AFTA Chair’s Report – April 2026

It was encouraging to see Angling International magazine publish AFTA’s analysis, grounded in State and Federal Government data, clearly reinforcing that recreational fishing is far more than a leisure pursuit. The evidence is unequivocal: recreational fishing is a major economic driver, a powerful contributor to community wellbeing, and one of the most sustainable, low‑impact uses of Australia’s fisheries resources.

For many years, AFTA has led the national argument that recreational fishing delivers the highest economic, social and environmental return per kilogram of fish harvested. On every meaningful measure, it outperforms the nation’s wild‑caught commercial fishing sector—particularly when regional employment, tourism expenditure, small business support and broad community participation are taken into account.

The research highlighted in the article further confirms what our members experience on the ground every day. Recreational fishing underpins regional economies, sustains local manufacturing and retail businesses, and strengthens Australians’ connection to their waterways and natural environments. Importantly, it achieves these outcomes while maintaining a comparatively low ecological footprint.

These findings reinforce AFTA’s ongoing advocacy: recreational fishing must be recognised and prioritised as a cornerstone of modern fisheries policy. Governments must ensure management frameworks reflect where the greatest public benefit is delivered and invest accordingly in access, habitat protection and science that supports a thriving recreational fishing sector now and into the future.

The full article can be viewed on the AFTA website.

TASMANIA

Waubs Bay (Bicheno) Petition – Member Update

AFTA was contacted recently by Tasmanian AFTA members regarding a recently lodged petition seeking to close Waubs Bay at Bicheno to both recreational and commercial fishing. At the outset, it is important to note that Waubs Bay is already subject to existing fisheries management arrangements, including no‑netting provisions, which have long been in place and are well understood by local fishers.

The area proposed for closure included several highly valued and well-used fishing locations, including the Gulch Wharf and the concrete breakwall at Waubs Bay. These locations provide safe, accessible shore‑based fishing opportunities, particularly for families, children and visiting tourists, and play an important role in introducing people to fishing while supporting local tourism activity. Nearby areas such as Peggy’s Point and Cod Rock are also included within the proposed zone. These sites are well‑established and productive rock lobster fishing grounds, frequently utilised by small‑boat operators, particularly when weather conditions make other areas unsafe.

AFTA holds serious concerns that closing access to these areas would unnecessarily remove long‑standing recreational fishing opportunities that generate significant economic activity for local businesses and form part of the social and cultural fabric of the Bicheno community. Impacts arising from the loss of access would extend beyond fishing alone, affecting tourism, community engagement and small business viability.

Following advice from our members, AFTA raised the matter directly with the office of the Tasmanian Minister for Fisheries, the Hon. Gavin Pearce MP. AFTA was advised unequivocally that the Tasmanian Government does not support the petition to close Waubs Bay. However, under the parliamentary process, the Government is unable to prevent the petition from being formally lodged and subsequently tabled in Parliament.

The petition, sponsored by Craig Garland MP, titled “Marine Sanctuary Fish Propagation Area in Waubs Bay, Bicheno”, was submitted to the Tasmanian Parliament in March and was to remain open for signatures until 11 June 2026.

The petition calls on Parliament to zone Waubs Bay as a marine sanctuary and fish propagation area, with proponents arguing that such a designation would protect biodiversity, allow marine species to flourish and deliver broader ecological benefits through spill‑over effects.

Members should be reassured that petitions do not result in automatic closures. Once the petition period closes, it will be tabled in the Tasmanian House of Assembly, triggering a formal government response. Any consideration of rezoning or closure would require a separate and comprehensive policy process, including scientific assessment, stakeholder consultation and, potentially, public submissions.

Waubs Bay is a well‑known and heavily used recreational fishing and community area on Tasmania’s east coast. Proposals to designate high-use coastal areas as no-take zones raise broader concerns for recreational fishing, including cumulative access loss and the need for decision-making to be guided by transparent, species-specific science rather than precautionary, blanket approaches.

AFTA continues to strongly advocate for evidence‑based fisheries management, supporting targeted and proportionate measures that achieve sustainability outcomes without unnecessarily removing recreational fishing access. Where localised issues arise, AFTA supports responses that are species-specific, time-limited, and scientifically justified.

It is ironic that the petition is sponsored by Craig Garland MP, the recently elected Independent Member for Braddon on Tasmania’s north‑west coast. While Mr Garland has publicly identified as a small‑scale commercial fisherman and has spoken extensively about the impacts of fisheries regulation on communities in his own electorate, AFTA has questioned the rationale for proposing a closure in an east coast community outside his electorate, particularly where existing management measures are already in place, and there is strong local reliance on recreational access.

