South Australia’s recreational fishing enthusiasts are expressing strong discontent after the state government announced new catch limits.

Set to take effect on November 1, these restrictions will impact fishing activities in both the Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent. This decision arrives at a time when retail businesses report a recovery in sales.

Concerns are mounting due to the state’s ongoing struggle with a severe algal bloom, leading to fears that the restrictions might be extended past the current deadline of June 30.

“We’ve had many customers today telling us they won’t bother heading out to the gulf just to catch five whiting,” a retailer mentioned.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison stood by the government’s decision.

“We’ve had to make some difficult choices, but these decisions are being made with the future in mind,” Bettison explained.

But not everyone has criticised the move, with some anglers still getting out on the water this morning.

“The fish stocks out here are pretty much heavily affected, and I think it was a no-brainer  – they had to do it,” fisherman Rob Christiansen said.