South Australia launches new scalefish fishery advisory body

A new fishing advisory group is being set up to help guide the management of South Australia’s most prominent shared fishery, the marine scalefish fishery, with expressions of interest now open.

The Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Advisory Committee (MSFMAC) will replace the Snapper Management Advisory Committee, which was formed in October 2019 to consider pressing fisheries management issues.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the formation of the MSFMAC is included under the $24.5 million Marine Scalefish Fishery reform program.

A range of key reform changes, including the establishment of four fishing zones across the state, the adoption of a quota system for the priority species of snapper, King George whiting, southern garfish and southern calamari and a suite of measures to cut red tape, came into effect earlier this month.

“The formation of the MSFMAC is key to the future management of the fishery and will strengthen our consultation between stakeholders and help deliver better outcomes for marine scalefish species,” Mr Basham said.

The SA state government is now seeking expressions of interest for the positions of independent chair, economist and scientist, along with nominations from the commercial charter boat, rock lobster and marine scalefish fishing sectors, an Aboriginal traditional fishing sector member as well as the conservation sector. Mr Basham added that these will be three-year appointments to help the MSFMAC support commercial and recreational fishers.

The state government will also ask the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC) to nominate two recreational fishing representatives for membership on the MSFMAC.

Interested parties are advised to visit this page for more information.