AFTA Chair’s Report – March 2026

Australia’s Fuel Crisis: Time to Dig Deeper for Real Resource  Sovereignty

Australia’s current fuel crisis is hitting recreational fishing hard. Soaring diesel & petrol prices, hundreds of service stations running dry, particularly in rural and regional areas, and disrupted supply chains are forcing fishers to cut trips, ration boat fuel, and limit towing, affecting tackle deliveries to stores. This threatens livelihoods, local economies, and the freedom to fish our coasts, rivers, and estuaries.

Cutting fuel excise or building more refineries offers only short-term relief. The real fix is increasing domestic oil production. Greater extraction of our own petroleum resources will deliver lower long-term prices, stronger supply security, and reduced reliance on volatile global markets.

As of 2025-2026 estimates, Australia holds approximately 1.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves (crude and condensate). These are commercially viable and concentrated in key offshore basins:

• Northern Carnarvon and Roebuck basins (Western Australia); the largest share and main production hub.
• Gippsland Basin (Bass Strait, Victoria); once dominant, now mature and declining.
• Bonaparte and Browse basins (northern Australia); significant for oil and condensate.
• Onshore Cooper/Eromanga basins in central Australia.

Current production of petroleum liquids is roughly 270,000-300,000 barrels per day, a sharp decline from earlier decades. As a result, Australia imports around 80-90% of its refined fuels. Domestic light crude is often exported, while remaining refineries process heavier imported oil.

This imbalance leaves the nation exposed. Recent global tensions have triggered widespread pump shortages across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, with emergency reserves being drawn down and prices rising. Regional fishers feel it first, as remote stations run dry exactly where boat ramps and fishing grounds matter most.

We cannot keep exporting our resources while importing finished fuel at premium prices during crises. Australia also holds vast unconventional shale oil potential that could boost self-sufficiency if developed responsibly.

Resource security and sovereignty are practical necessities for charter operators, weekend anglers, farmers, truckers, and all Australians who depend on affordable, reliable fuel.

Policymakers must move beyond temporary measures and prioritise faster exploration and responsible development of domestic oil resources, supported by better infrastructure.

Only by producing more of our own petroleum can we build real resilience, stabilise prices, and protect industries like recreational fishing. The oil is there. It is time to extract it.

Tight lines and here’s to clearer waters and steadier fuel supplies ahead.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australian Election Outcome Sets Stage for Major Investment in Recreational Fishing

With the Malinauskas Government returned to office in South Australia, the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) says it will continue working closely with the administration to secure improved outcomes for the state’s recreational fishing sector.

Labor’s 2026 recreational fishing policy outlines a $6.6 million investment package aimed at strengthening participation, infrastructure and long‑term sustainability across the state.

Key Commitments in Labor’s Policy Package

Creation of a South Australian Recreational Fishing Authority – $3 million

A central feature of the plan is the establishment of a new Recreational Fishing Authority, designed to provide a unified, whole‑of‑government approach to recreational fishing policy. The authority will be tasked with:

• Coordinating the management and development of recreational fishing
• Expanding access and identifying new fishing opportunities
• Supporting sustainable fingerling supply
• Enhancing recreational fishing tourism across South Australia

Funding Boost for RecFish SA – $1.75 million

The Government has committed additional funding over four years to ensure RecFish SA continues to represent the interests of the recreational fishing community. The package includes support for the organisation’s well‑regarded tagging and translocation program.

Community Fishing Infrastructure – $1 million

A dedicated infrastructure program will deliver upgrades, including jetty rod holders, bait boards, and filleting tables, at coastal and river locations. Priorities will be set through consultation with recreational fishers, and the new authority will deliver projects in partnership with RecFish SA.

Children’s Fishing Clinics – $850,000

The Government will continue its partnership with RecFish SA to expand junior fishing clinics across metropolitan Adelaide and regional communities. Funding will also support community fishing events, competitions and tourism initiatives aligned with the state’s Recreational Fishing Tourism Strategy.

Full details of the election commitments are available here.

Ongoing Collaboration on Algal Bloom Recovery

AFTA confirmed it will maintain its strong working relationship with the Government as the sector continues to deal with 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, delivering tangible support to retailers and the broader recreational fishing community.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Ongoing Concerns Over WA Demersal Closure

AFTA said the growing concern within the industry about widespread misinformation circulating since the state’s demersal management changes were announced. The association noted that commentary on social media and in political debate has incorrectly suggested that all fishing across Western Australia has been shut down.

