AFTA Chair’s Report – August 2025

AFTA AGM

We extend our gratitude to all attendees of the 2025 Annual General Meeting for their commitment to participating during a busy Tackle Show period and taking part in the board elections. We also acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of each nominee for the AFTA Board. AFTA Members can view the AGM minutes on the Member Portal.

AFTA BOARD 2025

With the retirement of President Michael Starkey (Frogley’s Offshore) and Treasurer Ben Scales (Jarvis Walker), a new chapter begins with the election of Greg Seeto (Daiwa) as President, Billy Parsons (JM Gilles) as Vice President, and Kord Luckus (Wilsons) as Treasurer. They are joined by new director Chad Rodgers (Shimano) and returning director Mitch Birt (Pure Fishing), alongside continuing directors Alicia Boiltho (Tackleworld Port Lincoln), Cameron Jackson (Compleat Angler), Jarrod Day (BCF), and Steve Morgan (Fishing Monthly).

AFTA HALL OF FAME AWARD

AFTA extends its congratulations to the 2025 Hall of Fame recipient—Immediate Past President Michael Starkey (Frogley’s Offshore). Click here to read.

AFTA INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AWARD

Congratulations to Brian Wheadon of Compleat Angler, Wallaroo & Moonta, who is recognised for his 57 years of outstanding contribution to the South Australian Fishing Industry. Click here to read.

AFTA TACKLE SHOW

At the opening of the AFTA Tackle Show Public Day, Minister Tony Perrett honoured his election commitment by providing $35,000 in sponsorship, ensuring that entry to the Public Day remains complimentary and accessible to many young families.

Planning is well underway for the upcoming AFTA Tackle Show in Brisbane on 20th and 21st August 2026. In preparation for the Public Day on 22nd August, AFTA will continue consultation with Minister Perrett regarding the $35,000 sponsorship package.

The Brisbane Show is projected to be larger and more engaging than ever, with expectations for record public attendance.

This year’s Public Day saw 4242 visitors enjoy the show!

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The persistent occurrence of algal blooms in South Australia continues to negatively impact local businesses and the recreational fishing sector. Industry representatives have observed that political disagreements have not assisted these affected groups, whereas informative safety campaigns can be extremely beneficial in encouraging a return to recreational fishing. It is also important to acknowledge that media coverage during this situation has contributed to the spread of negative information, further affecting public perception and stakeholder confidence.

Industry Meetings and Response

On 7 July, the Australian Fishing Tackle Association (AFTA) initiated discussions with Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt and other Federal Ministers to raise our industry concerns. These awareness conversations contributed in part to the $14 million federal funding commitment, which was subsequently matched by the South Australian Government, creating a combined support package valued at $28 million. The support package has been designed to assist the environment as well as the recreational and commercial fishers impacted by an extensive algal bloom, which has affected nearly 400 marine species and led to discoloured, foamy waters in coastal areas.

Critically, AFTA has worked collaboratively with the local peak body, RecfishSA, to bring about outcomes for our industry.

AFTA Director Alicia Bolitho (TackleWorld Port Lincoln) organised an AFTA Industry Round Table on very short notice on 11th August, attended by AFTA Directors, President Greg Seeto (Daiwa), Vice President Billy Parsons (JM Gillies), and Chad Rodgers (Shimano). Due to pre-existing travel commitments, I joined via video conference.

The Hon Emily Bourke, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing, attended the meeting along with Shadow Minister The Hon Tim Whetstone.

Minister for Small Business Andrea Michaels was represented by Dr Andrew Dunbar, and Primary Industry Minister Clare Scriven was represented by her Chief Advisor, Mat O’Brien, and Gavin Begg, head of PIRSA.

Some of the in-person attendees are pictured below. Many others joined via video.

Left to Right: Andrew Harris (RecFish SA), Dr Andrew Dunbar (Industry, Innovation & Small Business), Billy Parsons (AFTA & JM Gillies), Barry Brown (RecFish SA), Professor Gavin Begg (PIRSA), Asher Dezsery (RecFish SA), Karl Beckmann (Gawler Fishing & Outdoors), Lyn Castle (Spot on Salisbury), Chad Rodgers (AFTA & Shimano), Steve Castle (Spot on Salisbury), Matt Coleman (SAFTA), Ian Clift (Sportfishing Scene), Tom Treloar (Tackle World Adelaide), Jamie Rymell (Tackle World Adelaide), Jaki Humphreys (RecFish SA), Steve Lewis (SWL Distributions), Alicia Bolitho (AFTA & Tackle World Port Lincoln), Kerrie Briggs (JM Gillies), Jamie (The Bait Shop), Greg Seeto (AFTA & Daiwa), Steven Lord (Anaconda), Peter Sellwood (Anaconda), Lisa Wheare (BCF), Mat O’Brien (Minister’s Chief of Staff), Jasper Hammond (BCF) & Simon Johnson (BCF).

