Fishing (both commercial and recreational) can have a major impact on the environment. This is one of the reasons why fishing is highly regulated. The laws governing fishing are complex and vary according to whether the fishing is being carried out in State, Commonwealth or local government waters or on the high seas (outside Australia's 200km exclusive economic zone).

Within State waters, the main legislation is the Fisheries Management Act 2007. Amongst the provisions of the Act aimed at conservation are restrictions on:

The contact point for fisheries matters in South Australia is Primary Industries SA http://www.pir.sa.gov.au.