In response to public concern, Mr Garland has now withdrawn the petition, bringing the matter to a close. AFTA welcomes this outcome and trusts that future proposals affecting recreational fishing access will be developed through consultation, sound science and common‑sense policy processes.

AFTA will continue to keep members informed of any future developments and encourages ongoing engagement should any further consultation opportunities arise.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, with responsibility for Recreational Fishing, invited the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) to participate directly in discussions associated with the South Australian Scale Fish Review, reinforcing AFTA’s standing as a key stakeholder in the state’s fisheries policy framework.

AFTA was represented at the April meeting by the Chair, alongside South Australian AFTA Director Alicia Bolitho. Representatives from the South Australian charter fishing sector and Recfish SA also attended, ensuring strong and coordinated representation of the recreational fishing industry.

The meeting brought together senior government and research officials, including Mehdi Doroudi, Chief Executive of PIRSA; Professor Mike Steer, Executive Director of SARDI; Professor Gavin Begg, Executive Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture; and Alice Fistr, Director of Policy and Governance (Algal Bloom) within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

In a constructive, substantive engagement, participants reviewed stock assessment outcomes and discussed potential management options for several key recreational species. These included Gulf St Vincent Blue Crab, King George Whiting, Garfish, and Calamari across both Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf.

The forum provided AFTA with an important opportunity to advocate for evidence‑based fisheries management that appropriately recognises the significant economic, social and community value generated by recreational fishing and the charter sector. AFTA emphasised the importance of management settings that prioritise long‑term sustainability, maintain reasonable access for recreational fishers, and support positive regional economic outcomes.

As part of its engagement, AFTA formally requested detailed reporting on spawning aggregation timing and specific locations for each key species. The Association maintains that targeted, area‑specific closures during spawning periods, where supported by sound science, represent a practical and effective pathway to sustainability while minimising unnecessary impacts on recreational fishing access.

AFTA also raised the timing of the Scale Fish Review and sought clarity on potential outcomes associated with the West Coast Snapper fishery. While specific details were not disclosed, the Minister advised that the review is progressing as planned and that stakeholders will be updated in due course.

AFTA will continue to engage closely with the South Australian Government as the Scale Fish Review progresses, ensuring the interests of recreational fishers and the broader fishing trade are clearly articulated and appropriately reflected in future policy and management decisions.

Ongoing Collaboration on Algal Bloom Recovery

AFTA also confirmed it will maintain its strong working relationship with the South Australian Government as the sector continues to manage the significant impacts of the recent algal bloom. The $300,000 “Let’s Fish SA” engagement and education campaign and the $200,000 Junior Tacklebox Program remain active, providing tangible support to tackle retailers and the broader recreational fishing community during the recovery phase.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

AFTA Sought Member Input on Demersal Fishing Closure

In response to ongoing concerns surrounding the Western Australian demersal fishing closure, the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) actively sought input from the WA recreational fishing community.

AFTA invited Western Australian recreational fishing retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and fishing media operators to participate in an online Teams meeting on 28 April, providing an opportunity for members to share their experiences and perspectives on the impacts of the demersal management changes.

AFTA explored practical approaches to support stakeholders affected by the demersal ban, particularly local tackle retailers and associated businesses. Attendance at the meeting was open to both members and non‑members, and contributions from across the sector were encouraged.

AFTA also noted growing concern about widespread misinformation circulating online and in political commentary regarding the demersal changes. In particular, claims suggesting that all fishing in Western Australia has been shut down are incorrect. AFTA continued to emphasise the importance of accurate, factual communication to ensure public debate is informed by evidence rather than speculation.

Members who wished to attend were encouraged to accept the meeting invitation or contact AFTA for further information. AFTA will provide an update in due course.

VICTORIA

A New Ministerial Landscape for Recreational Fishing

Following the recent Victorian Cabinet reshuffle, prompted by several pending retirements ahead of the 28 November state election, recreational fishers have now lost what can reasonably be described as two strong ministerial advocates from our industry.

The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos has been appointed as Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Minister for Sport and Major Events. Alongside him, The Hon. Luba Grigorovitch has been appointed as Minister for Youth and Minister for Carers and Volunteers.

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) acknowledges and thanks both ministers for their ongoing commitment to recreational fishing and for their role in positioning Victoria as the national benchmark state for recreational fishing policy and outcomes.

Responsibility for Outdoor Recreation and the Environment, including recreational fishing, will now transfer to the Hon. Enver Erdoğan, who assumes the portfolio as part of the reshuffle. AFTA looks forward to working constructively with Minister Erdoğan to continue advancing opportunities for recreational fishers and the broader fishing trade.

