Fisheries boat on show at Whyalla Snapper Champs

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Fisheries patrol vessel on show during Snapper ChampionshipA rare opportunity exists for boating and fishing enthusiasts alike during this year’s Australian Snapper Championship in Whyalla.As part of the championship, PIRSA Fisheries’ flagship patrol vessel the FPV Southern Ranger will be open for public tours on Saturday 3 April.The Southern Ranger is a state-of-the-art, 24 metre patrol vessel which undertakes sea patrols to maximise voluntary compliance with South Australian fishing legislation and create an effective deterrent against illegal activity.Master Offshore Patrol aboard the Southern Ranger, Les Parsons, says the tours present a great opportunity to get a first hand look at the vessel, and learn just how it is used to protect the State’s fishing industry.“We’ll be giving visitors a full tour of the boat, from the living areas and staff bunks, to the engine room and control room where they’ll learn just how the crew collect intelligence on suspected illegal fishing and respond to emergency disasters at sea,” he said.Free tours will be run every hour starting at 9am with the last tour starting at 4pm on Saturday 3 April. The vessel will be located at the Whyalla Marina. People can book tours at the main judging tent with a maximum of 10 people per tour.Regional Fisheries Manager, Metro North, Paul Faithow, said the tournament was an opportune time to remind local fishers that Fisheries officers will have an active land and water-based presence over the Easter period.”We are going to deploy extra Fisheries Officers into the Gulf to keep an eye out for those fishers who may ignore the rules and fish illegally,” he said.“We’ll be putting particular focus on Snapper and Blue Swimmer Crabs, so I urge all local fishers to know your size and bag limits so you don’t get caught breaking the rules.”Anyone can report illegal fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.