Today RecFish SA has responded to the industry proposal to allow new locations for Shark Cage Diving, by rejecting all of the proposed locations and any plans to consider permitting operations outside of the Neptune Islands area. While the industry highlights the economic value of this activity, with significant risks identified, RecFish SA do not support the expansion of this activity into any new areas.
On March 31 RecFish SA was contacted by DEWNR on behalf of the Shark Cage Diving industry, who have put forward a proposal to expand Shark Cage Diving Operations (SCDO) to new/alternate locations. Currently SCDO are only permitted at the Neptune Islands. We were invited to provide a Stakeholder Submission. See more about the industry proposal here
During the short time-frame provided, RecFish SA consulted with it’s members including fishing clubs, associations, RFCs (including Pt Lincoln) and individual members. We also invited public submissions through our webpage. Thank you to the many recreational fishers who provided input to the RecFish SA Stakeholder Submission. We had an exceptional response from the fishing public and were pleased that so many took the time to engage on this important issue.
View the RecFish SA Stakeholder Submission in full: PDF Format here
RecFish SA welcome the announcement from DEWNR that Public Consultation on this issue will now occur and will run from April 20 – May 1. Early comments are being accepted.
Please send these to: DEWNRMarine@sa.gov.au
Subject: Shark Cage Diving