Looking ahead, the impending amalgamation of the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the Game Management Authority (GMA) into a single, centralised statutory body Outdoor Recreation Victoria (ORV) is expected to create broader opportunities for integrated policy development and improved outcomes across the outdoor recreation sector. While this structural reform presents clear benefits, significant challenges remain, including crown land access, the eradication of invasive carp from Victorian waterways, and broader waterway health issues.

AFTA will shortly provide members with a detailed report on the Murray–Darling Carp Action Summit, scheduled for 30 April, along with an update on the proposed management schedule for herpes virus introduction as part of ongoing carp control efforts in Victorian waters.

Consistent with its firm non‑partisan position, AFTA will also engage with Melina Bath MP, Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, to discuss Coalition recreational fishing policy priorities ahead of the election.

Members with recreational fishing policy suggestions should forward them to AFTA asap as the November election is rapidly approaching.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Growing Participation Through “Let’s Go Fishing” and “Get Hooked… It’s Fun to Fish” Programs

Participation in recreational fishing education across New South Wales continues to grow, with the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) playing a key role in expanding access to quality, curriculum‑aligned programs in schools.

In partnership with the Marine Teachers Association (MTA) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), fishing gear has been distributed to NSW schools participating in the Let’s Go Fishing education program. Now in its sixth phase, the program rollout has been strengthened through NSW DPI grant funding and AFTA member support.

Delivered through MTA, the program enables participating secondary schools to incorporate fishing as part of structured school activities. In addition to the educationally designed fishing video series, students gain hands‑on experience fishing while learning safe, sustainable practices and developing respect for aquatic environments. The program focuses not only on fishing skills but also on stewardship—teaching catch-and-release, environmental responsibility, and ethical fishing behaviour.

The “Let’s Go Fishing” and the “Get Hooked… It’s Fun to Fish” programs target different age demographics.

AFTA fully supports the NSW DPI‑led Get Hooked… It’s Fun to Fish program, which targets students in Years 3-6. Designed for Stages 2 and 3 of the primary school curriculum, the program delivers interactive lessons that introduce recreational fishing skills while promoting responsible fishing practices and habitat protection.

Through these programs, students learn:

• Fishing skills for lifelong enjoyment
• Environmental responsibility and sustainable fishing principles
• Fishing and water safety

At the core of both programs is reinforcing responsible fishing behaviour, including taking only what is needed, following size and bag limits, fishing safely with others, protecting waterways, and returning undersized fish to the water.

AFTA recognises these programs as critical to building the next generation of responsible recreational fishers while strengthening long‑term outcomes for fisheries sustainability, community engagement and the fishing industry.

Why This Matters to Industry

These NSW school‑based fishing programs play a critical role in building the next generation of recreational fishers, ensuring the long‑term sustainability of the fishing trade. By introducing children to safe, ethical and environmentally responsible fishing, the programs foster lifelong participation, support future customer growth for tackle retailers and manufacturers, and strengthen public understanding of fishing as a positive, low‑impact outdoor activity. For the industry, this represents a direct investment in future participation, community goodwill and the durability of recreational fishing access.

QUEENSLAND

The past month has been characterised by an intensive program of stakeholder engagement for the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA), with a strong focus on Queensland Government policy processes. While the volume of meetings has been substantial, the outcomes have been highly constructive and strategically important for the recreational fishing and broader fishing trade sectors.

A key highlight has been AFTA’s continued participation in the Queensland Prosper 2050 working group, where the Association has been invited to contribute alongside the state’s major agricultural sectors. AFTA has been involved in this forum since its establishment by Minister Tony Perrett following the election of the LNP Government. Maintaining a seat at the table in this process is critical, ensuring that the interests of the recreational fishing industry are represented in long-term economic and regional planning discussions.

In parallel, the Minister’s office has initiated discussions on the potential establishment of a Queensland-based recreational fishing peak body. This proposal aligns closely with AFTA’s election platform over the past two state election cycles. AFTA has indicated its strong support for the concept and stands ready to provide guidance on models that maximise benefits for both government and Queensland’s recreational fishing community.

The Future of Fishing in Queensland Is in Your Hands — Have Your Say

AFTA has also been actively engaging with the Queensland Government on the Queensland Fishing & Seafood Action Plan. Members have played an important role by participating in regional forums held throughout April, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to constructive consultation and policy development.

The Queensland Government is inviting the recreational fishing industry to help shape the future of the sector.

In partnership with industry, the Queensland Government has developed Primary Industries Prosper 2050, establishing a bold and unified vision to strengthen, grow, and safeguard the future of Queensland’s primary industries.

