More than 30 commercial fishers have already applied to voluntarily surrender their licence under the state government's $24-million reform of the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery.
Among the proposed changes are management zones, as well as total allowable catches for each species.
Consultation has opened on these management zones - West Coast, Spence Gulf, Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island and South East - as well as categories of fish species and total allowable catches for priority species, such as southern garfish, southern calamari and King George whiting.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the release of the first stage of information would assist licence holder decision-making.
"This new information will assist fishers decide whether they will exit the industry with dignity, or stay and invest in the fishery," he said.
"We have already had 31 commercial fishers apply and with funding for only 150 voluntary surrender of licences, it is first in-best dressed.
"This is another step towards the government's historic $24m reform package announced last month, aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of fish stocks in SA and increasing the profitability of fishing businesses."
RELATED READING: Fee relief for fishing industry
Mr Whetstone said the management proposals came after extensive consultation with the industry, as well as expert advice and scientific data.
"This is a once in a lifetime reform of the fishery but I want to be clear to fishers; this will be the only buy out," he said.
"We are offering a fair market price and the offer will close on 13 November 2020, unless it is fully subscribed earlier.
"If less than 150 licences are surrendered, the quota will be allocated among remaining fishers."
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/fishingreform
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Click here to sign up to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
