Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Gail Gago said the free SA Fisheries and Aquaculture Commercial Reporting app now available on Apple and Android mobile devices is one of the first such facilities available to commercial fishers in Australia.
“Following on from the recent streamlining of the approvals processes for the Tuna Industry; this new app once again illustrates how the State Government continues to find ways to assist commercial fishers in their operations,” Ms Gago said.
“Available only to licenced South Australian commercial fishers, the app will make it easier for them to report regulated activities, including the prior reporting of fishing activities, to Fishwatch.
“This has been developed in response to feedback received from fishers and it now means that they can lodge these reports without the hassle and cost of phone calls.”
Ms Gago said to enable eligible fishers to access the app, a unique PIN is available to them through Fishwatch (1800 065 922).
Once the PIN is entered into the app, report details will be stored, making submitting regular reports a much quicker process.
“While Primary Industries and Regions South Australia already provides a number of ways for fishers to conduct their mandatory reporting, the app provides further flexibility when submitting their reports,” Ms Gago said.
“Ensuring the State’s fisheries are protected is a priority of the State Government through the Premium Food and Wine from our Clean Environment strategic priority.
“By making the reporting process easier it also means assisting our fisheries to remain some of the best sustainably-managed fisheries in the world.”
Chair of Wildcatch Fisheries SA and the Seafood Directions 2013 organising committee, Jonas Woolford said the introduction of the app will provide many benefits to commercial fishers.
“It is a step forward into the 21 century,” he said. “This feature enables the industry to utilise the technology that we have available and is an efficient and effective way to improve our management systems.
“It really does make things more streamlined.”
Windows Phone devices will be able to access the app in the near future.
For further information and to download the app visit: www.pir.sa.gov.au/commfishingapp
