Kingfish due back in the bay
As spring approaches the yellowtail kingfish will soon be making their annual migration into the shallow waters of Coffin Bay. Fishers are reminded of the importance to the kingfish life cycle of the sanctuary zone areas in the bay.
Marine Parks Compliance Officer Elise Launer said it is likely yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) use the shallow sheltered bays around Coffin Bay to spawn, making protection of these areas critical to the species.
“There are a number of Marine Park Sanctuary Zones around Coffin Bay and it is important that no fishing activity takes place within the sanctuary zone,” Elise said.
The Kellidie Bay Sanctuary Zone protects some biologically unique ecosystems in Coffin Bay, including seagrass beds, which are home to a wide variety of marine species.
“These protected areas allow yellowtail kingfish and other species to go about their breeding activity with less disturbance. People fishing must be aware they are not able to ‘herd’ fish from the sanctuary zones to outside, and also cannot hook a fish outside of the zone and follow it into the zone to land it,” Elise said.
There are six sanctuary zones in the Coffin Bay area – Kellidie Bay (eastern side of bay), Mount Dutton Bay, Mount Dutton Creek, Horse Peninsula, Yangie Bay and Eely Point.
“We encourage people to enjoy the diversity and abundance of wildlife within Marine Parks. People in recreational vessels can enter the sanctuary zones to view and enjoy the marine life; however, motorised water sports and fishing need to be outside of the sanctuary zones. Rangers regularly patrol the sanctuary zones and people are encouraged to report any illegal behaviour,” Elise said.
“By protecting the important habitats and ecosystems within Coffin Bay, we are allowing for healthy, productive marine environments for the future.”
--------------------
Useful web links
Help with locating sanctuary zoneswww.environment.sa.gov.au/marineparks/maps-and-coordinates.
Free SA Recreational Fishing Guide app www.environment.sa.gov.au/marineparks/maps-and-coordinates/fishing-app.
Sanctuary zones in marine parks on Eyre Peninsulawww.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep/coast-and-marine/marine-parks.
To report a Marine Parks offence
Call 8688 3223 (Natural Resources EP Duty Ranger) or Fishwatch on 1800 065 522 (24 hours) or via the Free SA Recreational Fishing Guide app.
Free SA Marine Parks Sanctuary Zone Maps brochures
Available at tackle shops in Port Lincoln and general stores in Coffin Bay.
More information
Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula, phone 8688 3111.