Proposals have emerged for stricter regulations concerning snapper and yellowtail kingfish in order to aid the recovery of fish populations in New South Wales (NSW) waters.
Both commercial and recreational fishing communities have voiced their opposition to these proposed modifications.
The NSW government has announced an extension of the consultation period for these changes, now set to close on February 15.
Seafood retailers and fishers are cautioning that tightening catch limits may lead to significant price increases for snapper and yellowtail kingfish.
These two species are frequently featured on menus, yet recent statements from NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty have highlighted that kingfish stocks are “dangerously low.”
The state government is considering a reduction in the annual catch limit for kingfish from 250 tonnes to 120 tonnes. Meanwhile, the snapper catch limit would remain at 300 tonnes annually, but new measures would introduce monthly catch limits for commercial fishers and a bag limit of three for recreational anglers, allowing only one fish over 70 centimeters.
Adam Hambley, a seafood shop owner in South Grafton, northern NSW, expressed concerns that stricter limits would lead to inflated prices. He stated, “If the price of whole fish rises by $5, the fillet price could jump by $20, bringing snapper fillets close to $80-90 per kilo. I doubt anyone would pay that amount.” He further noted that if prices escalate due to reduced availability, snapper may become scarce in the local area.
Noel Gogerly, a commercial fisherman in Tuncurry on the NSW mid-north coast, typically catches up to 40 kilograms of snapper daily. Under the new regulations, he would be restricted to just 10 kilograms, potentially costing him around $300 each day.
Gogerly also pointed out that fish released back into the water are likely to perish due to pressure-related injuries. “You’ll see snapper floating on the surface, only for sharks to consume them, leading to significant waste of a valuable resource,” he remarked.
Charter fishing operators and recreational anglers share similar concerns. The proposed changes would limit yellowtail kingfish catches from five per person to just one per boat. Charter operator Craig McGill stated, “This could end my business. If I have four clients on board, telling them they can only share one kingfish is unfeasible. They pay a premium for the charter experience.”
Michael Mashado, who runs a tackle store in Eden on the far south coast of NSW, estimated that the changes could reduce his annual sales by as much as $200,000. He noted, “People won’t invest in gear to catch just one kingfish or three snapper. When you factor in fuel and travel costs for keeping just one kingfish, it simply isn’t worth it.”
He emphasized that fishing significantly contributes to the local tourism economy, stating, “Families visiting with large boats spend money in tackle shops, pubs, and supermarkets.”
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) explained that the proposed regulations aim to facilitate the recovery of historically depleted fish populations while still allowing for some level of commercial and recreational fishing. DPIRD’s fisheries management director, Heath Folpp, noted, “We understand that recreational and commercial fishers each account for approximately 50 percent of the catch for both species. We strive to implement changes that distribute the impact fairly across all sectors.”
In light of industry concerns, the public consultation period regarding these proposals has been extended until mid-February.
