Recreational fishers and charter boat customers will be able to catch snapper in the waters off the South East of South Australia all year round with the State Government moving away from a seasonal closure in the region.

The current season was due to finish on Sunday but Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said following consultation with the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council and the Charter Boat Association of South Australia, the State Government would remove the seasonal closure in the South East and continue current arrangements.

“We know how much South Australians as well as tourists love to fish for this iconic species so to be able to move to a year-round system is a great outcome,” Minister Basham said.

“The Marshall Liberal Government has made the decision after consulting with the sector and relying on the best available scientific information and expert advice.

“This means locals as well as visitors can continue to catch snapper in the waters off the South East which will provide a recreational and economic boost to the region, supporting local jobs.

“Restrictions that remain in place include the recreational bag limit of one snapper per person and a boat limit of three snapper per boat and the Snapper Harvest Tag System for charter boat operators remains in place.

“While limited snapper fishing is allowed in South East waters these measures are designed to protect the fishery and enable snapper populations to rebuild so our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy this iconic species into the future.”

Minister Basham said a total closure on all snapper fishing for the Spencer Gulf, West Coast and Gulf St Vincent waters remained in place until January 31, 2023.

Recreational snapper fishing arrangements in South Eastern waters from November 1, 2021 at a glance:

• A minimum size limit of 38 cm.

• A bag limit of one snapper per person.

• A boat limit of three snapper (when there are three or more fishers in a boat)

• Mandatory reporting of snapper catches either through the SA Fishing App or Fishwatch on 1800 065 522 before departing the point of landing or before departing a land-based fishing location.

While not a mandatory requirement the possession and use of a ‘release-weight’ when returning accidentally caught snapper to all South Australian waters by recreational fishers is strongly encouraged.

Visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing/snapper for further information on the snapper management arrangements for all fishing sectors.