On the 13th August, Minister Murray Watt convened a Hazardous Algal Bloom (HAB) Roundtable in conjunction with Susan Close, SA Deputy Premier. AFTA was again represented by Alicia Bolitho (TackleWorld Port Lincoln) and I participating remotely.

The recreational fishing industry in South Australia continues to face significant challenges due to fishing restrictions caused by the recent algal bloom. AFTA has expressed ongoing concern for the financial and mental wellbeing of its members. Stakeholder meetings and industry consultations have informed AFTA’s current strategy for supporting members and aiding recovery.

One abundantly clear thing is that there needs to be a fact-based campaign to get people back out fishing.

Some of the key points in such a fact-based campaign are:

Ø  Fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters, and squid caught for personal use are considered safe to eat, provided they are cleaned and gutted before cooking.

Ø  Bivalve molluscs—including oysters, cockles, mussels, pipis, scallops—and abalone that are self-collected should not be consumed, as they have not been tested for brevetoxin, which can cause gastro-like symptoms.

Ø  Dead or dying fish, cockles, or other marine life found on the beach should not be consumed due to health risks associated with decomposition.

Ø  Beachgoers are advised to avoid entering the water if algal blooms, discoloured water, or foam are visible, and to leave the water immediately if any adverse symptoms occur.

Ø  Swimming is considered safe in clear water where there are no visible signs of algal presence.

Further information, updates, and details about available grants can be found at algalbloom.sa.gov.au.

Catch up on all Algal Bloom posts: 

August 13 | SA Algal Bloom Federal Minister Meeting

August 11 | Recreational fishing forum – ongoing algal bloom and its impact on local tackle businesses

August 11 | Backing SA’s Recreational Fishers

August 4 | RecFish SA Secure Meaningful Recreational Fishing Package for Algae Response and Future

July 29 | South Australian Algal Bloom Small Business Support Grant

July 23 | Algal Bloom Update

July 22 | State Government reveals next stage of algal bloom support package

July 16 | Algal Bloom – SA Retailers are Hurting

QUEENSLAND

Queensland Lifts Vessel Limit in Spanish Mackerel Reforms

Industry Applauds Minister Perrett’s Fisheries Management Decisions

Queensland’s recreational fishing sector is welcoming a new chapter in Spanish Mackerel management, following a decision by Minister Tony Perrett to double the vessel catch limit from two to four. Although the per-person bag limit remains unchanged at one fish, stakeholders regard this move as a significant stride for both commercial operators and recreational anglers.

The vessel limit increase comes on the heels of Queensland’s first stock assessment since a series of reforms enacted under the Crisafulli Government. Those reforms responded to widespread concern within the industry over the scientific standards and transparency of earlier policies, particularly those introduced by the former Labor administration. Critics—including industry experts, independent reviewers, and scientists—argued that the previous management strategy lacked both rigour and support from stakeholders.

The Australian Fishing Tackle Association (AFTA) has played a prominent role throughout these reforms, advocating for science-based, independently peer-reviewed decision-making. While AFTA’s call for a peer review was heeded, the committee responsible for the Labor Government’s 2021 assessment ultimately did not integrate its findings—an omission that drew further criticism.

With the release of a new, widely supported stock assessment, AFTA and industry leaders say the accuracy of current data is now clear, marking a turning point for Spanish Mackerel policy in Queensland. However, fishing advocates maintain that further progress is needed.

AFTA is now calling for additional changes, specifically an increase to two fish per person and a six-fish per boat limit, to ensure future regulations meet the needs of both sectors.

As Queensland’s fishing laws continue to evolve, industry groups agree that a commitment to scientific rigour and sustainability will be crucial for the health of the state’s fisheries and the communities that rely on them. Read here.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

AFTA welcomes the Government’s $1.4 million investment in the Carnarvon Artificial Reef through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund. The reef, made up of 300 modules, will be installed about seven kilometres west-south-west of Pelican Point over a nine-hectare area by the end of August. Led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with local partners, this will be the eighth artificial reef along the WA coast, joining others at Ocean Reef, Dunsborough, Bunbury, Mandurah, south of Rottnest Island, Esperance, and Exmouth Gulf. Locations are available on the DPIRD website.

