Despite strong opposition from fishermen and chartered sea fishing, government in South Australia is determined to impose a ban on fishing and fishing for snappers off the coast of South Australia for the next three years.
It promised to impose the ban across the state starting in November, protecting sharply reduced populations of snappers.
The ban, which will be implemented until February 2023, covers St. Vincent Bay (Gulf St Vincent) and Spencer Bay (Spencer Gulf), as well as the western coast of the state.
However, along the southeast edge of South Australia, fishing enthusiasts can still carry out some recreational activities under strict conditions. The state government promised millions of yuan in subsidies to affected industries.
The ban, which was first disclosed in August, immediately sparked strong response.
The fishing industry, including the fishing industry, told (ABC), the Australian broadcaster, that it would have a disastrous impact on their company.
Weston (Tim Whetstone), director of basic industries, acknowledged that the ban would have an important impact, but insisted it was based on science.
He said the stock of snapper was in a serious decline. Among them, the biomass of snapper in Saint Vincent and the Gulf of Spencer decreased by 87% and 23% respectively.
"We have also seen the depletion of this fish in the waters of the west coast. That is why we have to take this strong action to manage the snapper stocks in our waters in order to provide fishing and fishing for the future."
Weston also said the decision was based on extensive community consultation and that government had received more than 900 comments before making the final decision.
"We have had extensive consultations with all sectors, including the business sector, the entertainment sector, charter operators and processors," he said. "this decision is not easy."
"We will have to find ways to support these industries, fishermen and tourism. We understand that this will have a great impact on our fishing community, so we will work with them to support them."
