Two men caught with snapper during closed season
Tuesday 25 November, 2008

Two men from Semaphore Park and Findon have each received an on-the-spot fine for allegedly taking snapper during the closed season following patrols by Fisheries Officers on Yorke Peninsula recently.

Fisheries Officers approached the two men as they returned to the boat ramp at Port Minlicowie, near Minlaton on the western side of Yorke Peninsula.

A subsequent search of the vessel uncovered three snapper (measuring 100cm, 95cm and 40cm) concealed within the vessel.

As a result, the men were issued on-the-spot fines of $335 each with officers also seizing a quantity of fishing equipment, an esky as well as the snapper.

An annual state-wide closed season for snapper came into force at midday on Saturday, November 1 2008 and continues through to midday on Sunday, November 30, 2008.

PIRSA Fisheries, Executive Director, Mr Will Zacharin said the closure reduces the overall fishing effort and therefore the catch from the fishery.

"Reducing fishing effort has allowed fish to reach a larger average weight and age and therefore produce more eggs during its lifetime".

"Any fishers breaching the closure put any benefits that may be gained as a result of the annual closure at risk," Mr Zacharin said.

Fisheries Officers will continue to patrol snapper fishing hot spots throughout the seasonal closure to ensure all fishers comply with the fishing restriction.

Media Contact: Gary Darter, Acting Manager Compliance Operations, PIRSA Fisheries, Ph: 0408 805 477.