AFTA Chair’s Report – December 2025

SEARCHING FOR THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE

– Economic, Social, and Environmental Value of Each Kilogram of Fish

AFTA continues to encourage governments to recognise the comprehensive value—economic, social, and environmental—derived from each kilogram of fish.

For quite some time, Victoria effectively implemented this approach with notable success. Similarly, Queensland has removed gill nets in the GBR, the Northern Territory is in the process of phasing out fourteen commercial barramundi gillnet licenses around Darwin within the current government term, and Western Australia has now dedicated over 900 km of its most populated coastline, the West Coast Bio region, exclusively to recreational fishing.

Of course, we welcome the Qld government’s recent decision to rescind the 2024 commercial net fishing for barramundi south of Tin Can Bay; it was not based on sound science.

Despite these achievements, significant work remains nationwide. To advance these objectives, AFTA welcomes your continued support and engagement.

These charts show the size of the economic and FTE contributions by the recreational and commercial sector.  Recreational fishing generates double the income and more than double the FTE jobs; it goes without saying that the best value proposition for each kilo of fish is through the recreational sector.

Please note that these commercial industry figures include onshore and offshore aquaculture, lobster and abalone fishing.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

AFTA Calls for Fairness and Science-Based Policy on SA Catch Limits

It is positive news that algal bloom areas are declining, but the reality is that the worst weather that creates and sustains algal blooms is just around the corner.

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) has made, and it will continue to make, representations against the South Australian government’s proposal to reduce bag and boat limits for key species in the Spencer Gulf, warning that the move unfairly targets recreational anglers while sparing commercial operators from equivalent restrictions. AFTA will also continue to advocate for a sensible and sustainable program to open up the snapper fishery on the west coast.

We expect more on this shortly.

South Australia Launches Junior Tackle Box Program to Boost Fishing Industry

The South Australian government is supporting the AFTA – SA Government Junior Tackle Box Promotion Program as a part of the broader Let’s Fish SA Recovery Program, to support the state’s recreational fishing sector. Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the $200k initiative, which aims to encourage youth participation and support local retailers through in-store face-to-face engagement.

This program will distribute free tackle boxes to junior anglers through established recreational fishing equipment outlets. The eligibility criteria will be based on a minimum spend threshold, details of which are being finalised through consultations with the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) and participating retailers.

This initiative follows on from the $300,000 Let’s Fish SA campaign, which is demonstrating positive early results for the industry. AFTA’s discussions with Premier Malinauskas and his team highlighted the importance of attracting young participants and supporting South Australia’s fishing community.

Industry leaders are optimistic that the Junior Tackle Box Promotion Program will introduce more children to fishing and provide an economic boost to retailers recovering from recent environmental challenges.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

In the wake of the Ministerial Fishing Future Forum held at Parliament House on 20 October, the Western Australian Government has unveiled a suite of major management reforms aimed at protecting vulnerable demersal fish stocks and supporting their recovery to secure the long-term sustainability of key species.

Recent scientific assessments of Western Australia’s demersal fisheries have highlighted that several species—notably the prized pink snapper and the iconic WA dhufish—are facing significant threats due to ongoing fishing pressure. In response and following extensive engagement with stakeholders across all fishing sectors and the broader community—including a substantial “Have Your Say” survey and the Fishing Future Forum—the Government has introduced a range of targeted measures along the state’s coastline to rebuild these vital stocks.

The reforms, which will be rolled out statewide, are designed to protect Western Australia’s demersal species for the benefit of all fishing interests.

West Coast Bioregion

Recreational boat-based fishing for demersal scalefish in the West Coast Bioregion, slated initially to recommence on 16 December 2025, will be postponed until spring 2027. At that time, the region—spanning 900 kilometres from Kalbarri to Augusta—will reopen exclusively for recreational fishing.

Commercial fishing for demersal species will be suspended from 1 January 2026. This includes a permanent shutdown of gillnet fisheries and commercial line fishing south of Kalbarri, accompanied by a mandatory buyback of commercial fishing licences.

Charter fishing in the metropolitan area will cease on 16 December 2025. However, charter operations targeting demersal species will continue under a tag system in other parts of the West Coast Bioregion, subject to a reduced annual catch limit of 25 tonnes.

Other Bioregions

Recreational and charter fishing activities will continue as usual in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, and South Coast regions. Meanwhile, commercial catches in the Kimberley, Pilbara, and South Coast areas will be cut by 50% starting from 1 January 2026.

