Ministerial Statement

FISHING POSSESSION LIMITS

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Northern Suburbs) (14:04): I would like to provide the house with an update on the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers in South Australia. In addition to fishing being a major recreational pursuit of more than 236,000 South Australians, the recreational—

The SPEAKER: Order! Point of order.

Mr WILLIAMS: Is the minister making a ministerial statement? I don't believe he sought leave of the house.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: I seek leave.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: I would like to provide the house with an update on the introduction of possession limits for recreational fishers in South Australia. In addition to fishing being a major recreational pursuit of more than 236,000 South Australians, the recreational fishing sector is also a significant contributor to the state's economy.

However, there is a growing concern amongst regional communities in relation to the high level of interstate visitors travelling to regions such as the Eyre Peninsula and stockpiling large quantities of fish, particularly during holiday periods. As a result, several regional communities have requested the introduction of possession limits as a priority to ensure South Australian fish stocks are protected.

Possession limits refer to the maximum quantity of fish that a person is allowed to have in their possession in prescribed circumstances. They can be a useful tool in preventing stockpiling and ensuring sustainability and consistent access to the state's fishery resources for all recreational fishers.

However, before making a decision regarding the implementation of possession limits, I have requested that PIRSA Fisheries consult with the community. An initial options paper was sent to key stakeholders in the recreational fishing sector for comment and feedback, and I thank the South Australian Recreational Fishing Advisory Council, the Local Government Association, the South Australian Tourism Commission and PIRSA's recreational fishing champions group for providing their early input into the process.

A second options paper is being released today for a six-week public consultation period and I ask recreational fishers and any other interested persons to comment on the paper. PIRSA will also be holding meetings in regional and metropolitan areas for the public to share their views on possession limits.

It is important to note that I am mindful of not impacting unnecessarily on the majority of legitimate recreational fishers' activities. We find that, as a whole, recreational fishers are responsible and the vast majority obey the rules because they understand that they are in place for a good reason; that is, to protect this valuable resource for future generations.