Government

South Australia launches new app to enhance recreational fishing and support sustainability efforts

South Australia is set to enhance the recreational fishing experience with a new app designed to foster sustainable practices, featuring updated catch limits, area closures, and voluntary reporting.

South Australian recreational fishers are set to benefit from an updated, technology-driven application tailored to enhance their fishing experience and support sustainable fishing practices. Clare Scriven, the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, announced that development is underway for a revamped app which is scheduled for a mid-2025 release. This tool will bring a suite of new functionalities aimed at improving the management and sustainability of local fish stocks.

The enhanced app will display updated catch limits and area closures, and will integrate features enabling users to voluntarily report their catches. This initiative is part of broader efforts to collect accurate data that could inform decision-making and policy development concerning the state’s marine resources. The app aims to align with the technological advancements in mobile devices, ensuring accessibility and efficiency.

RecFish SA, the leading body for recreational fishing in South Australia, plays a pivotal role in shaping the new app. They are working alongside the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to pinpoint essential features valued by the fishing community.

Voluntary catch reporting is a significant aspect of the app’s functionality being developed. Although mandatory reporting requirements currently apply only to Snapper in South Eastern waters, the government encourages voluntary reporting for other species. This step is seen as crucial in filling the data gaps between more extensive periodic fishing surveys conducted every five years.

The announcement also highlighted advancements in fish allocation reviews, particularly concerning Yellowtail Kingfish – a species integral to recreational fishing in regions like Port Augusta. Recent data insights from an NSW gamefish tagging program suggest discrepancies in sector allocations, prompting a thorough review to maintain balance and ensure sustainability.

“We know that better data leads to better decisions about the management of our fish stocks,” stated Minister Scriven. She emphasised the importance of the app in bridging data gaps and enhancing the state’s ability to manage marine resources effectively. The minister also reassured that aside from Snapper, there were no immediate plans to make catch reporting mandatory for recreational fishers.

The updated app and the ongoing data collection efforts are framed as strategic moves to support the dual goals of resource sustainability and enriching the fishing experiences for South Australia’s anglers. The introduction of these technological and regulatory enhancements is poised to set a new standard in the integration of technology with environmental stewardship in the recreational fishing sector.

As development progresses, South Australian fishers and the broader community are encouraged to participate actively by adopting the app upon its release and contributing to the voluntary data collection efforts. Those interested in the current capabilities of the SA Fishing app can download it from the PIRSA website, where additional resources on fishing regulations and research are also available.

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