As part of the State and Federal Governments’ Algal Bloom Summer Plan, the S.A. State Government has developed a long-term plan to protect fish stocks while providing immediate support to recreational boat users.
To support South Australian recreational boat owners, the program includes:
- Discounted boat registration: for all recreational boats and light boat trailers registered between 1 December 2025 to 1 December 2026, the State Government is providing a 50% discount on registration.
- Free access to boat ramps: from 1 December 2025, the State Government is providing 12 months of free boat ramp access across South Australia.
Discounted recreational boat and light boat trailer registration
If your recreational boat or light boat trailer is:
- registered in South Australia, the 50% reduction will be applied to the registration fee on your renewal notice
- unregistered, you will need to wait until 1 December 2025 before renewing to receive the reduced fee. However, if you wish to use your boat or boat trailer before 1 December 2025, you will need to register it before use as normal.
Some light boat trailer registration holders may have recently received their registration renewal with the standard full fee. If your boat trailer registration expires in early December, please delay payment until 1 December 2025 or after. If you pay before 1 December 2025, the full fee will apply and may not be reimbursed.
Free boat ramp access
The State Government is working with local councils and other boat ramp managers to provide free boat ramp access across South Australia from 1 December 2025. You won’t need to buy a permit to launch.
Boat ramp locations can be found on the Location SA Map Viewer.
Other initiatives
Fish recovery program initiatives and fishing limits
The recovery program includes temporary fishing restrictions in the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island region and Spencer Gulf.
The restrictions started on 1 November 2025. They are expected to remain in place until 30 June 2026, subject to further changes based on regular scientific reviews.
Read more about the fishing restrictions.
For more information visit marinesafety.sa.gov.au
