AFTA Chair’s Report – September 2025

When Size Matters!

The size & strength of our Australian Recreational fishing Industry is not to be ignored: A Comparative Analysis of the Australian Recreational vs. Commercial Fishing Industries.

Government-sourced data clearly demonstrates that the recreational fishing industry in Australia significantly outpaces the commercial fishing industry (including aquaculture) in terms of total economic contribution and full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, based on available government data.

The analysis below uses consistent metrics where possible: Gross State Product (GSP) contribution (or equivalent value added to GDP/GSP, capturing direct, indirect, and induced effects) for economic impact, and FTE jobs (including direct and indirect employment).

Data Sources and Notes:

• Recreational Fishing: Drawn from the National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers (2018–19 data), which estimates total GSP contribution at $11.5 billion nationally and supports 101,342 FTE jobs. This reflects broad economic flows, including spending on gear, boats, travel, and tourism.
• Commercial Fishing (incl. Aquaculture): Drawn from the Australian Fisheries and Aquaculture Industry 2017/18 Economic Contribution report, estimating value added to GSP at $5.3 billion nationally and supporting 41,254 FTE jobs. This includes wild-catch fisheries and aquaculture, with similar direct/indirect/induced multipliers applied. Data is from 2017–18, slightly predating recreational figures, but GVP trends show stability (around $3–3.5 billion annually through 2022–23).
• Comparability: Both use input-output modelling for total contributions. The recent GVP for commercial sectors ($3.56 billion in 2023–24) suggests a minimal inflation-adjusted change since 2017–18. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has negligible commercial activity. Totals may not sum perfectly due to rounding.
• Economic Contribution: Recreational fishing generates over twice the GDP impact, driven by high consumer spending (e.g., $4.5 billion in direct expenditures on equipment and trips). Commercial relies more on export-oriented production but has lower multipliers due to import dependencies (e.g., fuel, feed).
• FTE Jobs: Recreational supports 2.5 times more jobs, largely indirect (e.g., retail, hospitality). Commercial jobs are concentrated in processing and harvesting, with stronger regional ties in remote areas.
• Overall Insights: Recreational fishing bolsters tourism and wellbeing (1 in 5 adults participate annually), while commercial fishing ensures food security and exports ($ 3 billion+ annually). Combined, they form a $16.8 billion sector, but policy often favours commercial sustainability over recreational growth.

State-by-State Breakdown

The table below presents a “spreadsheet-style” comparison (formatted as a markdown table for clarity; values in $ million for GSP contribution). States are ordered by population size. Recreational fishing dominates in populous states (NSW, VIC, QLD) due to higher participation rates, while commercial fishing leads in aquaculture-heavy states (TAS, SA, WA).

State Highlights:

• NSW/VIC/QLD: Recreational overwhelmingly dominates (4–10x GSP), reflecting urban access to waterways and high participation (e.g., NSW: 1.2 million anglers).
• SA/WA: Near parity, with commercial boosted by abalone (SA) and rock lobster (WA) exports.
• TAS: Commercial leads decisively (5x GSP), driven by salmon aquaculture ($1+ billion GVP).
• NT/ACT: Recreational edges out, but both are small-scale; NT has growing prawn & barramundi aquaculture.

Trends and Implications:
Recreational growth (with a 20% increase in participation since 2013) amplifies urban economies, while commercial activities face challenges such as climate impacts and labour shortages. Balanced management (e.g., bag limits, quotas) is key to sustaining both, potentially adding over $ 20 billion combined by 2030 if supported by infrastructure.

This analysis highlights the outsized role of recreational fishing in Australia’s blue economy, underscoring the need for integrated policies. For raw data files or updates, refer to the FRDC/ABARES reports.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

On September 16, a meeting took place with the South Australian Premier, the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, and the Minister for Recreation, Sport & Racing, the Hon. Emily Bourke MLC, regarding a potential support package for the recreational fishing industry and its related tourism sector. Alicia Bolitho (Tackle World Port Lincoln), a SA director of the Australian Fishing Trade Association, provided input from a local industry viewpoint.

AFTA congratulates the government for spending $700k on a campaign that highlights it’s safe to eat seafood; however, it does not emphasise that it is also safe to fish and eat what you catch.

