Reduction of snapper season proposed in SA

THE South Australian Government has released an options paper proposing an extended closed season on snapper in the state.

The move comes after concerns have been raised about the state of snapper stocks. Commercial operators reportedly caught more than 900 tonnes of snapper in South Australian waters last year.

The SA Government says it is keen to control the commercial impact on the species and promote their growth.

The options paper has also suggested a change to a total allowable catch, with transferable individual quotas.

Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, Fisheries and Aquaculture, is inviting submissions on proposed changes to the snapper fishery to be submitted by 31 January 2012. The submission paper can be found at: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/163026/Background_Paper_for_Snapper_Management_Options.pdf