South Australia launches Recreational Fishing Authority

The South Australian Government has established a new Recreational Fishing Authority as part of a $6.6 million commitment to expand fishing opportunities across the state. The authority will be led by John Schutz, the former chief executive of the Department of Environment and Water.

To mark the launch, nearly 3,000 yearling trout were released into the Happy Valley Reservoir. The new body aims to centralize fishing policy, fast-track fish stocking, open more freshwater sites, and support community events and tourism. Additionally, the Tod Reservoir on the Eyre Peninsula has been opened to recreational fishing.

The funding package includes $1.75 million over four years for RecFish SA to support its representative work and tagging programs, alongside $1 million for fishing infrastructure such as bait boards and filleting tables. Recreational fishing is a significant economic driver for South Australia, with an estimated annual contribution of $1 billion to the state economy, including $403 million in tourism.