A South Australian husband and wife have been fined more than $11,000 combined after being caught with 124 Southern Calamari, with authorities warning fishers that violate the state’s fishing rules will carry significant consequences.
The pair were found in possession of a commercial quantity of Southern Calamari without authorisation, with the haul more than four times the combined individual daily recreational bag limit for two fishers.
Their catch and fishing gear, including rods, tackle bags, an esky and buckets, were forfeited in court. The pair have also been prohibited from targeting or catching Southern Calamari for 24 months and cannot possess equipment used to catch the species, including rods, reels and squid jigs, for 12 months.
PIRSA Director of Operations, Fisheries and Aquaculture Matt Read said the size of the illegal catch was concerning.
“Finding such a large quantity of illegally caught calamari is deeply concerning and highlights why it is so important that fishers follow the rules,” Mr Read said.
“These rules are in place to protect our fish stocks and ensure South Australians can continue to enjoy our fisheries for generations to come.”
Outside current closure areas, the daily recreational bag limit for Southern Calamari is 15 per person, with a daily boat limit of 45. Temporary restrictions are also currently in place following the impacts of South Australia’s algal bloom.
Since May 1, recreational and charter fishers have been prohibited from targeting and catching Southern Calamari across the Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island fishing zones.
All cephalopods, including squid, cuttlefish and octopus, are also permanently protected from fishing in False Bay near Whyalla, while a separate permanent closure protects Giant Australian Cuttlefish in waters north of the line between Arno Bay and Wallaroo.
Anyone caught illegally taking Giant Australian Cuttlefish can face fines of up to $20,000.
Fishers are being urged to check current limits and closures before heading out, with suspicious fishing activity able to be reported to Fishwatch on 1800 065 522.