These comprehensive management changes will affect all fishing sectors, underscoring the need for collective action across the industry to ensure the success of this critical stock recovery initiative.

To support the commercial and recreational sectors through this period of adjustment, the Western Australian Government has committed more than $29.2 million in a dedicated fisheries support package.

In the long term, these measures are expected to deliver significant benefits to the recreational fishing industry, with over 900 kilometres of coastline reserved exclusively for recreational fishing. The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with members and the Government to maximise the value delivered for every kilogram of fish.

For further information, please visit the DPIRD website.

VICTORIA

Victoria Launches Outdoor Recreation Victoria (ORV)

In a positive move for our industry, Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Outdoor Recreation, has announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Victoria (ORV). ORV will be a super department that includes the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the Game Management Authority (GMA).

ORV’s initial focus will be on encouraging more Victorians to engage in outdoor activities such as fishing, game hunting, boating, four-wheel driving, and off-grid camping. Over time, the organisation will expand its support to encompass a broader range of outdoor activities. This is excellent news for our sector. In the future, ORV will also establish a Land Access Panel, comprising stakeholders and government representatives, to help more people utilise public land and waterways.

Consultation with stakeholders will be conducted before legislation is introduced into Parliament to establish ORV, which is expected to come into operation on 1 July 2026.

For more detailed information, please refer to the link provided:

https://afta.net.au/strengthening-outdoor-recreation-for-the-future/

Did you know the VFA Recreational Fisheries Management Team produces a summary update of key projects periodically? To find out in detail what is happening in Victoria, please click on this link: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/fisheries-management/recreational-fisheries-management-updates

NEW SOUTH WALES

Public consultation is currently underway regarding the Rebuilding Programs for NSW Fish Stocks. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Resources and Energy (DPIRD) is developing these programs to establish an evidence-based framework for managing fish stocks in NSW with low biomass.

At present, eleven fish species in NSW are classified as ‘depleted’ under the national Status of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS) framework or are considered ‘recovering’ but continue to have low biomass. Notably, four of these species—Grey Morwong, Silver Trevally, Redfish, and Pearl Perch-are significant harvest species for NSW, necessitating updates to management arrangements to facilitate their recovery within appropriate timeframes.

The other seven species (Mulloway, Gemfish, Blue Warehou, School Shark, Jackass Morwong, Spanish Mackerel, and John Dory) are subject to suitable harvest controls, have harvest strategies in development, or are only minimally harvested in NSW compared to other jurisdictions.

A robust assessment methodology has been established for the Rebuilding Programs, including supporting consultation documentation. The proposed programs feature species-specific assessments, objectives, monitoring protocols, and management actions designed to rebuild stock biomass within biologically relevant periods for species where NSW plays a primary or significant role in fishing mortality. Additionally, these programs provide context on the management measures NSW has implemented for depleted species that are primarily managed by other authorities.

Proposed actions under these rebuilding programs include tailored changes for the commercial, recreational, and charter fishing sectors to reduce fishing mortality and promote additional recruitment of Grey Morwong, Silver Trevally, Pearl Perch, and Redfish.

Initial feedback regarding these rebuilding programs and related species-specific management changes was sought from CommFish NSW, RFNSW, and the NSW Charter Working Group earlier this year. Broader feedback is now being sought through a public consultation.

Comprehensive details on the proposed programs and management changes are available through the DPIRD and Have Your Say websites. The public submission period runs from 28 November 2025 to 31 January 2026.

Further information and the submission portal are available at Have Your Say – Rebuilding Programs for NSW Fish Stocks. Feedback collected during the consultation will be carefully considered prior to finalising the programs or making any management adjustments.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Barramundi Fishery Advisory Group

The Northern Territory Government has convened the Barramundi Fishery Advisory Group to facilitate the phase-out of the 14 Barramundi Gill Netting licences in Darwin within the current governmental term. As initiators of the licence buyback program, AFTA has formally requested membership in this advisory group. AFTA was the first organisation to advocate for the complete removal of gill net licences to both the then ALP Government and the CLP Opposition on February 12th and 13th, 2024 https://afta.net.au/afta-call-for-an-end-to-commercial-gill-net-fishing-in-the-territory/

This advocacy was subsequently reinforced in correspondence dated June 9th, 2025, directed to Minister Gerard Maley, which sought clarification regarding the timeline for the licence buyouts https://afta.net.au/nt-gill-net-buy-back-letter-to-minister-maley/

A response clarifying the NT Government’s position dated 25^th June 2025. https://afta.net.au/response-gill-net-phase-out-minister-maley-nt/

Barramundi and threadfin salmon are recognised as iconic fisheries within the region. Recreational fishing tourism contributes in excess of $270 million annually to the Northern Territory’s economy and sustains more than 2,500 full-time positions. Furthermore, one-third of NT adults fish each year, surpassing the national average.

