As evidence shows the current poisonous algal bloom's unparalleled impact on its ocean species, South Australia will implement stringent fishing limits throughout a large portion of its coastline.
According to data provided on Thursday by the South Australian Research and Development Institute, calamari, garfish, and King George whiting are experiencing a "severe drop" in certain areas.
Abalone has a high mortality rate in some areas, and blue crab populations have decreased.
In order to give species time to recuperate, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has responded by announcing temporary fishing limits starting on November 1.
"Our fish supplies, especially in Gulf St. Vincent, have been impacted in a way that has never been seen before, according to the science," he said.
"It is our collective responsibility to make sure that we contribute to the preservation and regeneration of those species and those whose livelihoods depend on them."
For charter boat fishing in the Gulf St. Vincent and Kangaroo Island, the restrictions include halves the boat and bag limits; in the Spencer Gulf, they include halving the boat and bag limits for squid, garfish, blue crab, and King George whiting.
Additionally, all commercial marine scalefish and blue crab fishing in the Gulf of St. Vincent and Kangaroo Island will be temporarily prohibited.
The current snapper fishing limitations will be extended until June 30, 2027, and restrictions are anticipated to last until June 30, 2026.
The state was facing "perhaps the roughest road that we have had in the history of commercial fishing in South Australia," according to Kyri Toumazos, executive officer of Seafood Industry SA.
"It is the appropriate option, and we totally support it, to look after fish stocks in a trajectory of rebuilding over the following term," he stated.
A voluntary fishery license surrender study, reduced boat registration, increased industry support awards, small company grants, and fishing fee alleviation are all part of the concept.
Bob Baldwin, the independent chair of the Australian Fishing Trade Association, stated that difficult choices are never simple.
The fact that this is the appropriate choice to promote sustainability in our sector, as well as in our seas and marine populations, eases the burden, he added.
Fish stocks in the Gulf St. Vincent and Kangaroo Island fishing zone have been "significantly impacted" by the algal bloom, according to SA Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven. In order to ensure future sustainability, action was required to allow impacted species time to recover.
"To plan a way through this difficult moment, we have been working closely with the commercial fishing industry. We have a variety of methods to promote recreational fishing as well as complete support for impacted fishermen," she said.
The Liberals have consistently demanded a medium- to long-term plan to support the fishing industry, and SA opposition primary industries spokeswoman Nicola Centofanti said she was "happy to see the government has finally come to the table, eight months after the dangerous algal bloom began."
"We are happy to see the government finally listen to our concerns and take the first step towards offering voluntary buy-backs for individuals who want to leave the industry," she said, adding that not everyone in the sector wants to weather this storm.
The declaration on Thursday followed the October 14 release of a $102.5 million algal bloom summer plan, which was jointly funded by the federal government and the state. $48 million for coastal businesses and communities, $17.3 million for science, research, and monitoring, $20.6 million for environmental restoration, and $16 million for "ensuring South Australians can enjoy their summer."
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