Some retail businesses are facing severe job losses and a substantial economic downturn. If this trend continues through the October–February period, many may not be around in March, as between 60-70% of the total year’s trade is done during this period.

AFTA shared information about possible collaborative approaches to promote sustainability within the recreational sector, highlighting the message, “Go Fishing SA, it’s safe.” AFTA is awaiting a government response following the next ALGAL Taskforce meeting in September.

The AFTA Algal Bloom presentation is available for reference here.

The current South Australian marine microalgae bloom (Karenia mikimotoi) has entered Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent. Scientific assessments indicate that likely contributing factors include Blackwater flows from the Murray-Darling River system. State scientists have suggested that firefighting retardants and localised desalination salinity outputs are unlikely causes. Observed conditions include a marine heatwave with upwellings and persistent onshore winds, which affect algae dispersal.

At present, there is no confirmed risk from accidental water ingestion. Authorities advise avoiding foamy or discoloured water and dead marine life and recommend keeping pets away.

Government guidance states that recreationally caught and commercially available seafood remains safe for consumption. Fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters, or squid personally caught are considered safe if cleaned, gutted, and cooked thoroughly. However, self-collected bivalve molluscs (including oysters, mussels, and scallops) and abalone should not be consumed due to the lack of testing.

Data presented to the Premier indicated that the recreational fishing sector in South Australia makes greater financial contributions and provides more employment opportunities compared to the commercial sector. This comparison was made to illustrate the importance of comparative government support for the recreational fishing industry during this period.

In South Australia, our recreational fishing sector generates $984 million and supports 9,434 FTE jobs, while commercial fishing brings in $844 million with 7,389 FTE positions. Both sectors are vital to South Australia’s economy, and AFTA recommends equal support for their sustainability in this Algal Bloom crisis.

Left to Right: The Hon Bob Baldwin (Chair AFTA), South Australian Premier, The Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Alicia Bolitho (Tackle World Port Lincoln and SA AFTA Director, The Hon Emily Bourke MLC, Minister for Recreation, Sport & Racing.

QUEENSLAND

East Coast Spanish Mackerel: Proposed Management and Harvest Strategy Changes.

The Qld Government has provided some small relief for recreational fishers pursuing Spanish Mackerel with a proposal to increase the recreational boat limit from 2 per boat with 2 or more people on board to 4 per boat with 4 or more people on board.

Summary of the proposed changes:

• Amend the harvest strategy target reference point from 60% unfished biomass to 48% unfished biomass, amend the harvest strategy objectives, and remove the 40% interim target reference point previously established when stocks were believed to be below the 20% threshold.
• Increase the total allowable commercial catch from 165 t to 250 t to improve industry viability and better align the commercial sector’s catch share with the established 60% commercial, 40% recreational allocation in the harvest strategy.
• Increase the recreational boat limit from 2 per boat with 2 or more people on board to 4 per boat with 4 or more people on board, without significantly negatively impacting the sector catch share ratio.
• Amend the harvest strategy decision rules as drafted in the East Coast Spanish Mackerel Harvest Strategy: 2023–2028 – Proposed Amendments.

The 75 cm minimum size limit, seasonal closures, charter fishing trip limits, and the individual recreational possession limit of one fish per person would remain unchanged.

Whilst AFTA appreciates the increase, AFTA will maintain our position that the increase in the bag limit for Spanish Mackerel should be 2 per person and 4 per boat, and in addition, the removal of the southern area closures, as no breeding aggregations occur in the south.

AFTA is meeting with the Minister’s Office on September 22 and will continue to pursue the government on these points, as well as the bag limits for the Snapper fishery.

The size of our recreational industry should not be ignored; the recreational sector generates $2,515m and sustains 23,602 FTE jobs in Qld. By way of comparison, the commercial sector generates $558m and sustains 4,576 FTE jobs. In other words, for every FTE job in the commercial sector, there are 5.2 sustained in the recreational industry, and economically, for every dollar generated by the commercial sector, the recreational industry generates 4.5 dollars.

It is time for governments at all levels and jurisdictions to start considering the broader recreational industry’s contribution when providing support and equality in sustainable harvest allocations and support.

