A 30-year-old spearfishing ban along Adelaide’s metro coastline lifted

A shocked seaside community has raised safety fears with the return of controversial spearfishing but fishers say it’s time locals accept they aren’t dangerous.

For the first time in over 30 years, recreational fishers have been granted permission to spear fish along Adelaide’s coastline.

The ban officially lifted on February 17, according the Department of Primary Industries and Regions opening the shoreline between the southern end of Kingston Park and Balboa Drive car park in Hallett Cove, as well as an area immediately south of the Outer Harbor breakwater.

For decades a blanket ban on spearfishing has applied from Outer Harbor to the mouth of the Onkaparinga River to a distance of 600m from shore.

While the development has been met by keen fishers, the community has been left questioning why the ban was lifted.

Rob George, who has lived in the Marino area for more than a decade, said he and other residents were fearful for their safety now fishers with spears had converged on Marino Rocks and wanted to know why they were not consulted about the change.

“These things are lethal weapons,” Mr George said.

Marino residents are angered after a 30-year ban on spearfishing was lifted without any consultation with the local community. Picture: Emily Jarvis

“I – as well as many of my neighbours – have been snorkelling with the sealife down there for many years now, but now we don’t want to.

“Many of us are down here everyday and not one of us were asked if it was something we want because it is simply not.”

Mr George described spearfishing as a “bloodsport” and was concerned about a “lack of respect” for wildlife after finding discarded fish around the rocks.

“Some of these fish will swim straight up to you, so spearing them requires no skill, it’s a waste.” he said.

“They’re just being just being killed for the thrill of it.”

Eight-year-old beach user Levi witnessed spearfishers in the area over the weekend.

“I like to come down and snorkel around the rocks,” Levi said.

“I can see the fish and sometimes the crabs right next to me – I just want them left alone.”

Levi and Kai often spend their weekends and school holidays down by the rocks watching the fish swim. Picture: Emily Jarvis

Gulf Skindivers Spearfishing Club president Dave Schofield said the club had lobbied for two years to have the ban lifted.

“Spearguns only shoot a couple of metres so unless someone is right there next to you, they are pretty safe,” Mr Schofield said.

“Right now it’s in a transitional period and it is going to take a while for people to understand spearfishing. I have been urging the community of spearfishers to target pelagic (surface dwelling) species in those areas and conduct themselves in a professional manner.

“In December we collected over 40kg of rubbish along Marino as one of our family friendly days.”

For Carmen Fiedler and her two daughters Roxy, 13 and Dakoyta, 12, it is now easier for enjoy their family hobby closer to home.

Spearfishers Roxy, 13, and Dakoyta, 12, with mum Carmen Fiedler in Marino. Picture: Matt Loxton

“We have always done this as a family,” Ms Fielder said.

“Dakotya has been spearing for six years now and Roxy has been doing so for the last two years.

“Normally we go on holidays and have to pack all our gear whereas now we don’t have to travel and can enjoy it locally.”

Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said the change would boost local businesses and entice keen fishers to Adelaide.

“Recreational fishing is something many South Australians are passionate about and it brings many benefits, from increased economic activity through the purchase of bait and gear from local shops, to mental and physical health benefits,” Mr Basham said.

“Spearfishing is a healthy activity and occurs safely with other water users. We’ve listened to what fishers want and have provided more opportunities to get out there and enjoy our beautiful waters and coastline.

“This decision was made after consultation with the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council and other stakeholders such as community groups and coastal councils.”