West Coast and Spencer Gulf prawn fishers are utilising a public resource that is managed by the South Australian (SA) State Governments PIRSA Fisheries division, under a range of legislative controls including the:
Management Plans pull together legislative controls, document how the fisheries operate, provide some historical information, and also incorporate other aims and controls to regulate the fisheries (ie goals, objectives and strategies; performance indicators etc). The Management Plans for the Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Fisheries were developed under the antecedent Fisheries Act 1982, however they continue to apply. The Management Plans provide a comprehensive look at how the Prawn Fisheries are managed. In addition, the West Coast Prawn Fishery is required to meet conservative management measures to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
There are also a number of other legislative controls and priority plans that ensure activities undertaken, whether by the fishing industry or by people generally, are maintained within context of environmental sustainability.
These legislative controls can provide a basis for management of the fishing industry (ie reducing protected species loss, correct disposal of waste etc). An example of other legislation that the Prawn Association considers in developing strategic plans, research and development plans or in priority setting, include:
See the Fishery Assessment Reports
See the Public Register
The licence holders are responsible for 100% of the cost involved in managing the fisheries, under the PIRSA cost recovery program. This includes everything from the stock assessment surveys conducted three times a year, to government management of the fishery (licensing, invoicing, compliance), to economic reporting. Working under co-management arrangements with government ensures licence holders are fully informed of government activities and requirements of the fisheries.