Support for SA’s recreational fishers and fish stocks

The South Australian Government is backing the state’s recreational fishers with a range of measures to support fishing activity during the unprecedented algal bloom and to set-up the recovery of fish stocks.

The commitments include:

·        $300,000 to install a strategically placed recreational fishing reef in an impacted Gulf region to support the survival and reproduction of key recreational species and allow real-time monitoring for citizen scientists, schools, and researchers;

·        Establishing a fish stocking program in freshwater bodies such as reservoirs and lakes;

·        Opening more reservoirs to recreational fishing where consistent with public health advice;

·        Boosting regional tourism by supporting RecFish SA to deliver a series of four fishing events and competitions in regional areas in conjunction with local tackle stores and businesses;

·        Supporting RecFish SA to deliver a series of fishing forums at local tackle stores, using fishing personalities and local experts;

·        AND providing RecFish SA a grant of $200,000 to further support more than a hundred community fishing clinics and programs across South Australia, fishing events and competitions, and engagement with recreational fishing clubs to boost participation.

These measures to support recreational fishing are in addition to the business support available through the Malinauskas and Albanese Governments’ algal bloom support package, which includes grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses including:

·        marine or coastal tourism operators

·        charter boat and fishing charter operators

·        marine-based sport and/or schools (e.g. surf school)

·        commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders

·        seafood processors

·        marine/fishing supply chain manufacturers/retailers (e.g. tackle shops, suppliers)

·        coastal caravan parks and camping grounds and accommodation

·        And beachfront kiosks/cafés

In recognition some commercial fisheries have been forced to close or have suffered a significant reduction in available seafood to catch, grants of up to $100,000 have been made available for significantly impacted businesses.

Businesses can apply for grants now, and the State Government is committing to processing applications within 15 business days to ensure money is getting out the door to those who need it.

For further information on the algal bloom, including grants and other supports available, visit algalbloom.sa.gov.au