14/09/2026
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Illegal fishing lands two fishers with $5,725 penalties
Fishers are being warned to follow South Australia’s fishing rules or face serious consequences, following a significant fishing offence involving Southern Calamari.
A husband and wife have each been handed a substantial penalty after being caught with 124 Southern Calamari, more than four times the daily allowable bag limit. The defendants were found in possession of a commercial quantity of Southern Calamari (Squid) without authorisation.
The case was heard in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court last week, 4 September, where Magistrate Martin recognised the seriousness of the offending and acknowledged that if members of the public do not adhere to fishing restrictions, it has ramifications for all users and a flow-on effect for the entire marine ecosystem.
Each defendant was convicted and ordered to pay a total of $5,725 in fines, penalties and costs. The
Magistrate also forfeited their catch and fishing gear, including rods, tackle bags, an esky and buckets.
Additionally, the defendants were prohibited from targeting or catching Southern Calamari for a period of 24 months, and from possessing equipment, including rods, reels, and squid jigs used to catch Southern Calamari for a period of 12 months.
In South Australia, Southern Calamari are subject to combined bag and boat limits with Cuttlefish under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. These rules help protect fish stocks and support the long-term sustainability of South Australia’s fisheries.
The South Australian Government has also implemented temporary, precautionary fishing restrictions to support the recovery of fish stocks following the impacts of the algal bloom. Anglers are encouraged to visit pir.sa.gov.au/fishing-limits to check the latest fishing arrangements.
