"Snapper fishing to be banned in SA waters for more than three years, SA Government says
The South Australian Government is forging ahead with its plan to ban snapper fishing in the state's coastal waters, despite heated opposition from fishers and charter boat operators.
Key points:The proposed three-year ban immediately caused controversy when it was revealed last month
The Government says it is necessary because "drastic" declines in stocks have led to a "dire" situation
It says a multi-million-dollar support package will be made available to help businesses stay afloat
The Government has committed to introducing what it described as a "statewide" ban from November 1 because of drastic declines in snapper stocks in gulf waters.
The ban is set to continue until February 2023 and will target Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf as well as the state's west coast.
Snapper fishing will continue off the south-east coast under strict controls, with the Government promising a "multi-million-dollar support package" to help those affected.
The proposed ban was revealed in August and immediately prompted controversy, with charter boat operators telling the ABC it would be "devastating" and "catastrophic" for their businesses.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone acknowledged it would have huge impacts, but said the ban was based on the best available science.
"The snapper stocks are in a dire, decimated situation," he said.
"Gulf St Vincent has seen an 87 per cent reduction in the biomass of snapper, we've seen a 23 per cent reduction in Spencer Gulf.
"We've also seen a depleted stock in the west coast waters. That's why we've had to take this drastic action to manage snapper stocks in our waters so that we do have snapper for the future."
Mr Whetstone said the decision followed broad community consultation, and that the Government had received more than 900 submissions before making its final decision.
"We've consulted widely with all sectors — the commercial sector, the recreational sector, charter boat operators and the processors. This decision has not been taken lightly," he said.
"We will have to look at ways we can support those sectors, support the fishermen, the tourist sector.
"We understand the magnitude of impact it will have on our fishing communities, and so we will work with them to support them."
'They're taking our livelihoods away'
Snapper fishing is a major drawcard for coastal communities on Eyre and Yorke peninsulas, and is regarded as a significant contributor to regional economies.
Charter tour operator Ray Cook has operated in Gulf St Vincent out of Wallaroo for 17 years, but last month told the ABC he would have to shut down if the ban was brought into effect.
"As far as our business goes, it will cease probably as soon as the ban comes in," he said in August.
"I'll sell the boat, I suppose. That'll be the first thing. And then seek compensation. They're taking our livelihoods away.
"It's devastating. Over the past 10 years they've been talking about snapper depleting but they haven't really fixed the problem."
However, the State Government said it would attempt to offset some of the impacts through a support package.
Measures include slashing commercial fishing licence fees, investing more than $1 million in snapper science and $500,000 on restocking, as well as a diversification package aimed at charter boat operators.
"The charter sector will have access to a $500,000 program to revitalise their businesses to make the state's charter boat fleet more attractive for local, interstate and international tourists," Mr Whetstone said.
The State Government said it would also launch a new program under the banner "Stay Afloat" which would support the "mental health and wellbeing of affected commercial fishers, charter operators and seafood processors".
Mr Whetstone also encouraged fishers to consider targeting other species, but that idea has previously been criticised by Steve Storic, who runs a fishing charter business in Australia's so-called "snapper capital" of Whyalla.
"I've basically structured my business to target snapper, so for me to go out and structure to target other species — obviously there's more cost and outlay involved in that," Mr Storic said in August."
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