East Coast Spanish Mackerel survey “Have Your Say.”

It is essential to have your say on these proposed changes to Spanish Mackerel management arrangements and the harvest strategy. As an industry, if we don’t speak up, we lose.

The fastest and easiest way to provide your feedback is to complete the online survey available at: https://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

NOTE: The survey questions are designed to seek your input – they are not a voting tool. Your feedback will be used to help develop options for fisheries management action and provide insight into the preferences of all stakeholders. In addition, the survey questions are available at the end of the discussion paper if you prefer to print and post your submission to:

East Coast Spanish Mackerel discussion paper
Department of Primary Industries
GPO Box 46
Brisbane Qld 4001

Submissions close 5 pm, Wednesday October 8 2025.

For more information, call 13 25 23 or email fisheriesmanagers@dpi.qld.gov.au.

Waterway & Foreshore Management in Queensland: BIA White Paper Submission

AFTA extends its congratulations and support to the Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Australia regarding their White Paper Submission to the Queensland Government on Waterway and Foreshore Management.

This document presents BIA’s perspectives on the proposed establishment of a new authority currently under consideration by the Queensland Government for the Sunshine Coast.

The White Paper is available for download here. AFTA encourages all stakeholders and interested parties to review this document to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts and opportunities arising from the proposal.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

What is the future for WA’s Demersal Fishery?

The Western Australian Government plans to convene key stakeholders from the State’s fishing community to discuss measures for conserving demersal fish populations.

Recent scientific assessments indicate that several WA demersal fish species have reduced stock levels along much of the coast. The Cook Government is organising a science and management forum to address potential strategies for rebuilding these stocks.

Fishers are being asked to reduce fishing pressure and consider alternative target species during the school holidays.

Species such as pink snapper, red emperor, and dhufish—which is unique to WA—are experiencing strain from ongoing fishing activity. Additional species, including Kimberley red emperor, Pilbara goldband snapper, South Coast pink snapper, bight redfish, and Western blue groper, have been classified as high risk. The scientific reviews have included an independent assessment by Professor André E. Punt, an international expert and CSIRO scientist.

Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis is scheduled to lead the Fishing Futures Forum on October 20, which will review the current State of demersal fisheries and consider options for long-term management.

AFTA has been invited to participate in the forum and intends to present concerns from the recreational fishing business sector regarding possible additional restrictions.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for representatives from the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing sectors, scientists, businesses, and the broader fishing community to collaborate on approaches for fishery recovery.

Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis stated, “Although recovery plans have been implemented for demersal species statewide, recent scientific findings suggest additional measures may be necessary for their protection. All possible management options will be considered to address the persistent challenge of fishing pressure affecting stock recovery.”

For updates on demersal science, stock assessments, and recreational fisheries surveys, or to provide feedback, please click here.

Exmouth Gulf Marine Park

AFTA has raised concerns about potential restrictions for recreational fishers due to the establishment of the new Exmouth Gulf Marine Park. The park, covering the entire gulf, will protect significant habitats, with at least 30% designated as sanctuary zones under joint management with Traditional Owners.

Exmouth Gulf supports a wide range of wildlife and holds cultural, economic, and strategic value. Planning aims to strike a balance between environmental protection and commercial, recreational, and tourism activities outside sanctuary zones.

The initiative aligns with broader conservation goals, including the establishment of new parks, the cessation of native forest logging, and the contribution to Australia’s objective of protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030.

Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed that fishing will continue while seeking input from stakeholders. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn highlighted the focus on protecting habitats alongside sustainable fishing and tourism.

Share your feedback and get involved!

Exmouth Gulf Taskforce – Final report to the Minister for the Environment

VICTORIA

The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, Sport & Major Events, hosted a Recreational Industry Roundtable on September 18, with support from The Hon Luba Grigorovitch MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Outdoor Recreation. Attendees included Victorian AFTA members Steven Threlfall (Tackleworld) and Bill Classon (AFN), who participated in discussions concerning issues relevant to recreational fishers in Victoria.