VICTORIA

Eildon Springs to Life for Free Fishing Festival

Eildon’s Lions Park will host the Goulburn Fishing Festival on September 6, 2025, marking the start of Victoria’s trout fishing season. Sponsored by the Allan Labor Government, the event runs from 9 am to 2 pm. It features family-friendly activities, including free kids’ fishing clinics, cooking demos, a casting competition, and a fireworks display.

The festival, organised by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), is centred at Eildon Pondage, known for its excellent trout fishing. Kids can learn fishing basics from Fishcare Victoria and receive a free rod and tackle box. Families can also assist in stocking trout and enjoy market stalls, face painting, and educational activities.

Additionally, 1500 large brown trout will be released into the Goulburn River, enhancing local fishing opportunities. The VFA will also host the Ballarat Fishing Festival at Lake Wendouree on the same day. For more information and clinic registrations, visit vfa.vic.gov.au/goulburnfishfest.

TASMANIA

Tasmania’s Recreational Fishing Sector Welcomes Strong Policy Platform Amid Government Shift

Liberal Minority Returns, New Minister Appointed, and Industry Policy Outlined

Tasmania’s political landscape has shifted with the return of the Rockcliff Liberal Government—albeit again as a minority administration. Following the recent “No Confidence” motion, widely perceived as a partisan political manoeuvre, the electorate reaffirmed support for Liberal leadership in the state.

The Hon. Gavin Pearce MP has been appointed as the new Minister for Primary Industries, succeeding The Hon. Eric Abetz. Industry groups, including the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA), have expressed gratitude for Abetz’s tenure and look forward to collaborating with Pearce in his new role.

AFTA, together with TarFish, is set to advance the “Strong Plan for Tasmanian Fishing” policy platform, which aims to bolster the island’s recreational fishing sector—a vital contributor to the state’s economy.

Quick Facts

• The recreational fishing sector injects an estimated $270 million into Tasmania’s economy.
• Statistics show that one in four Tasmanians participates in recreational fishing.
• More than 18,000 are licensed recreational lobster fishers, alongside 11,000 licensed abalone fishers.

Looking ahead, the re-elected Liberal Government has outlined its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. Key initiatives include the official recognition of recreational fishing as a “sport” and “active recreation” in legislation, maintaining fee-free saltwater rod and line fishing, and launching stock enhancement and species translocation programs.

Policy Initiatives

• Implementing a stock enhancement program for sand flathead and continuing the rock lobster translocation program.
• Controlling invasive long-spined sea urchin populations and promoting abalone stocks.
• Expanding support for inland fishers and improving facilities for recreational sea fishers and local communities.
• Increasing funding for TARfish, deploying more Fish Aggregating Devices, and supporting commercial fishers.
• Providing funding for Seafood Industry Tasmania to develop a wild fisheries strategy.
• Sustaining the Stay Afloat Program for mental health and wellbeing among fishers.
• Backing the ShellMAP partnership and enhancing biotoxin monitoring systems.
• Developing a King George Whiting Harvesting Strategy and investing in world-class research.

For full details, readers can visit: https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/our-plan/supporting-our-communities/a-strong-plan-for-tasmanian-fishing

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Finocchiaro CLP Government Allocates Nearly $100,000 in Grants to Support NT Recreational Fishers.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has announced the allocation of nearly $100,000 in grant funding to seven local organisations through the 2025 Northern Territory Recreational Fishing Grants Scheme (NTRFGS). This initiative aims to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and preserve the Territory’s distinctive lifestyle.

Minister for Recreational Fishing, Gerard Maley, emphasised the significance of these grants in supporting not-for-profit organisations dedicated to expanding recreational fishing and making it more accessible to all Territorians, whether they are engaging in water-based or land-based fishing. “Fishing is an iconic part of the Territory lifestyle, boosting local tourism and contributing over $140 million to our economy each year,” stated Mr. Maley.

Round 1 of the 2025 NTRFGS focused on small grants of up to $15,000, resulting in the award of just over $99,000 to fund nine community-driven projects. Among the funded initiatives are the Katherine Game Fishing Club’s 2025 Kids Fishing Fun Day, the Council on the Ageing’s Reel Connections program for senior Territorians, and the Palmerston Game Fishing Club’s Buddy Boats Day, which offers young Territorians with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing.

