WFS Admin

South Australian fishing news briefs for 2025 … 

1. Harmful Coastal Algal Bloom Hits

The state’s coastal fishing scene was smashed by a severe Karenia dinoflagellate bloom, first detected early in 2025, which continued across the Fleurieu Peninsula and coastal areas into July, reaching metropolitan Adelaide, including West Lakes and the Coorong. The ecological damage included thousands, if not millions, of marine animals dead, including sharks, seals and dolphins. Commercial fishers are calling for substantial help in the face of falling catches and possibly tainted seafood, and tackle shops, charters and tourist towns will likely also be affected.

2. Jetties Smashed 

Several of the state’s great fishing jetties were damaged by winter storms. See our separate post here.

3. Fishing-Limits & Management Updates

From July 1, 2025, recreational snapper bag limits in the South East Fishing Zone increased from 2 to 3 fish per person per day (boat limit 9), reflecting stable stocks. Southern calamari limits were reduced to 12 per person (36 per boat) to aid sustainability. PIRSA is advancing a Snapper Rebuilding Plan with SARDI modelling, aiming for closure re-openings post-2026 and stock recovery criteria. A new Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Plan, featuring a harvest strategy, came into effect July 1, 2025, covering key species across all coastal zones.

4. Compliance, Detection & Education

A Melbourne angler was fined over having 46 blacklip abalone (exceeding limits), with a 5‑year SA abalone ban imposed. Two Adelaide residents were allegedly caught with 157 southern calamari at Black Point. In better news, Fishcare volunteers celebrated 30 years of marine education on 18 May, reaching 166,500+ fishers and helping foster sustainable practices.

5. Better Tech – SA Fishing App Relaunch

A revamped state government app was introduced with in-app catch logging (voluntary), improved maps, closures, and reporting tools, aiming to boost data collection and fisher engagement.

6. Stock Recoveries & Citizen Science

Murray cod were showing signs of population recovery in SA rivers, attributed to stocking programs and catch‑and‑release trends. Ongoing initiatives included snapper stock research with tagging, monitoring, and habitat projects guided by PIRSA and community input.

7. Local Fishing Spot Protest

In West Lakes (Freshwater Lake on Delfin Island), a viral video surfaced of teens being intimidated while fishing. The local council opted for some educational solutions to assist all involved.