To support the recovery of fish stocks impacted by the algal bloom, the revised management arrangements for the species outlined below will be implemented from Friday, 1 May 2026.
SPECIES AFFECTED
- Blue Crabs – Reinstatement of full bag and boat limits in the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zone.
- Southern Calamari – Total closure will be implemented for Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf for commercial, recreational and charter fishing.
- Garfish – Recreational and charter boat closure in the Gulf St Vincent, which is already subject to a commercial closure.
- King George Whiting – Spawning closure will be implemented across both the Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf until July 31, 2026. In addition, recreational and charter boat fishing limits in the Spencer Gulf will return to 100% from 1 May 2026.
All other limits remain in place. These measures aim to protect important species and ensure healthy fisheries for the future. Find out more information here.
Where to find the new limits, available from Friday 1 May 2026:
- Updated limits for quick lookup will be available online at: pir.sa.gov.au/fishing
- Updated limits will also be 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.
Recreational fishers are encouraged to assist the recovery effort by reporting their catches via the SA Fishing app.