Current Status of Fishing Across WA Regions

To counter what it describes as misleading public claims, AFTA outlined the actual regulatory settings across the state:

Gascoyne Region

Recreational & charter fishing: open

Commercial: open

Kimberley Region

Recreational & charter fishing: open

Commercial: 50% catch reduction

Pilbara Region

Recreational & charter fishing: open

Commercial: 50% catch reduction

South Coast Region

Recreational & charter fishing: open

Commercial: 50% catch reduction

West Coast Region

Recreational & charter fishing: closed until Spring 2027

All 41 commercial licences have been acquired by the Government, with many previously identified as “ghost licences”

AFTA emphasised that three of the regions responsible for the majority of WA’s commercial catch are operating under a 50% reduction, while one region remains unchanged. The association argues that claims suggesting Western Australians will have “no seafood to eat” are inaccurate and unnecessarily alarmist.

What Recreational Fishers Can Still Catch

AFTA also highlighted that recreational fishers retain significant fishing opportunities despite the demersal restrictions.

Shore‑based fishing:

Demersal species may still be targeted from the shore

Spearfishing from shore remains permitted for all species except Dhu Fish in the West Coast bioregion

Boat‑based fishing:

Remains open for a wide range of species, including:

Pelagic species:

Bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, dolphinfish, wahoo, Spanish mackerel, shark mackerel, marlin, yellowtail kingfish, samson fish, bonito

Nearshore species:

King George whiting, sand whiting, yellowfin whiting, skippy, flathead, squid, cuttlefish, tailor, flounder, mulloway, herring, crayfish, blue manna crabs, black bream, Australian salmon, and size‑limit sharks

Freshwater species:

The freshwater fishery remains open, though it represents a comparatively small component of WA’s overall fishery

Demersal Species Currently Off‑Limits Until September 2027

The key demersal species now under closure in the West Coast bioregion include: Dhu fish, pink snapper, breaksea cod, baldchin groper, nannygai, blue groper, all trout species, all emperor species, and deep-drop species such as eight-bar and grey-banded cod.

Political Response

Following AFTA’s clarification during an interview on 6PR, the association was immediately contacted by Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA, who requested an urgent meeting with the board on March 5. The swift response, AFTA noted, raised further questions about the political handling of fisheries policy in Western Australia and about confusion over whether AFTA was a representative body for the commercial fishing sector.

VICTORIA

Murray-Darling Carp Action Summit Set to Tackle Invasive Species Crisis

Recreational fishers frustrated by the decades-long carp invasion of the Murray-Darling system will get a key update this April at the Murray-Darling Carp Action Summit.

Hosted by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) in partnership with the Australian River Restoration Centre (ARRC), the invitation-only event will be held at the Lake Nagambie Function Centre in Victoria. The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) will be represented.

Carp Herpes Virus: Victoria Takes the Lead

Victoria is driving the next major step in the fight against European carp. The species-specific Cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3), or carp herpesvirus, targets only carp and koi, leaving native fish unharmed.

As of early 2026, no widespread release is planned. Federal research under the Carp Biological Control Program continues and will not conclude until 2028, when agriculture ministers from the Commonwealth and the states will decide on any future release.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority is spearheading Australia’s first controlled field trial in an isolated, enclosed Victorian lake or billabong. This landmark trial will test the virus under real Australian conditions while maintaining strict containment.

Key elements include:

• Measuring carp mortality rates in natural settings
• Monitoring water quality impacts from large die-offs
• Assessing clean-up logistics and re-oxygenation requirements
• Enforcing rigorous biosecurity to prevent any escape

The VFA has assembled a technical group with the Arthur Rylah Institute, Charles Sturt University, NSW DPI Fisheries, and local water authorities. Design work is underway (expected to take around six months), with the site targeted for readiness later in 2026 and experiments running from spring 2026 to autumn 2027, subject to federal approval.

This Victorian initiative helped prompt the formation of a federal, multi-jurisdictional working group involving Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Queensland.

Supporting Roles

The Commonwealth (DAFF) coordinates the national program, funds the remaining seven priority research actions, and oversees the 2022 National Carp Control Plan. It is advancing the field trial proposal alongside the research.

New South Wales contributes expertise to the joint technical group and trial design while maintaining conventional carp control through trapping and electrofishing.

What it Means for Fishers

The virus could deliver an initial 40-60% reduction in carp numbers with potential for ongoing suppression, but experts warn it is no silver bullet. Carp resistance may develop over time, and managing massive biomass from die-offs will be critical.

For anglers targeting Murray cod, golden perch and trout, Victoria’s proactive push on the enclosed-trial marks marks welcome progress after years of delay. Traditional control methods, habitat restoration and responsible fishing remain essential in the meantime.

Recreational fishing groups are watching closely and pushing for safe, timely action. The VFA-led 2026–27 trial will deliver vital real-world data for future basin-wide management.

For updates, check the VFA website or the federal DAFF Carp Biological Control Program page.

NEW SOUTH WALES

NSW Government Seeks Public Feedback on New Recreational Fishing Action Plan

The NSW Government has released its draft Enhancing Recreational Fishing in NSW Action Plan 2026–2031 and is calling for public feedback on the proposed reforms.