Mr. Maley highlighted that the grants program aligns with the CLP Government’s commitment to a year of action, certainty, and security. “These projects strengthen our fishing culture and ensure that more people, including seniors and young Territorians with disabilities, get the chance to experience everything our world-class waterways have to offer,” he remarked.

Since its inception in 2018, the NTRFGS has distributed $1.16 million to a diverse range of Territory projects that enhance recreational fishing experiences and support the sector’s growth. Round 2 of the 2025 program, offering grants of up to $75,000 for larger-scale projects, is set to open in August.

For further information on recreational fishing grants and regulations in the Northern Territory, interested parties can visit https://nt.gov.au/marine/recreational-fishing.

NSW

NSW Launches Public Consultation for Independent Recreational Fishing Peak Body

Government Seeks Community Input to Shape Future of $3.4 Billion Industry.

The Minns Labor Government has announced the opening of public consultations to establish an independent peak body representing New South Wales’ more than one million recreational fishers. The move marks a significant step in fulfilling a major election pledge aimed at strengthening a sector that generates $3.4 billion annually for the state’s economy and supports around 14,000 full-time jobs.

More than $1 million has been earmarked to fund the formation of the new organisation, which will serve as an advocate for affiliated and unaffiliated fishers from all backgrounds across NSW. Officials say the body will deliver a political, solutions-driven representation and work collaboratively with both government and industry stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities within the recreational fishing community.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty emphasised the vital role of recreational fishing in the lives of many in NSW, stating, “Our Government is dedicated to ensuring a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable sector where all communities feel welcome. This new peak body will give recreational fishers a unified voice and help reinforce the industry’s positive economic and social impacts.”

Recreational fishers are encouraged to participate in the consultation process, with the Government pledging that feedback will help shape a professional and independent organisation capable of championing the future needs and priorities of NSW’s vibrant recreational fishing community.

Public consultation is open from August 6 to October 1, 2025, via the NSW Government’s “Have Your Say” website.

Tara Black – Acting Deputy Secretary, Fisheries & Forestry

With Sean Sloan taking up the position of CEO, FRDC, the Minister has appointed Tara Black as the Acting Deputy Secretary.

Tara brings nearly two decades of experience in natural resource management and a deep commitment to building sustainable and profitable primary industries across New South Wales. Since joining the NSW public service in 2014, she has played a pivotal role in shaping policy and reform across the fisheries, forestry, and hunting portfolios.

As Acting Deputy Secretary, Tara leads with a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Tara has successfully led high-performing teams across a wide range of disciplines, including strategy, economics, program delivery, communications, finance, and risk. Her leadership has been instrumental in delivering complex and often contentious policy and legislative reforms, always with a clear eye on the needs and opportunities of regional communities.

I have been in contact with Tara, and a meeting is being scheduled for September to continue the strong working relationship we had with Sean Sloan.

NSW Expands Youth Fishing Initiatives Amid Growing Interest

Major Grant and Social Media Surge Fuel Next Generation of Anglers

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) has secured a $125,000 grant through the Recreational Fishing Trust program to deliver Phase 6 of the “Let’s Go Fishing” initiative. The program, facilitated by the Marine Teachers Association of NSW in partnership with AFTA and NSW DPI, aims to introduce school-aged students to fishing and marine education. The curriculum-based elective is now taught in numerous high schools across New South Wales, though specific participation numbers for Phase 6 are yet to be confirmed.

These efforts align with a broader government push to boost youth engagement in recreational fishing. The NSW Government is expanding its ‘Get Hooked’ school fishing program into high schools, targeting students in Years 7–10. To date, more than 66 high schools have registered for the free, curriculum-aligned program, which emphasises fishing skills, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning. Schools can sign up via the DPIRD website: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/schools-education-programs/high-schools-get-hooked

Social media is further driving the surge. The inaugural #FishTok event in Sydney’s inner west drew over 160 teenagers and families, inspired by TikTok’s burgeoning fishing community. The #FishTok hashtag has now surpassed 10 million videos. Prominent creators, including Shroom, who has amassed 140,000 followers, joined forces with Minister Tara Moriarty and TikTok Australia at the event to champion safe, responsible angling and practical skills.

AFTA has commended these collective efforts, celebrating the momentum behind youth participation in recreational fishing across the state.

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