The hustle and bustle at Port Lincoln commercial wharves is becoming worse as the fishing fleet expands and demand increases for limited space.
The pilchard fleet alone has grown dramatically with many of the 14 license holders using very large vessels, while new vessels targeting the Great Australian Bight with deep-sea and mid-water trawling as well as automatic long-lining are also contributing to the squeeze.
Pilchard industry spokesman Peter Blacker said discussions had already taken place with State transport officials on how more area could be provided to the fleet.
â€It is getting to the point of being a crisis, but the various fishing industries are working together to find solutions and we are hopeful local governments such as the council as well as the State Government come to the table soon,†Mr. Blacker said.
The pilchard fleet had already caught about 70 per cent of its 40,000 ton quota and the crowding could become worse in future years with Fisheries department allowing the license holders to own a second vessel.
The needs of the fishing fleet around the State was changing, Mr Blacker said, for example fishers on Yorke Peninsula were switching to large trailer boats and so needed boat ramps not jetties.
The crowding situation also meant vessels using the loading wharf at marina often have to wait a long time.
Tuna farm managers such as MG Kailis tuna division general manager John Isle have to deal with the overcrowding at the wharf and marina on a daily basis.
Mr. Isle said while the system generally worked and there was a level of communication between companies and industries, the lack of space was becoming a major concern.
The situation could be improved in the short term by having companies tie up two or three or vessels alongside each other, but Mr. Isle said he too saw the need for additional wharf space whether that be the BHP wharf or some other proposal.