Heavy line, large hooks face ban in Port River to protect dolphins
Heavy lines and large hooks could be banned in the Port River to protect dolphins, who have been observed taking fish bait.
SA News
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A review of recreational fishing activities in the Port River dolphin sanctuary that may result in banning the use of heavy lines, large hooks and some methods has been ordered by the State Government.
The review, being conducted jointly by Primary Industries and the Department for Environment and Water, will recommend measures aimed at mitigating dolphin entanglements in the sanctuary.
If measures such as restricting the use of live baits or heavy lines are introduced, recreational anglers who target large mulloway and kingfish in the Port River system will effectively be excluded from fishing the region.
The review is set to be considered at Thursday’s Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council meeting, which will then provide advice to those conducting the review.
An agenda paper obtained by The Advertiser reveals Environment Minister David Speirs requested both agencies “work together to explore options that may be available to address the risks posed’’ to the resident dolphins by “some recreational fishing methods in the sanctuary.’’
“Whilst there is an observed history of dolphin entanglements in fishing gear in the ADS, the issue of dolphins taking baits appears to be a more recent phenomenon, coinciding with suspected increased levels of recreational fishing for yellowtail kingfish in the Port River and Barker Inlet regions,’’ the paper, written by PIRSA recreational fishing manager Skye Barrett, states.
The report states there is no evidence which fish are being targeted by anglers, but “anecdotally, it is known that recreational anglers do target larger fish species such as mulloway, kingfish and stingrays in the region.’’
It says observations by rangers and evidence from recreational anglers confirmed that dolphins were attracted to the live or trolled baits used to catch kingfish and a commercial tour operator had witnessed “a dolphin becoming hooked after taking a bait trolled behind a boat’’ in the Port River.
“Given fishing for kingfish in the ADS is expected to increase next month, consideration will need to be given to early implementation of appropriate management arrangements, if required,’’ it states.
It says the aim of the review will be to establish management arrangements that are “simple, reasonable and enforceable’’ and continue to provide for community fishing in the ADS while “at the same time, reducing risks to dolphins posed by some heavier gear and bait combinations.’’
A government spokesperson today said the ADS was home to around 30 resident bottlenose dolphins and “provides many environmental and social benefits.’’
“The ADS is also a key breeding area for fish and recreational fishing – which also provides economic and social benefits - is allowed with some restrictions,’’ the spokesperson said.
“Unfortunately late last year a dolphin died after becoming entangled in the Sanctuary.
“The State Government believes recreational fishing can and should be able to continue to occur in the Sanctuary, but it’s important we review the regulations in place to make sure there are adequate protection for the dolphins.”
The spokesperson said a resident dolphin known as “Marianna’’ was found dead in recent days and while the cause of death was not yet known, it was not related to an entanglement.
Recfish SA chairman Mick Wilson said any restrictions would be “vigorously opposed’’ by the organisation.
“The Greens tried to do this in the past using hearsay and anecdotal information that was never proven to be accurate or truthful,’’ he said.
“When they have some concrete evidence to show fishing with heavy gear is a risk to dolphins in the area then we will actually consider talking about it. The facts show there is not much indication to show this is even the case.’’
Mr Wilson, who is a member of the MRFAC, said he was gathering factual information to take to the meeting on incidents involving dolphins in the Port River to enable “informed debate on the topic’’.
“Considering the Port River is accessed by many, many recreational anglers on a weekly basis, it would be devastating for the sector,’’ he said.
The state government last year introduced speed restrictions in the ADS to reduce the likelihood of dolphins being struck by boats.