recreational fishing strategy for south australia

2021-2024

RECREATIONALFISHING STRATEGYFOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

2 Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia

3Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia

MINISTER’S FOREWORD

The recreational fishing sector is incredibly important to South Australia, providing significant economic, social and wellbeing benefits to the state and its regions.

In recognition of the sectors importance, the Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia has been developed. The strategy outlines a vision and goals to secure opportunities for growth and deliver benefits back to the sector and community.

The State Government is committed to working with the recreational fishing community to expand opportunities for South Australia. As a sign of our commitment, the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC) was established to provide comprehensive advice to the State Government on the needs and interests of the recreational fishing community.

The Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia, led by the MRFAC, details four Pillars that provide the essential foundations of the plan, growth, delivery, knowledge and information and partnerships.

As a result, many key initiatives are already being developed to facilitate opportunities for the recreational fishing sector. Through the delivery of real benefits, the recreational fishing community will be well placed to realise your full potential.

I congratulate the MRFAC for their excellent work in delivering a plan that lays the foundations for a prosperous future for the South Australian recreational fishing community. I look forward to seeing the delivery of benefits back to the recreational fishing community through a united and cohesive approach.

The Hon David Basham MP Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development South Australian Government

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC) are honoured to have led the development of the Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia on behalf of the recreational fishing community.

Our recreational fishing community is diverse in its demographics, regions and practices resulting in a complex arrangement of interests and needs. Faced with a variable and changing environment, the potential for growth and prosperity for the South Australian recreational fishing community can be strengthened through a better understanding and recognition of what we provide to South Australian families, communities and regions.

In developing the Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia, the MRFAC has sought input and feedback from recreational fishers, ensuring that the strategy reflects the needs of the recreational fishing community. MRFAC embraces the diversity of the South Australian recreational fishing community, fostering a united and inclusive recreational fishing strategy for the state.

The plan aims to deliver tangible outcomes to the recreational fishing community by building capacity

and capability. The MRFAC look forward to continuing to drive growth and deliver benefits back to the recreational fishers of South Australia.

As the Independent Chair, I’d like to thank the MRFAC for their commitment and hard work in producing a vision focusing on Stewardships, Sustainability and Security to strengthen the recreational fishing sector.

Most importantly, I’d like to thank the members of the recreational fishing community for participating in the consultations that helped shape the Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia. It is now up to us to work together constructively to increase trust, unity, strength and resilience for a better future for recreational fishing in South Australia.

Sharon Starick Independent Chair Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council

OUR VISION

OUR GOAL

Building towards stewardship, sustainability and security for the South Australian recreational fishing community

Increased trust, unity, strength and resilience

StewardshipEntrusted ownership in the careful and responsible management of our shared aquatic resources

SustainabilityMeeting our own needs without compromising the ecological, economic and social potential of future generations

SecuritySecuring future prosperity as a sector through a united community, provision of accurate information, fostering key relationships and delivering outcomes that benefit recreational fishing


PILLARS ANDKEY STRATEGIC THEMES

ST

EW

AR

DS

H

I P • S U S TA INA

BIL

ITY

• SECURITY •

Incr

ease

eng

agem

ent a

nd improve partnerships

PA

RTN

ERSHIPS

Read

ily available data to provide accurate

info

rmatio

n in

relation to the recreational fishing sector

INF

OR

M

ATIO N

KN

OW

LED G E &

KN

OW

LED G E & DELIVER

Y

Representation that is

resp

ecte

d an

d ac

kno

wle

dg

ed

by the community

and

gove

rnm

ent

GROWTH

Increase funding, and draw on the experien

ce and

knowledge of the recreational fishing com

mu

nity

to increase opportunities for grow

th

Increase funding, and draw on the experience and knowledge of the recreational fishing community, to increase opportunities for growth

GROWTH


1. Prioritise the establishment of sustainability goals for key recreational species

Develop and set recovery goals for three of the four recreational fishing species for inland waters

Investigate the opportunity to roll out electronic diaries across recreational fisheries managed by a registration or Total Allowable Recreational Catch (TARC)

Prioritise and support the sustainability and recovery of priority species and habitats in alignment with sustainability goals outlined through the Management Plan for Recreational Fishing in South Australia 2020

Advocate for environmental water flows, and water quality, for recruitment and sustainability of native fish species

2. Continue to promote and raise awareness of being responsible community members

Respond constructively to feedback from the community on recreational fishing issues

Ensure Recreational fishing rules are available and interpreted for all recreational fishers

Improve and promote the role of Recreational fishers as stewards of the marine and freshwater environment

Improve the adoption of good fishing practise across the recreational fishing community through increased education, training and awareness (e.g. fishing clinics)

Support increased awareness and recognition of compliance through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) Fisheries Officers

Identify compliance issues that relate to recreational fishing with a view to identify gaps and raise awareness and communication between PIRSA and recreational fishers

