Management Plan for the South Australian Commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery (2025).

The Management Plan establishes the framework governing South Australia’s Commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery, which operates under the Fisheries Management (Marine Scalefish Fishery) Regulations 2017. This Plan applies to the commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery (MSF or “the Fishery”), which is formally constituted under the Fisheries Management (Marine Scalefish Fishery) Regulations 2017. The Regulations define the Fishery as: the taking of aquatic resources specified in Schedule 1 Part 1 in coastal waters; and the taking of aquatic resources specified in Schedule 1 Part 2 in coastal waters for the purpose of bait. Schedule 1 of the Regulations is included in this management plan at Appendix A. Coastal waters include all of South Australia’s gulfs, bays and estuaries (excluding the Coorong) and extend from the Western Australian border to the Victorian border. The Plan is designed to align with existing management plans for other commercial fisheries, the recreational sector, and future Aboriginal traditional fishing plans. The Fishery is characterised as a multi‑species, multi‑gear, shared‑access system with more than 60 species taken commercially, though King George Whiting, Southern Garfish, Snapper and Southern Calamari dominate production and value. The document outlines the Fishery’s economic and cultural significance, noting its contribution to regional employment, food supply and heritage. It also details the complex access arrangements, with multiple commercial fisheries, recreational fishers and the Charter Boat Fishery sharing access to marine scalefish resources.
The four key goals for the Plan are aligned with the objectives of the Fisheries Management Act 2007: Goal 1 – Marine Scalefish Fishery resources are harvested within biologically sustainable limits. a) Maintain biomass of fish stocks at sustainable levels b) Monitor the biological performance of the fishery Goal 2 – Marine Scalefish Fishery resources are utilised optimally and distributed equitably. a) Sector allocations provide for optimum utilisation and equitable distribution b) Optimise economic performance within biologically sustainable levels c) Fishery management is responsive to external impacts on the Fishery d) Improve the flow of economic and social benefit from the Fishery to the broader community Goal 3 – Impacts on the ecosystem are minimised. a) Minimise Fishery impacts on bycatch species, (including TEPS), habitat and ecosystems Goal 4 – Management of the Fishery is collaborative, cost effective and participatory. a) Management of the Fishery is cost-effective, and efficient b) Management arrangements are developed in a participatory and collaborative manner c) Effective Compliance program for the Fishery