Fishers invited toprovide feedback on rebuilding programsfor fish stocks

The NSW government is making positive steps towards recovering key fish stocks harvested in NSW, by establishing new rebuilding programs designed to help rebuild stocks to sustainable levels. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is inviting all stakeholders across the commercial, recreational and charter fishing sectors to provide feedback on the proposed Rebuilding Programs for NSW fish stocks. This new approach for rebuilding stocks from depleted to healthy levels includes specific actions for stocks with significant NSW harvest. DPIRD deputy secretary Fisheries and Forestry, Tara Black said species specific changes for the commercial, recreational and charter sectors are proposed to support the rebuilding programs for Grey Morwong, Silver Trevally, Pearl Perch and Redfish. “The rebuilding programs will be based on science including species specific assessments, objectives, monitoring and management actions to rebuild stock biomass within biologically appropriate timeframes for key species, where NSW is the primary or a significant contributor to fishing mortality,” Ms Black said. “These changes will build on existing management controls to support appropriate reductions in fishing mortality for these species to ensure biomass will recover to sustainable levels. “The rebuilding programs and actions are focused on improving the long-term health of these important stocks – these changes are fundamental to supporting sustainable harvest practices and ongoing fishing opportunities across our fishing sectors.” Redfish are currently undergoing a listing decision process under the Commonwealth Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 for a conservation status of Critically Endangered, due to a severe decline in population size caused by fishing. The outcome of the listing decision, anticipated for late 2025, will be considered in determining the final arrangements for this species. Chair of the Commercial Fishing NSW Advisory Council, Stuart Richey AM said the program provides a structured approach for rebuilding the health of important fish stocks, based on clear objectives and actions designed to move stocks to a sustainable status. “This is about more than the specific changes, this is about securing a healthy future for these stocks, and the benefits from ongoing sustainable harvest,” Mr Richey said. “All fishers have an opportunity to help conserve and improve the long-term health of these stocks.” Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council chair, Professor Johann Bell said the proposed rebuilding programs – based on science – provide a practical way of addressing overfishing that has occurred in the past. “With our cooperation, the rebuilding programs can restore these stocks to sustainable levels,” Professor Bell said. “Without recovery and conservation efforts by all sectors during the rebuilding programs, fishers will have fewer opportunities to catch these species in the future.” DPIRD is currently seeking feedback from all stakeholders on the rebuilding programs and species-specific actions, with consultation open until 11.59pm on 31 January 2026 at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/rp-fish-stocks. All feedback will be considered before the programs, and proposed changes, are finalised.

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