Please keep the momentum going about this topic. The change in the spearfishing ban was done with minimal consultation of the public and no feedback of the result advertised. It was all done very quietly as even Fishwatch staff did not know about it! The only people who did seem to know  were the spearfishing groups. The signs saying 'No Spearfishing' were not changed until 1 month after the law was brought in, allowing illegal spear fishing within 100m of the old boat ramp at Marino.

The reason for the change was that the then Liberal State Government disbanded the old recreational fishing advisory council and created a new Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC), filled with those interested in fishing, including a spear fisher who then pushed for shore based access to a couple of good spearfishing areas closer to metropolitan Adelaide. The result of last year’s 'public consultation' was a forgone conclusion. Those, probably the majority, including local councils, community groups and environmental organisations, who did not want spearfishing allowed in metropolitan waters were ignored. Let's fight this cynical abuse of power.

The photo shows the sort of fish found at Marino before the spearfishers came in large numbers. They are no good to eat but slow enough to be more easily caught than the edible commercial fish, which makes them fair game for the spearfishers. There are no bag or size limits for these reef fish precisely because they are not commercially caught or lured by hook and line fishing, so even those species that are in decline and endangered are not protected. 

So encourage your friends to sign and write to the new Labor Ministers, asking for a return to a complete ban on spearfishing in metropolitan waters because it is just not sustainable. If you or your children enjoy seeing fish like these when snorkelling at Adelaide's coast, then please sign.