial, charter and recreational fishing sectors about further snapper restrictions for the upcoming summer.
"The state government will take action to ensure snapper are available in the future to recreational, charter and seafood lovers alike."
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/snapper2019
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