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Recreational fishing blueprint unveiled

Strategy for future growth of sector the main focus of new report

A recreational fishing strategy which lays the foundation for a prosperous future for the South Australian recreational fishing sector has been unveiled.

Developed by the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC) on behalf of the state’s recreational fishing community, the Recreational Fishing Strategy for South Australia 2021-2024 outlines key pillars for the future of the sector – growth, delivery, partnerships, knowledge and information.

Key action items for recreational fishers include investigating the rollout of electronic diaries, explore new funding opportunities, improve research and monitoring and increasing education.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the strategy contains practical actions for priority areas of growth to achieve a strong future for all of the 277,000 recreational fishers in South Australia.

“South Australia has an incredibly proud recreational fishing sector which plays a key role in the social and economic fabric of our state, contributing more than $160 million,” Minister Basham said.

“This new recreational fishing strategy, put together by MRFAC, provides practical actions to help grow the sector in a sustainable way and ultimately get more people fishing.

“We know that when people fish there are significant economic benefits because people often stay in regional communities, visit the local tackle shop and eat at local restaurants, which all support jobs.

“This is a practical comprehensive strategy which has been written after extensive consultation with the South Australian recreational fishing sector.

“This is not a government document, it is a strategy prepared by South Australian fishers, for South Australian fishers.

“I would encourage everyone who picks up a rod, line, pot or net to read this strategy and think about what they can bring to the table as we all work together for the sustainable management of recreational fishing in South Australia.

“The Government will consider the key actions in the strategy, as should all those who have an interest in the sector, including local government and retail fishing trade businesses.

“I congratulate the MRFAC on preparing this important, agendasetting strategy which is balanced across regions and stakeholder groups.”

Actions for the recreational fishing sector which are identified in the strategy include:: • investigate the rollout of electronic diaries across recreational fisheries which are managed by registration or Total Allowable Recreational Catch (TARC) • seek government commitments to on-going funding proportionate to the value of recreational fishing, or alternatively, explore separate funding resources • improve the participation of recreational fishers in research and monitoring projects • work with recreational fishing groups to increase fishing skills and best practise handling • work with schools and the Department for Education to identify opportunities to promote recreational fishing as a safe, family friendly and healthy activity.

MRFAC Chair Sharon Starick said the South Australian recreational fishing is diverse in its demographics, regions and practices resulting in a broad range of interests and needs.

“This strategy is looking at the key needs of the recreational fishing community over the next 3 years and aims to deliver tangible outcomes to the recreational fishing community by building capacity and capability,” Ms Starick said.

“Incorporating the growth and progress opportunities identified by the 2020 Recreational Fishing Priorities survey, this strategy focusses on both short and medium-term outcomes for the sector to increase stewardship, sustainability and security.

“It is now up to us – the whole recreational fishing community – to work together constructively to increase trust, unity, strength and resilience for a better future for this sector in South Australia.”

The full strategy can found on the MRFAC website: https://www. mrfac.org.au

Hamilton Market Report - SHEEP & LAMBS

WEDNESDAY

Agents yarded 4700 lambs and 2720 sheep at Hamilton last week. In a typical winters yarding the quality was plain and mixed in both lambs and sheep. All of the regular buyers were in attendance but some were not fully active. There was limited restocking competition with restockers paying to $170/head. This time of the year is all about quality and buyers were more selective in a market for score 3 better lambs in the 18 to 24kg category, selling $5 to $10/head stronger. The 26 to 30kg plus category were $10 to $15 dearer in places, however all other score 1 and 2 categories and below were $10 to $15/head cheaper.

Light lambs weighing 12 to 18kg lambs made from $70 to $147/head, averaging from 600c to 800c/kg cwt. The light trade weight lambs weighing 18 to 22kg sold from $110 to $198/head, to average between 600c and 1,030c/kg cwt. The medium trade weight lambs weighing 22 to 25kg made from $165 to $235/head to average from 650c to 950c/kg cwt. Heavy trade weight lambs made up to $256/head to average around 820c/kg cwt. Score 3 hoggets sold to $172/head.

Sheep were also softer by $15 to $20/head. Heavier crossbred sheep made to $231 with the better well covered Merino ewes making from $130 to $229/head. Wethers made from $186 to $225/head with the general run of Merino mutton averaging from 590c to 680c/kg cwt.

Terminal sires sold to $65 and Merino rams made $119/head

Critical producer forums rescheduled

Rebuilding the flock and herd - livestock forums for producers - are back on the calendar after July sessions were cancelled due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

Registrations are now open to take part in the rescheduled Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) free Livestock Forums. The Naracoorte forum has now been marked down for August 30, giving Limestone Coast stakeholders a chance to join local producers and industry experts to learn best practice management strategies to maximise reproductive performance and expand your flock and herd.

Learn more and register at: www.pir.sa.gov.au/major_programs/ growing_sa_livestock_industry/livestock_forums

Naracoorte Market Report - CATTLE

Numbers fell away by almost half as agents yarded 421 head of liveweight and open auction cattle at a wet Naracoorte sale. These sold to the usual field of trade and processor buyers, with feeders providing strong competition over the offering. Quality slipped last week with less of the supplementary fed pens coming forward, however this did not stop the market from selling from firm to dearer levels.

Yearling steers to the trade made from 430c to 543c, with similar heifers making from 415c to 515c/kg. Feeder orders were strong here as they sought steers from 377c to 545c, and heifers from 373c to 561c/kg.

Grown steers ranged from 390c to 456c, with feeder activity here to 420c/kg. Grown heifers to the trade made from 352c to 440c, with feeder support from 370c to 507c/kg. Manufacturing steers sold to 330c/kg. Heavy weight cows remained firm in price as they made from 330c to 366c/kg. The light weight selection returning from 228c to 326c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made from 265c to 310c, as light weights to feed made up to 408c/kg

Mount Gambier Market Report CATTLE

Numbers fell away as agents offered 360 head of live weight and open auction cattle. These sold to the usual field of trade and processor buyers along with the continued strong support of feeder orders.

Quality lifted in the grown steers and bullocks with a much improved offering however it fell away in other categories with numbers having an effect as pricing ranged from firm to easier.

Yearling steers went mainly to feed on, ranging from 395c to 538c with similar heifers to feed returning from 440c to 480c/kg. Trade buyers were active on yearlings paying from 335c to 481c/kg.

Grown steers and bullocks to the trade made from 395c to 435c with feeder activity ranging from 410c to 458c/kg. Grown heifers to the trade made from 343c to 440c as feeders operated on these from 405c to 435c/kg.

Heavy cows made from 326c to 367c/kg to the trade to be firm in price. The lighter types also to the trade made from 250c to 314c and feeder buyers paid to 295c/kg.

Bulls were small in number as they reached a high of 312c/kg.