A statewide snapper fishing ban is well and truly under way in South Australia and will continue through to January 31, 2023, as part of the State's plan to rebuild decimated snapper stocks.
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The total ban on snapper fishing is for the Spencer Gulf, West Coast and Gulf St Vincent.
This has caused anger and frustration to charter boat operators, commercial and recreational fishermen.
Cape Jervis charter boat operator Gary Lloyd has been in the industry for more than 40 years, 25 years running Fleurieu Charters and was very disappointed and shocked at such a "disgraceful decision" he told The Victor Harbor Times.
"This will ruin lives.
"Some will be more fortunate than others and this will impact on communities. The charter industry is devastated and worried for their future and the future of regional communities," Mr Lloyd said.
"With no fee relief unlike the marine scale fishery, many license holders will be surrendering their licenses as they cannot maintain their businesses without any financial returns."
The Charter Industry Association is undertaking a survey of all members to determine the impacts of the closures and their future prospects.
"The uncertainty and the delayed decision has placed enormous stress on charter operators and their families. The charter Industry asks the public to support the industry during this difficult period. I have been fishing for more than 40 years, starting as a 'deckie' with my Dad, then buying my own license in 1984 and started Fleurieu Charters in 1995 out of Cape Jervis."
The public consultation included more than 900 submissions.
However, controlled snapper fishing is permitted in the South East waters during the non-spawning period between February and October each year, as these stocks have been assessed as sustainable. South East waters include Encounter Bay from Newland Head to the south-east of the state.
The S.A State Government is providing a multi-million-dollar support package including commercial fishing licence fee relief, funding for additional snapper science, recreational fish restocking programs and a charter boat diversification support package.
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