Answers to Questions

Primary Industries and Regions Department

438 The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().19 August 2025).

1. In regard to PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture (referencing Budget Paper 4, Volume 4, page 57):

(a) Why was there an increase in FTE's by 7.5 full-time equivalents from financial year 2023-24 to financial year 2024-25?

(b) What are the titles and roles of these additional FTEs?

(c) Given there has been a significant reduction in licence holders in the marine scale fisheries sector and little change in other sectors, what oversight and accountability is there on the minister's reasons for recruitment of additional personnel in the department?

(d) Given the commercial fishing sector operates under a cost-recovery model, what oversight and accountability is there on compliance costs accrued by the department?

(e) How much of the income into the fisheries and aquaculture program is from licence fees and compliance costs from industry? (as a dollar figure and a percentage)

2. In regard to the snapper recovery plan:

(a) What scientific data and stock assessment methodologies are being used to guide the development of the snapper recovery plan?

(b) Has the government set a timeline for the completion and release of the snapper recovery plan?

(c) How is industry, particularly commercial and recreational fishers, being consulted in the development of the plan?

(d) Will the plan include measurable recovery benchmarks or triggers for the reopening of closed snapper fisheries?

(e) Is funding allocated in the current budget to support both the development and implementation of the snapper recovery plan?

(f) Given the economic and social impact of the ongoing snapper closure, what interim support measures are being considered for affected regions and industries? (19 August)

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

1. The number of budgeted positions in PIRSA fisheries and aquaculture has remained unchanged; the increase reflects vacant roles that were filled within the policy and compliance teams.

Compliance programs are based on risk assessments. Each financial year these programs and associated costs are discussed with each commercial fishing sector, through the cost-recovery annual process. Compliance effort is then recorded by staff and reflected in periodical reporting to each commercial fishery, either six or 12-monthly. The number of interactions are recorded against key risks, with narrative and statistical data provided to industry against the three strategies of education, deterrence and enforcement.

2.

(a) The snapper rebuilding plan will provide transparent policies and approaches to manage the recovery of snapper stocks in South Australia. This will include:

Management objectives for stock rebuilding, with intended target population levels.

Estimated timeframes for stock recovery against the planned milestones. This depends on various factors such as:

the level of fishing mortality

biological characteristics of the species

recruitment events.

Predefined criteria that will guide the decisions to meet planned objectives. These will consider:

when fishing should reopen on currently closed stocks

how much fishing should be permitted for a given snapper population size

when fishing levels should be increased or decreased.

Performance indicators that will be measured to track the plan's progress against target and other reference points.

Key management arrangements to achieve the rebuilding objectives.

Frequency of monitoring and stock assessments, including what information will be needed.

The new Snapper Stock Assessment Report, which will provide critical information about the status of snapper stocks and biomass levels will be considered in conjunction with the snapper rebuilding plan.

(b) The snapper recovery plan is still under development which will include opportunities for stakeholder input.

(c) PIRSA is developing a draft snapper rebuilding plan to support the recovery of depleted snapper stocks. The rebuilding plan is being developed with input from the Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Advisory Committee (MSFMAC), MSFMAC Science Sub Committee and the Snapper Science Stakeholder Group (SSSG). The MSFMAC comprises membership including representatives of the commercial marine scalefish fishery, representatives of the recreational fishing sector and a charter boat fishery representative, as well as an independent economist, independent scientist, independent conservation scientist and other stakeholders. The SSSG includes representatives from both government and fishing sectors and comprises about 20 members.

(d) The snapper rebuilding plan will incorporate monitoring of the stocks using the performance indicators which will determine the effectiveness of the management measures applied in rebuilding depleted snapper stocks, such as:

Juvenile recruitment.

Commercial fisheries statistics—including catch and effort information by gear and area from catch and effort logbooks and catch disposal records.

Recreational catch and effort obtained through mandatory reporting of Snapper catches.

Biological sampling—fish length, weigh, sex, stage of reproduction and age. Key output = age structure to assess recruitment.

Fishery independent data—appropriate methods to provide a fishery independent estimate of biomass.

Stock status from periodic integrated snapper stock assessments.

Decision rules are being developed to guide rebuilding this iconic species and will be described in the snapper rebuilding plan.

(e) Yes. The snapper science program is a three-year, $5 million initiative addressing key issues that are relevant to snapper fisheries throughout Australia, but with a focus on South Australia.

Information gathered through this program will improve the understanding of snapper biology and contribute to improved assessment of fisheries. These outcomes will underpin future snapper management strategies and support the snapper rebuilding plan.

(f) The snapper recovery package supports those affected by the extended closure of the Spencer Gulf, West Coast and Gulf St Vincent snapper stocks until 30 June 2026.

The state government is delivering $8.8 million in funding initiatives including:

$5 million for the snapper science program which is co-funded by the South Australian government and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)

$2.4 million to support impacted fishers

$1.2 million to support the continuation of the snapper restocking program

$200,000 for reef restoration projects.