AFTA would appreciate the opportunity to actively engage in the finalisation of the licence buyout initiative, a project initially championed by AFTA.

NT Government to Release Draft Plan for Inshore Reef Fish Recovery

Stakeholder collaboration and responsible fishing at the heart of new strategy

The Northern Territory Government is set to unveil its next major initiative to revitalise inshore reef fish populations, with a comprehensive recovery plan currently under development in collaboration with prominent industry stakeholders, including AFANT, the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association, the NT Seafood Council, and the Northern Land Council.

Minister Maley emphasised that sustainable fishing practices are essential to preserving the Territory’s iconic lifestyle for future generations. “Reef fish recovery is about implementing smarter, more sustainable fishing today so that future generations can continue to enjoy the Territory’s way of life,” he said. The draft recovery plan, which is being prepared in close consultation with recreational fishers, the tourism sector, and other industry representatives, will be open for public feedback in early 2026.

Territorians are being urged to adopt responsible fishing behaviours, including:

• Observing personal possession and vessel limits
• Taking only what is required for personal consumption
• Retaining catches instead of releasing smaller fish to pursue larger ones
• Respecting designated fishing zones—activities within Reef Fish Protection Areas are prohibited and subject to penalties

Comprehensive stock assessments and further details on reef fish management are available at: Reef fishing management | NT.GOV.AU.

QUEENSLAND

Labor’s fishy laws uncovered – Proposed Change to Commercial Barramundi Netting

In a massive win for the recreational fishing industry, the Queensland Government is moving to reverse controversial 2024 regulations that expanded commercial gillnetting for barramundi in southeast Queensland. This is following a departmental review, initiated by Minister Tony Perrett which found the former Labor Government’s decision lacked scientific backing and public consultation.

Community concerns about net fishing in the Logan and Albert Rivers prompted the review. Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett, criticised the previous administration for introducing the changes without proper evidence or engagement, labelling it as another example of flawed fisheries policy.

Under the proposed changes, commercial net fishing for barramundi south of Tin Can Bay would be halted, and previous rules would be reinstated until scientific evidence on sustainable catch levels is established.

Full details at: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/104185

The government is now inviting public feedback on the proposal, with consultation open until 5pm, 31 January 2026. Meanwhile, the Department of Primary Industries is investigating compliance and sustainability issues in the Logan and Albert rivers. Submissions can be made via the official consultation website.

Please visit: https://dpi.engagementhub.com.au/barramundi-netting-consultation

These developments come as both the Australian and Queensland governments work towards phasing out gillnets in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area by 2027, with new regulations having come into effect on 1 January 2024.

Queensland Fisheries Industry Leaders Advocate for Equitable and Evidence-Based Fisheries Policy

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) has intensified its efforts to promote fairness and transparency in Queensland’s fisheries management. AFTA urges the state government to adopt harvest strategies that are both equitable and grounded in robust evidence and represent the best value proposition for each kilogram of fish.

AFTA has raised concerns about current resource allocation policies and recommends increasing recreational bag limits for Spanish Mackerel to two fish per person and six per boat. While this still represents a 33% reduction from pre-2023 limits, AFTA believes it achieves a balance between sustainability and accessibility for recreational anglers.

The association also questions the scientific basis for seasonal closures south of latitude 22˚S, noting that these restrictions coincide with peak tourism periods and may adversely affect local economies without clear ecological justification.

To address knowledge gaps, AFTA calls for government-funded research in partnership with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, focusing on northern Spanish Mackerel aggregation and breeding patterns to inform future management decisions.

Ahead of parliamentary votes on fisheries reform, AFTA encourages all stakeholders to engage with local MPs, emphasising the importance of fair resource allocation and a balanced approach that supports both the recreational fishing community and the long-term health of Queensland’s marine resources.

For more details, the full press release and AFTA’s complete submission are available online. https://afta.net.au/afta-calls-for-fairness-in-spanish-mackerel-management-strategy/

Election Calendar

New South Wales

March 13, 2027

Queensland

October 28, 2028