3. Increase influence on decision-making

Provision of straightforward information to the community on how the fisheries management-related decision-making process works

Improve the recreational fishing community’s awareness of fisheries management decisions and how they may impact recreational fishing

Increase opportunities for willing recreational fishers to be more involved in representative opportunities

Ensure fisheries and aquaculture regulations and management arrangements consider impacts on recreational fishing to influence and have increased input into decisions across government

4. Improve management and delivery of key projects and development for the sector

Increase flow of information to those participating in representative roles, both government and advocacy groups, to establish a better understanding of what activities will deliver the highest benefits to the recreational fishing sector and community

• Create information sessions to provide accurate information to members of the recreational fishing community

• Develop an appropriate cost benefit approach to prioritising key projects and development opportunities

Increase input in the allocation of funds derived from recreational fishing activities, such as the Rock Lobster pot registration

• Identify current funding leverage opportunities to maximise outcomes for recreational fishers

• Increase transparency and awareness of where funds are spent

Secure a government commitment to provide on-going funding proportionate to the value of recreational fishing, or alternatively, explore separate funding resources including the below:

• Investigate the potential to expand current recreational fishing fee structures through comprehensive consultation mechanisms, including a consultation, to seek feedback on a Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL)/cost-free registration for inland and/or marine waters.

• Undertake a cost benefit analysis for introducing an inland and/or marine waters RFL/cost-free registration

• Investigate the support to establish a voluntary initiative fund

5. Develop a process to prioritise the key areas for growth in the recreational fishing sector

Use participation and visitation information of recreational fishers to prioritise funding

Increase participation in recreational fishing activities

• Promote and maximise facilities that support access for recreational fishers to marine and inland waters

• Increase the promotion of the mental health and wellbeing benefits of recreational fishing

Advocate for the recognition of recreational fishing as a sport and recreation by both state and national standards to enable access to additional funding opportunities for all South Australian recreational fishing groups

PRIORITY AREAS AND ACTIONS

DELIVERY

Representation that is respected and acknowledged by the community and government


1. Ensure recognition of recreational fishing access is acknowledged and highlighted in environmental assessments, marine planning, development applications, aquaculture, and other resource users

Ensure recreational fishing has a cohesive and unified voice to engage proactively on all strategic issues.

Work across recreational fishing groups to ensure where key issues arise, key interest groups are engaged in discussion and advice.

Emphasise the expertise held by local recreational fishers and promote the value of this knowledge.

2. Promote the management of each fishery as a shared resource and co-managed across all sectors

Work with PIRSA to promote the development of whole of fishery management plans that address objectives, risks, and harvest strategies for all sectors

Request PIRSA to establish formal arrangements to strengthen the recreational fishing sectors co-management in accordance with the standards outlined in the Policy for the co-management of fisheries in South Australia 2013

• Investigate and identify a fishery-specific opportunity to build recreational fishing sectors co-management opportunities

• Prioritise remaining fisheries in order of complexity in addressing co-management prior to the next review of the Management Plan for Recreational Fishing in South Australia 2020.

Engage with PIRSA and the Commercial and Traditional Aboriginal sectors to establish constructive cross-sector management dialogue

Communicate the benefits of co-management to the recreational fishing community to the broader recreational fishing community

3. Progress the recreational sector’s representation towards increased independence through a formal agreement with government

Increase mutual trust and respect with recreational fishing communities, government, Commercial fishing industry, Charter Boat industry and Traditional Aboriginal fishers.

Build capacity and governance of recreational sector’s representation and administration

Increase transparency of advice, information, and decisions

Increase engagement with the recreational fishing groups to build trust, support and facilitate on-ground action and raise awareness of key issues on behalf of the South Australian recreational community.


Readily available data to provide accurate information in relation to the recreational fishing sector

KNOWLEDGE &INFORMATION


1. Encourage greater participation by recreational fishers in the collection and dissemination of data and information

Support and assist projects that encourage the collection of information and data by recreational fishers

Support increased involvement of recreational fishers in citizen science projects

Improve the participation of recreational fishers in research and monitoring projects

Develop a process to ensure appropriate research and funding priorities for the recreational fishing sector

Promote recreational fishers’ involvement in research as an integral part of building towards stronger stewardship of our aquatic resources

2. Quantifying the value of recreational fishing

Seek to undertake regular consultation with PIRSA, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), FISHCARE and the community to identify accurate ways to measure participation in recreational fishing in South Australia

Approach academic institutes and research service providers to promote ongoing collection of data on community participation levels across regional visitation hotspots through South Australian Tourism Commission, regional tourism bodies and other sources of tourism data

Approach academic institutes and research service providers to partner in seeking funding to build research projects with an aim to determine the economic gain and benefits that are derived through participation and visitation across the state

Promote the development of a cohesive framework for the collection of recreational fishing data through various platforms. This applies to national, state and regional scales, to ensure rigorous and applicable data collection.

