CATFISH BANS

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:54): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Fisheries a question regarding catfish bans on the River Murray.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: Freshwater catfish in the River Murray fishery have been a protected species since the early 1990s; however, that was in conjunction with very low numbers at the time, and there has since been a bag limit of just one per day in place. Recent improved river conditions have resulted in a resurgence in fish stock numbers, including catfish, according to local anglers, with catches of as many as 50 or 60 a weekend being reported in some cases.

Recreational fishermen have identified that they would be more than happy to report their catch numbers, in coordination with PIRSA, with an increase in the bag limit if that were approved. The Murray-Mallee Local Government Association wants a catfish season for the River Murray to improve tourist activity in the region. Some commentators suggest that people are going interstate to catch catfish upstream, where the bag limits are more relaxed than is presently the case here in South Australia. My questions to the minister are:

1. Has the government reached a deadlock with the Murray-Mallee LGA on who will fund a study on the merits of lifting catfish restrictions, as has been reported amongst media outlets?

2. If so, what amount of money is involved and how much of it is on offer?

3. Is the minister able to commit to making a decision on the matter within the next 28 days or so in order to provide certainty for the region?

4. Has the minister or the department ever looked at developing a phone application for smartphones for reporting catch numbers for monitoring purposes (which would certainly make it easier and more timely than it currently is)?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his most important questions. The sustainability of our fisheries is an incredibly important economic as well as environmental issue, and South Australia can be very proud of the fact that we have one of the best-managed fisheries in the nation. This is due to the good leadership and good technical support and expertise within PIRSA.

A number of different measures are used to assist in the sustainability of our fisheries, including bag limits. It is obvious that we do not make changes to these measures without very well-substantiated evidence. In terms of the bag limits for catfish, I am very happy to have a look at that. I am not too sure where that is up to at the moment, but I am more than happy to look at what work has been done and what the result of that has been, and whether there is any prospect of changing bag limits. I cannot commit to 28 days because I am not sure how complex it is and how much material is available, but I will certainly commit to expedite that.

Regarding the issue of a smartphone app, I think it is an excellent idea. I will have a look at that and see whether or not we can use that to report. I will take these questions on notice and will be happy to bring back a response as soon as I am able.