Topics discussed included:

• Access to Crown Leasehold Lands is being denied despite legislation permitting such access.
• Potential impacts of the proposed Victorian Treaty legislation.
• Effects of shoplifting and physical crime on businesses, as well as the increase in disruptive protests.
• Expanding Victorian freshwater fish hatchery capacity and increasing saltwater species to support restocking and sustainability.
• There is a need for enhanced support and promotion of recreational fishing.
• Encouraging government and political engagement to promote public participation in “Gone Fishing Day” (October 19), and the potential to expand this into an “Outdoor Recreation & Fishing Week” in Victoria, recognising that many recreational fishers also participate in broader outdoor activities.

Currently, the Victorian government is considered the national benchmark for positive and proactive recreational fishing policy. At the roundtable, participants reviewed the economic contributions of the sector, noting that the recreational fishing sector generated $2,266 million and supported 23,411 full-time equivalent jobs, compared to $430 million generated and 3,674 full-time equivalent jobs supported by the commercial sector. These figures were presented to provide context for the significance of the recreational sector, not to denigrate the commercial sector’s contribution.

These items will form part of our election manifesto for the state election in November 2026. If you have items you would like pursued, please let me know ASAP.

Left to Right: Steve “Trelly” Threlfall (Tackle World & AFTA), Sean Kilkenny (ADA), The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, Sport & Major Events, The Hon. Bob Baldwin (Chair AFTA), The Hon Luba Grigorovitch MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Outdoor Recreation, Bill Classon (AFN & AFTA), Barry Howlett, (SSA Vic)

NSW

AFTA congratulates the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW (RFA) on the launch of a new series of short, practical, and culturally inclusive rock fishing safety videos.

The video series highlights the core pillars of safe rock fishing:

• Always wear an approved lifejacket.
• Check weather and swell conditions before heading out.
• Never fish alone – fish with friends or family.
• Choose safe locations and avoid risky spots.
• Know how to call for help and what to do in an emergency.

The videos are now available on social media channels and are designed to be easily shared among communities, fishing groups, and safety networks.

NSW Launches Public Consultation for Independent Recreational Fishing Peak Body

The NSW Government is set to establish an independent peak body for the State’s recreational fishers, and your input is sought to help shape a strong, representative and effective peak body for the future of recreational fishing in NSW.

Public consultation is open until October 1 2025.

To learn more and provide your feedback on the draft model, visit the Have Your Say website.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for Expressions of Interest to join the new Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council (RFTAC). 

A new Advisory Council is being established to review and assess applications for funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, replacing the Recreational Fishing Freshwater and Saltwater Trust Expenditure Committees.

All money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and spent on improving recreational fishing in NSW. Each year, a wide range of projects receive funding from the Trusts.

The Council will include:

Up to 7 members with expertise in saltwater or freshwater recreational fishing (or both).
An additional 4 members with knowledge of recreational fishing, as well as expertise in one of the following:
• Finance & Project Management
• Probity & Governance
• Infrastructure & Construction
• Fisheries Science

RFTAC members will receive a remuneration of $2,500 per annum, plus any travel expenses.
Think this sounds like you? Find out more and apply here.
Applications close October 16 2025.

FEDERAL

Offshore Windfarm Update

The Commonwealth government has declared six offshore wind zones; however, the uptake of licenses appears to be declining. Uncertainty regarding government support for return on investment, along with environmental and logistical challenges, has resulted in the withdrawal of most proponents.

Currently, Australia does not have any operational offshore wind farms. However, six regions have been designated as suitable for future development: Gippsland (Victoria), Southern Ocean – Warrnambool (Victoria), the Hunter and Illawarra (New South Wales), Bunbury (Western Australia), and Northern Tasmania. A legal framework was established in 2022 to permit feasibility studies and pave the way for potential future project construction.

Despite these developments, ambiguity surrounding government funding, delays in recent projects such as those in Victoria, and the substantial requirements for feasibility assessments and approvals have meant that no large-scale projects are currently being constructed.

AFTA’s position is that, while it would prefer offshore wind development not proceed, its priority is ensuring access for recreational fishers should these projects go ahead, as installations may serve as significant Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). Although Minister Bowen has suggested exclusion zones could be limited to 50 metres, insurance considerations may necessitate exclusion zones ranging from 500 to 1500 metres.

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