Southern Calamari Bycatch

In reply to the Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().30 April 2024).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): I am advised:

The setting of a total allowable catch (TACC) for the upcoming financial year, is independent of the outcomes of the review of the statewide allocation of southern calamari which was undertaken due to catch levels of the Spencer Gulf Prawn Fishery.

The Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Advisory Committee (MSFMAC) has recently met to prepare recommendations for the catch limits for southern calamari for 2024-25. These recommendations will be informed by the MSFMAC Science Sub Committee and the status of the stock, which is currently sustainable.

I note the TACC in recent years has been determined based on the previous five-year (2015-2019) average catch, as an interim measure until a new harvest strategy is developed. A new harvest strategy framework (HSF) for the marine scalefish fishery (MSF) is currently being developed for inclusion in a new management plan for the South Australian commercial marine scalefish fishery by 1 July 2025. A key objective of the draft HSF is to ensure target stocks are biologically sustainable.