The plan outlines a broad suite of initiatives to improve recreational fishing experiences across the state. Industry representatives say the draft is one of the most comprehensive frameworks put forward in recent years.

As Chairperson of the Australian Fishing Trade Association, I am pleased to see that this plan incorporates several long-standing AFTA priorities, with many components closely reflecting the commitments outlined in our election manifestos.

In its formal submission, AFTA emphasised its commitment to maximising the social, environmental and economic value of recreational fishing. The organisation expressed strong support for measures designed to boost participation, particularly among women, young people and people with disabilities, through expanded education programs and targeted community initiatives.

AFTA also welcomed the plan’s focus on infrastructure upgrades, including new accessible fishing platforms and improvements to fish cleaning facilities, shelters, and lighting. These enhancements, the submission noted, would contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable fishing environment.

With the Government signalling significant changes ahead for the sector, recreational fishers and community members are being encouraged to provide feedback. Submissions are open until April 24 via the NSW Government’s consultation portal: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/rec-fishing-ap.

QUEENSLAND

Call to Action: Make Your Voice Heard at Queensland Fishing Forums

Now is the time to step up and directly influence the future of recreational fishing in Queensland.

The Australian Fishing Trade Association has been actively engaged with the Queensland Government on the Queensland Fishing & Seafood Action Plan. The next key opportunity is the upcoming Regional Forums:

• Yeppoon- April 15
• Gold Coast- April 21
• Mackay- April 28
• Townsville- April 29
• Cairns- April 30

Times and venues will be confirmed shortly on the DPI  website. https://dpi.engagementhub.com.au/fishing-and-seafood-action-plan

AFTA’s advocacy has already delivered an increase in the Spanish Mackerel boat limit, but further progress is needed on:

• Raising the limit to 2 per person / 6 per boat
• Reforming fillet length rules
• Addressing tunnel nets and gill nets

If you can attend one of these forums and represent the recreational fishing sector, your input could make a real difference.

Don’t miss this chance. Your voice matters – let’s show up strong.

When size really matters

Is it logical that Queensland demands a 40cm coral trout fillet while maintaining a 38cm overall minimum size?

Queensland’s legal framework for managing the size of coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) has been carefully designed to ensure the species’ sustainability.  The minimum legal size for common coral trout is 38cm total length (TL), measured from snout to tail. This regulation applies to both recreational and commercial fishing, ensuring that fish reach sexual maturity and reproduce before being harvested.  Research indicates that about 50% of female coral trout mature at around 37.6cm TL, typically between 2 and 3 years old, though growth rates vary.  The 38cm threshold is crucial because it ensures that a significant portion of the population spawns at least once, supporting larval replenishment and maintaining spawning stock biomass. Studies show that young mature females below this size limit contribute substantially to population replenishment, sometimes up to 36% in certain models.  Furthermore, the size limit helps mitigate risks like recruitment overfishing.

The size limit was increased from an earlier 35cm, introduced in December 1976 under the Fisheries Act, during or before the 2003 management reforms. While the exact date of the change to 38cm isn’t clearly documented, it coincides with broader updates to coral reef fin fish regulations at that time.

On December 20, 2003, as part of the Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003, a rule was introduced requiring that fillets be at least 40 cm long and have skin and scales intact.  This rule excludes blue-spotted coral trout (Plectropomus laevis) because it can’t be filleted on board due to its specific size range of 50-80 cm.  The primary reason for the 40 cm fillet length is enforcement and compliance.  Whole fish are easier for fisheries officers to inspect and measure accurately, whereas filleting can obscure the fish’s original size and complicate detection of undersized catches.  By setting the minimum fillet length slightly above what might be expected from a borderline 38 cm fish, the rule discourages filleting minimum-sized fish at sea, encouraging them to be kept whole for inspection. This also provides a buffer to ensure that fillets come from fish well above the minimum size, reducing the risk of non-compliance.  Keeping the skin on also aids in species identification. This approach balances practical fishing needs, like filleting larger fish for storage, with conservation goals as part of broader reforms to address overfishing concerns in the early 2000s.

AFTA has no issue with the 38 cm minimum size; however, an expert fish filletter would struggle to get a fillet of over 25 cm from a 38 cm fish, whereas a 55 cm fish produces a fillet of 40 cm. Surely the fillet length could be reduced from 40 cm to 30 cm to allow for filleting and freezing at sea?

Perhaps it’s time for the Queensland Government to revisit this issue? I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.

Help improve Queensland’s stocked fisheries

Last year, Queensland celebrated 25 years of the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS), and to ensure they can keep improving the world-class fisheries on offer in Queensland’s dams and weirs.

