FISHING offence fines have increased for the first time in 30 years, with the SA government saying this is in response to industry calls for heavier penalties.
A review conducted in 2019 found there were calls from the recreational sector to change the expiation fees to target rogue fishers, with penalties and offences unchanged since 1989 when the power to issue expiation notices was introduced.
The new penalties will apply from March 2021.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said the recreational fishing sector had consistently said present fines were too low and not an effective deterrent.
This has been reiterated by the Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Council.
"Some fishing fines haven't increased for almost 30 years and are no longer deterring people who want to break the rules," he said.
"The black-market value of seafood has increased well beyond the penalties set back in the 1980s.
"For example, under the old rules, someone caught taking 20 undersize crabs could only be issued a $100 fine.
"Offenders found it cheaper to break the law than pay up to $150 for the crabs at the shops.
"Both recreational fishers and the commercial sector have been disgusted at these low fines, and both have called for significantly larger fines to deter wrong-doers."
Mr Basham said under the blue crab example, with the new penalties announced this week, an offender caught with more than 20 undersized crabs would be fined $625.
"The government takes our seafood sustainability seriously, and those who think the rules don't apply to them have a rude shock coming their way," he said.
"Remember, if you see someone breaking the fishing rules, report the activity to the 24-hour FISHWATCH on 1800 065 522, or on the SA Fishing App."
There are 128 individual offences with increased penalties for recreational and commercial fishers (including boat, bag, size and gear restrictions).
Among the new fines, taking 10 undersize King George whitings will rise from $50 to $625 as does taking 10 more than the bag limit of southern calamari, while an extra 20 blue swimmer crab will go from a fine of $200 to $625.
A ban on recreational fishing at Port Pirie will also remain in place after scientific sampling of fish, crabs and shellfish detected above permissable levels of lead.
RELATED: Fishing ban put in place at Pt Pirie
Mr Basham said people should not consume fish, crabs or shellfish from the Port Pirie harbour area.
"On 15 September precautionary restrictions were imposed on recreational fishing at Port Pirie and these restrictions will be continued," he said.
"Under the fisheries restrictions, the taking of shellfish in this region is prohibited. In Zone 1 crab fishing is prohibited and fishing for finfish is strictly catch and release only. Fishing for crabs and for finfish is permitted in Zone 2.
"This means residents can drop a line over the jetty in Port Pirie and enjoy the fishing experience, but any fish caught must be returned to the water and are not to be eaten."
The restrictions will continue until September 15, 2021.
- Details: Visit pir.sa.gov.au/fishing/recreational_fishing
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