AQUACULTURE ZONES

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (28 June 2012).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): I am advised:

3. The Draft Aquaculture (Lower Eyre Peninsula) Policy proposes additional area for the off-shore farming of tuna, complementing the already established aquaculture zone areas of the previous version of this zone policy closer to the coast of Port Lincoln. The nearest point of land from the outer boundary of this new farming zone is the shoreline of Spilsby Island, which is 2.3 kilometres and the nearest point to the mainland is 28.6 kilometres in distance.

Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) Fisheries and Aquaculture conducted public meetings during the consultation phase of policy development to consult with the community. This process allows for areas of high interest and relative importance to recreational fishing to be identified and managed. All lease and licence applications are also referred to the South Australian Recreational Fishing Advisory Council for comment as a standard part of the consultation process.