During 2025-26, more than $1 million was given to stocking groups, who used these funds to release more than 3 million fingerlings at impoundments across the state.
If you held a SIPS permit between March 1 2025, and February 28 2026, please take the SIPS survey and help us allocate funds from permit sales to stock fish in over 60 SIPS dams and weirs across the state. It only takes a minute, so have your say by 5pm, Sunday, April 26 2026.

Buy local bait this holiday fishing season

Authorities Urge Anglers to Choose Local Bait to Protect Queensland Waters

With Easter holidaymakers preparing to fish across Queensland, authorities are urging recreational anglers to pay close attention to the bait they use, warning that imported raw prawns continue to pose a significant biosecurity threat.

Fisheries officials are reminding fishers to buy bait only from reputable Australian suppliers or to catch their own. The advice follows ongoing concerns that imported raw prawns can carry serious aquatic diseases, including white spot, which can devastate marine ecosystems and Queensland’s seafood industry.

Strict movement restrictions remain in place for high‑risk species such as prawns, yabbies and marine worms within Queensland’s white spot disease control zone. The restricted area stretches from Caloundra to the New South Wales border and west to Ipswich. These species cannot be moved outside the zone unless they have been cooked.

Authorities say the message is straightforward: if using prawns as bait, ensure they are Australian wild‑caught and sourced from a trusted supplier. Using imported raw prawns risks introducing harmful diseases into Queensland’s waterways, with potentially long‑lasting consequences for the environment and local industries

Movement controls remain in place for parts of south-east Queensland. Make sure you know your responsibilities.

FishLIGHT program – objection to tunnel net commercial fishing gear trials

AFTA, alongside North Queensland Fly Fishers’ Club, ANSA (Qld), Sunfish, The Inshore Flats Project, Brisbane Fly Fishing Club, and the Queensland Recreational Fishing Network, has submitted its objection to tunnel-net commercial fishing gear trials through a formal representation to the Queensland Minister for Primary Industries. See submission here: https://afta.net.au/objection-to-tunnel-net-fishing-gear-trials/

The push for a better outcome continues with the group now seeking federal intervention.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Golden Snapper Stocks in Decline: Have Your Say Today

Golden Snapper, a prized species and a cornerstone of the Northern Territory’s recreational fishing culture, is facing a significant decline in the Greater Darwin region. Longtime anglers have reported dwindling catches and smaller fish, and scientific assessments confirm the trend: only 14% of the breeding population remains, which classifies the species as depleted.

Golden Snapper are considered an indicator species for the broader health of reef fish, meaning their decline signals wider ecosystem pressures. Despite the introduction of Reef Fish Protection Areas and reduced possession limits in 2015, natural recovery has stalled. High fishing pressure, slow growth rates, schooling behaviour, and high barotrauma-related mortality, particularly in waters deeper than 10 metres, have all contributed to the species’ vulnerability.

Recreational fishers account for 77% of the Golden Snapper catch in the Darwin area, underscoring the importance of community involvement in any recovery effort. To rebuild stocks to 30% biomass within one generation, about 14 years, scientists estimate that total catch must be cut by more than half.

Three key management tools have been identified to drive recovery: seasonal protections, tighter possession and vessel limits, and expanded Reef Fish Protection Areas. Additional measures are also being considered to safeguard reef species while maintaining fishing opportunities.

Authorities emphasise that strong, decisive action is needed now to secure the future of Golden Snapper and protect the Territory’s fishing lifestyle for generations to come.

Click here to have your Say on Golden Snapper

FEDERAL

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has updated the Booderee National Park Management Plan 2015–2025 for Jervis Bay ACT, with the release of the draft Booderee National Park Management Plan 2026-2036 and is inviting public feedback.

AFTA Position on Proposed Exclusion Zone Changes for Recreational Fishing

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) does not support the proposed increase to the exclusion zone around Bowen Island from 100 m to 200 m. We vehemently oppose the introduction of a new 500 m exclusion zone at Scottish Rocks.

The existing management arrangements have operated effectively for more than a decade, maintaining an appropriate balance between environmental protection and recreational fishing access. There is no evidence-based justification for expanding these exclusion zones, nor is there any demonstrated need for additional restrictions.

In AFTA’s view, the proposed changes would impose unnecessary and disproportionate limitations on recreational fishers without delivering meaningful environmental or fisheries‑management benefits.

I have included the relevant sections from each plan for your information at https://afta.net.au/booderee-national-park-management-plan-2026-2036-jervis-bay-act/

You can review the original plan here: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/booderee-management-plan-2015-2025-web.pdf

The draft 2026–2036 plan and consultation page are available at: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/booderee-national-park-management-plan-2026-36

Feedback can be submitted through the Department’s Have Your Say portal, with submissions closing on April 7 2026. To provide comments, please visit: https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/

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