Fisheries Minister Clare Scriven has ruled out the imposition of any form of recreational fishing licence in the current term of government.

At present, the State Government collects fees from the recreational sector for Lake George nets and lobster pots.

Minister Scriven gave the assurance that this revenue stream would not be extended when she addressed the Legislative Council last week.

The minister was responding to queries posed by crossbench MLC Connie Bonaros after she had attended a recent recreational fishing forum at Wallaroo.

“I said at the Wallaroo forum the government has not been presented with a proposal to have a recreational fishing licence,” Minister Scriven said.

“We would not be implementing a recreational fishing licence unless it was called for by the majority of recreational fishers, and indeed it would not be happening in this term of government in any case.

“I did, however, explain that we are always keen to hear from recreational fishers about their views.

“Indeed, at that forum a number of people put forward views both in favour of and against the concept of a recreational fishing licence.

“I am aware that it’s something that does exist in other jurisdictions, particularly in Victoria, and has been considered by many to be successful there, but there are also concerns that it’s not necessarily going to achieve the outcomes that some would like.

“So, I think it’s an active discussion.

“I encourage those who are interested in the topic to also engage with Recfish SA so that those types of discussions can continue.

“Certainly, it’s not something the State Government is considering actively at this time.”