As part of this initiative, the Government is co‑designing a range of fishing and seafood‑related actions under the Prosper 2050 framework and is currently engaging with stakeholders across the state, including:

• Recreational fishers and the recreational fishing supply chain
• Queensland’s seafood industry and associated supply chains
• Fishing charter operators
• Service providers and retail businesses
• Local governments and regional organisations, including Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups and economic development agencies
• Education and research institutions
• Industry representative bodies
• The tourism sector

This is a valuable opportunity for the recreational fishing community and supporting industries to contribute their insights and help ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for fishing in Queensland.

So, Have  Your Say before May 31st.

Advocacy efforts have already delivered a positive outcome, with an increase in the recreational boat limit for Spanish mackerel. However, AFTA continues to press for further reforms, including:

• Increasing the limit to two fish per person, with a maximum of six fish per boat
• Reforming fillet length measurement rules
• Addressing the ongoing impacts of tunnel nets and gill nets

AFTA remains committed to working collaboratively with the Government to secure balanced, sustainable outcomes that support recreational fishers, regional communities, and the fishing trade across Queensland.

Latest Stock Assessment

The latest stock assessment for east coast saddletail snapper (also known as large-mouth nannygai) is now available.

It estimates that the number of saddletail snapper (biomass) in July 2025 was between 19% and 42% of unfished levels, and most likely around 28%.  At 28% of unfished levels, the biomass is lower than it should be.

Watch our video for a summary of what’s changed since the last assessment, the key data we used, how the model works and how the stock is doing now.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Eleven Years of Strong Marketing and Fishing Outcomes Continue to Deliver for the Northern Territory

Season 11 of Million Dollar Fish – Australia’s richest recreational fishing competition – has now concluded, marking another highly successful year for one of the Northern Territory’s flagship tourism and fishing initiatives. Now in its eleventh year, the program continues to demonstrate the significant economic, tourism and regional development benefits that effective recreational fishing promotion can generate.

The most recent season ranks among the strongest in the competition’s history and further reinforces the Northern Territory’s standing as an internationally recognised barramundi fishing destination. Key outcomes from Season 11 included:

• 18 barramundi captures each attracting $10,000 in prize money, making it the second-highest tally on record behind Season 8.
• $220,000 paid directly to recreational fishers in prize money.
• One of the largest barramundi landed in the competition’s history, measuring an impressive 99 centimetres.
• The introduction of the Reel of Fortune, which delivered new monthly incentives and prize opportunities throughout the season.
• The Size Matters incentive in March, which offered the largest non-million-dollar prize in the competition’s history, with $100,000 awarded for the biggest barramundi caught during that month.
• Strong participation and success by women fishers in incentive categories, including Chloe Frost, who secured $40,000 in December through Size Matters, and Loren Hanton, who won $20,000 in November as the Weekend Fisho winner.
• More than $47,000 distributed through Monthly Prize Giveaways, rewarding 30 participants simply for being registered.

Collectively, these results highlight the program’s continued success in driving participation, visitation and economic activity across the Northern Territory, while maintaining national and international visibility for its recreational fishing sector.

Barramundi Gillnet Phase-Out Continues

Alongside these recreational fishing milestones, progress is continuing on the Northern Territory Barramundi Gillnet Phase-Out, a long-standing advocacy priority for AFTA.

Over the past month, AFTA held further direct discussions with Gerard Maley MLA, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Fisheries, to review progress and timelines associated with the commercial barramundi gillnet ban. The Minister reaffirmed that the 2027 season (February 1st to September 30th 2027) will be the final commercial barramundi gillnet season, delivering on a key AFTA-led election commitment of licence buybacks announced on February 12th 2024.

While implementation has progressed more slowly than originally anticipated, the delay reflects the complexity of establishing appropriate legislative and regulatory frameworks, as well as of developing fair and equitable licence-acquisition arrangements for affected commercial operators.

Looking ahead, AFTA has also emphasised the broader strategic context facing the Territory. The Northern Territory’s status as Australia’s premier barramundi sportfishing destination is increasingly being challenged by the growing presence of regularly caught and released metre-plus barramundi along the Queensland coast, particularly in stocked freshwater impoundments. AFTA maintains that the removal of indiscriminate gillnetting will significantly enhance the quality of recreational sportfishing in the Territory and help secure its long-term competitive advantage.

AFTA will continue to work closely with the Northern Territory Government to ensure the gillnet phase-out delivers sustainable benefits for barramundi stocks, recreational fishers, regional communities and the fishing trade.

ELECTION CALENDAR

• Victoria: November 28th 2026
• NSW: March 13th 2027
• Federal: May 2028
• Northern Territory: August 23rd 2028
• Queensland: October 28th 2028
• Western Australia: March 10th 2029
• Tasmania: 2029