Foster the collection of data, and the promotion thereof, of the value of the broader health benefits of recreational fishing, in particular:

• to an individual’s wellbeing though improved mental health

• to those with physical disabilities

• to youth and the elderly

3. Support the delivery of accurate and accessible information on recreational fishing

Provide up-to-date information through push notifications (Rec fishing apps) of recreational fishing limits, new rules, educational materials, biosecurity and key management issues

Work with the recreational fishing community to increase provision of accurate and accessible, web-based information on recreational fishing matters

Assist relevant organisations with distributing communication materials to continue to raise awareness and promote responsible fishing and fish handling practises


Increase engagement and improve partnerships

PARTNERSHIPS


1. Increase recreational fishing representationon all relevant state groups that provideadvice related to the shared resource

Advocate for recreational fishing representation and membership on relevant Fisheries and Aquaculture-related Management Advisory Committees (MAC’s), statutory bodies and relevant working groups

Approach relevant groups to request the involvement of a recreational fishing representative and aid in identifying a suitably experienced recreational fisher to participate

Provide increased input on the relevant groups to ensure recreational fishing receives allocations that are fair and equitable

2. Build cohesive relationships andpartnerships within the recreationalfishing community

Drive a commitment from the recreational fishing community to collaborate and engage constructively and positively for the benefit of all recreational fishers to overcome leadership divisions and absence of a unified vision

Build and strengthen the promotion and engagement of the MRFAC with the Recreational fishing community

Develop partnerships to provide increased opportunities for children and youth to experience fishing

Work with recreational fishing groups to increase fishing skills and best practise handling

3. Build strategic partnerships with keystakeholders to implement strategiesidentified in the Recreational FishingStrategy for South Australia 2021-2024

Strongly promote the Recreational fishing strategy for South Australia to local government, state and federal government departments, non-government organisations (NGO’s) and private enterprise

Strengthen relationships and communication with national and state bodies to identify opportunities for the recreational fishing community of South Australia

Approach Commercial, Charter and Traditional Aboriginal fishery industry fishers and representatives to engage and participate in actioning the relevant plans strategies

Undertake joint activities with national organisations to increase the benefit to South Australia’s recreational fishing community

Work with schools and the Department for Education to identify opportunities to promote recreational fishing as a safe, family friendly and healthy activity.

Work with disability NGO’s to continue the rights and needs of all members of the community to access recreational fishing opportunities

Engage the South Australian Tourism Commission to develop an active partnership to assist in promoting recreational fishing as a tourism activity.

Actively seek opportunities to partner with environmental organisations and research organisations to increase opportunities for participation in citizen science and research activities

Partnering with relevant organisations to raise further awareness of the mental health and wellbeing health benefits of recreational fishing

Build and promote straightforward and effective engagement channels with the recreational fishing community, through individuals and groups, to enable actioning of the strategies outlined in the Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia 2021-2024


14 Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia

DEVELOPMENTOF THE PLAN

The primary objective of the Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia is to provide a framework to identify the interests and key strategic needs of the recreational fishing community of South Australia for a 3-year period from 2021 to 2024.

Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia (the strategy), aims to ensure that the recreational community growth strategy meets both state and, where appropriate, national strategic recreational fishing goals whilst addressing the major challenges facing the South Australian recreational fishing community.

To achieve this, the plan has been developed to ensure that it:

• is balanced across regions and stakeholder groups

• focuses on short- and medium-term outcomes forthe recreational community of South Australia

• is supported by a consistent managementframework

The strategy has incorporated the growth and progress opportunities identified as a result of the 2020 Recreational Fishing Priorities survey. It was agreed that the vision needed to be focused on the establishment of stronger processes to enable building towards the future. This has contributed to a foundational strategic plan developed for the South Australian recreational fishing community.

A thorough public consultation on the first full draft of the strategy was undertaken April 2021 to ensure that the recreational fishing community had an additional opportunity to provide feedback. Following a review of all feedback received, the strategy was finalised and presented to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The format of the plan has been purposely structured with four Pillars as the building blocks to achieve increased stewardship, sustainability and security. Within each of the Pillars and key strategic themes, a number of key priority areas have been identified and contain actions that can be delivered through individual projects. The numbering of the priority areas do not represent the preference, nor importance, but provides the ability to report against each area as a direct measure of achievement.

The strategy will be reviewed as required to

• assess performance against the identified priorityareas of the plan

• identify and address gaps within the Key StrategicThemes and Priority Areas of the plan

• determine new and emerging priority areas for theSouth Australian recreational fishing community

If you wish to view updates on the progress of the plan you are able to do so through viewing the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC) website or signing up to the subscription list at www.mrfac.org.au, or alternatively contact the MRFAC through the email address [email protected]

Photo Credit Craig Hoare

mrfac.org.au

recreational fishing strategy for south australia

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