Managing Yellowtail Kingfish Netting in SA
RecFish SA is pleased to update the recreational fishing community on a significant development in the management of Yellowtail Kingfish in South Australia. Following the independent review process conducted by the Allocation Review Committee (ARC), PIRSA will now begin the process of implementing regulations to ensure that the commercial netting sector operates within its allocated 0.12% of SA kingfish biomass.
Kingfish migrate into SA gulfs to spawn annually, creating a significant influx of excitement and economical activity within the recreational fishing and tackle sectors. Kingfish are particularly important for catch and release fishing, with some individual fish being recorded as being caught 4 times. Recent research projects have also shown migration of SA kingfish across the entire Eastern side of Australia, indicating how important a reduction of commercial Kingfish netting is to ensuring long term fishing opportunities for recreational fishing communities.
Previous attempts to have Kingfish protected from netting and additionally assessed in the ARC were denied until significant RecFish SA resources were applied across the community to validate inclusion. This was in response to huge local and regional support for RecFish SA’s work within fishing clubs, small towns, the SA tackle industry and more showcasing the importance of recreational fishers and businesses being free affiliate members of RecFish SA while we undertake and negotiate important outcomes for the recreational fishing community. Tell your community to sign up for free to support this work.
Within the ARC process, RecFish SA communicated the high social and economic value of Yellowtail Kingfish to the recreational fishing community. This was a key consideration in the review. This species plays a vital role in supporting regional tourism, as many anglers travel to South Australia’s coastal towns specifically to target Kingfish.
The review highlighted concerns that, despite the small commercial allocation, recent catch levels have exceeded historical trends, leading to increased pressure on gulf stocks vital to recreational fishing tourism and economic activity. In response, the ARC has recommended that the commercial sector be managed back within its designated limit to support the sustainability of the species and protect its value to both the recreational and commercial sectors.
With the ARC’s recommendations now guiding the regulatory process, PIRSA will undertake the necessary steps to ensure compliance within the established allocation through regulation. This outcome reflects the importance of independent fisheries management processes in balancing economic, social, and sustainability considerations. RecFish SA welcomes this progress and will continue to engage with the process to ensure positive outcomes for South Australia’s recreational fishers and regional communities.
Asher Dezsery
RecFish SA Executive Officer
0400774447