In a letter to Michael Pengilly, MP for Finniss, Fisheries minister Gail Gago passed the buck to local councils, apparently putting the options for legislative or regulatory change into the 'too hard' basket.

"The banning of any species specific fishing is problematic and the general nature of fishing activities makes regulating the taking or targeting of nominated species very difficult," Ms Gago said.

Former Yankalilla mayor Paul Newman called for a shark fishing ban last November after several incidents of inappropriate and illegal burleying by shark fishers off the Normanville Jetty led to violence.

Metropolitan beaches and jetties have experienced similar problems, leading independent MP Anne Bressington to draw up legislation for parliament to consider this year.

Both Mr Pengilly and Yankalilla council chief executive Roger Sweetman have met with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to discuss options for restricting inappropriate shark fishing activity.

Ms Gago said she understood council would consider putting 'No Shark Fishing' signs on the jetty, introducing by-laws to limit use of wire traces and large hooks on the jetty and beaches, as well as collaborating with PIRSA and police to monitor fisher behavior.

"I am confident the continued collaborative approach between the District Council of Yankalilla, PIRSA and SAPOL will achieve the best outcomes for the community."

Mr Sweetman said council had put up the signs, but introducing by-laws could take a minimum of two years and there could be a question of their legality.

He said Ms Gago's letter would be put to the next council meeting on February 15.

Mr Pengilly said the letter was "a nonsensical response to a problem that needs to be addressed."

Improved enforcement in the Normanville area recently had reduced the problem locally, according to Mr Pengilly, but the issue was a wider one that required greater regulation and enforcement, and the application of common sense.

He said he did not think Ms Bressington's proposed bill would have the numbers to succeed.