New bag and boat limits for recreational fishing in SA

by | Nov 3, 2025 | Blog

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) confirms that, while we have formally objected to the newly announced reductions to bag and boat limits in SA, these changes are now in force as of 1 November 2025.
 
We understand the frustration and concern this may cause, and we want to assure you that AFTA is continuing to advocate on behalf of recreational fishers. However, we urge everyone to familiarise themselves with the temporary rules, which are intended to support the recovery of fish stocks affected by the recent algal bloom.

ZONES AFFECTED
Gulf St Vincent / Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone – A temporary 50% reduction for all species (excluding Southern Rock Lobster) that have bag, boat and charter passenger limits in this zone:

Spencer Gulf Fishing Zone – A temporary 50% reduction in bag, boat and charter passenger limits for the following species only in this zone:

  • Calamari
  • Garfish
  • Blue Crab
  • King George Whiting

NEW LIMITS
The 50% reduction will apply for the affected species to:

  • Daily bag limits – the number of fish a person can keep per day.
  • Boat limits – the total number of fish allowed per boat, where 3 or more people are on board.
  • Charter passenger limits – the number of fish each passenger can keep on chartered fishing trips (including trips >3 days).

For example:

  • If the current daily bag limit for King George Whiting is 10, the temporary limit will be 5.
  • If the boat limit for Southern Garfish is 90, the temporary limit will be 45.

Where to find the new limits:

  • Updated limits for quick lookup are available online at: pir.sa.gov.au/fishing
  • From 1 November 2025, updated limits are also available via the SA Fishing app, which includes zone-specific rules, reporting tools, and real-time updates and information.
  • Updated brochures outlining the new limits will be distributed by Fishcare volunteers and Fishcare officers throughout affected fishing zones, including tackle shops, boat ramps, and coastal visitor centres.

Duration

  • These restrictions will remain in place until 30 June 2026, subject to regular scientific review.

Recreational fishers are encouraged to assist the recovery effort by reporting their catches via the SA Fishing app.

For more information, visit pir.sa.gov.au/fishing

Image: Fishing zones affected by new bag, boat and charter passenger limits from 1 November 2025

Recreational pipi fishing open for bait only

Recreational fishers are reminded not to eat self-collected pipis with the annual pipi season at Goolwa Beach to commence from Saturday, 1 November 2025.

Recreational fishers may collect pipis for use as bait only, not human consumption, from Goolwa Beach (from the Murray Mouth to Middleton Point near Mill Terrace at Middleton) from Saturday, 1 November 2025.

SA Health advice remains consistent that self-collected bivalve molluscs (cockles/pipis, oysters, mussels, scallops) should not be consumed because of the presence of brevetoxin, which can cause food poisoning in humans.

The measure is based on testing conducted by the South Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP), which revealed brevetoxin levels above the safe consumption threshold of 0.8 mg/kg, as set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

For more information on SA Health advice for any recreationally collected shellfish, or the algal bloom, visit the Algal Bloom webpage call the hotline on 1800 774 779.

Fishers will be advised when further testing confirms pipis are safe for human consumption in specified areas. Signage will be in place along Goolwa Beach in English, Chinese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Farsi and Filipino to remind fishers that pipis are not to be consumed.

Commercially available shellfish from South Australian waters is safe to eat as it undergoes strict testing to uphold food safety standards.

Closure details:

  • Covers the entire Goolwa Beach from the Murray Mouth to Middleton Point.
  • Will remain in place until further testing confirms pipi are safe for human consumption.

Fishing elsewhere:

  • Recreational fishers may collect pipi in other permitted areas of the state, however, SA Health advises against consuming any self-harvested bivalve molluscs from untested areas due to potential brevetoxin contamination.

Next steps:

  • Weekly testing will continue at Goolwa Beach.
  • For latest advice on recreational fishing closures or bag limits, visit the PIRSA website, or download the SA Fishing app, or follow PIRSA social media.
  • Temporary signage will be installed at Goolwa Beach, and PIRSA Fisheries Officers and Fishcare Volunteers will patrol the area to ensure awareness and compliance.

For more information and health advice, visit the Algal Bloom webpage.

Image: Goolwa Beach Pipi closure area

AFTA formally objects to SA’s 50% reduction: see response here