On May 30th, AFTA met with Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven for discussions on recreational fishing issues ahead of the March 2026 election.
The following is a summary of discussions:
Snapper
AFTA requests that the timing of the West Coast Snapper assessment results be reviewed to ensure they are communicated to the industry well in advance of any state closures being announced. Additionally, AFTA’s belief is that the West Coast Snapper fishery is sustainable and should not be subject to closure beyond the current timeline of 2026.
AFTA also asks for the review of the South-East Snapper bag and boat limits. It is suggested that these limits be measured against Victoria’s current regulations, which allow for a bag limit of 10 fish with a minimum size of 28cm, and no more than 3 fish exceeding 40cm. These Snapper are from the same DNA transient fish stocks.
Furthermore, it is essential that retailers and suppliers are provided with ample notice if a fishery will remain open or closed. The lead time required for ensuring product availability can extend up to 9-12 months.
Southern Calamari
As the Southern Calamari bag and boat limits for recreational fishers are currently under review, AFTA suggests that the commercial quota should also be evaluated based on their actual catch rather than solely on the TAC. We believe that they are not meeting their TAC, thus a reduction in the TAC by the government does not significantly contribute to the sustainability of their catch.
It is imperative that any reductions are fair and equitable across all sectors of the industry.
Furthermore, the Government should consider conducting a study into the prawn fishery catch and quota to gain an understanding of the actual quantum of undersized calamari bycatch. These smaller calamari bycatch adversely affect the species sustainability. Although this bycatch is beneficial for bait supplies, it leads to an oversupply in the market.
Kingfish
AFTA has expressed concerns regarding the use of floating Kingfish Traps. In New South Wales, “kingfish traps” or pelagic fish traps were used to catch Yellowtail Kingfish until they were banned in 1996. These traps were initially significant for the commercial catch of Yellowtail Kingfish, leading to a peak in landings before their use declined due to overfishing concerns.
These traps when broken away became devices that continued to attract and capture Kingfish and other pelagic species, similar to lost or abandoned crab traps.
If the use of these traps is to continue, it is important to consider recommendations regarding the larger opening size of current fish traps and the implications this may have on other species. It is also necessary to summarise the situation in NSW, including the issue of floating traps and the damage they can cause. It should be noted that most states have stopped using these traps due to the problems they have caused.
Yellowfin Whiting
AFTA has real concerns on the decline of Yellowfin Whiting on the lower Eyre Peninsula. We believe this has been discussed by the MSFMAC but needs further discussions and science to provide the results to show it is sustainable.
Compulsory Registration
AFTA’s stated position is to oppose the introduction of a fee-based recreational fishing licensing. However, we would consider supporting a no-fee compulsory registration as a means of understanding the number of fishers and their efforts, which is critical for making informed and accurate decisions on species sustainability.
Knife Laws
If South Australia considers adopting the recent machete legislation enacted in Victoria, AFTA requests that you take into account the fact that filleting knives typically exceed 20cm in blade length. These knives are commonly used in public areas such as beaches, boat ramps, and rocky shores, not solely within kitchen environments.
School Programs
The “NSW Schools Project – Let’s Go Fishing – Educating School Children on the Sustainable Benefits of Recreational Fishing” initiative is a collaborative effort between the Marine Teachers Association (MTA) of NSW, the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, and AFTA.
The “Let’s Go Fishing” program is an approved elective curriculum subject that commenced in 2016, and it is now progressing into its 6th phase. To date, AFTA has distributed fishing tackle kits to over 150 schools in NSW for their marine studies programs. These kits include a variety of items such as rods, reels, tackle boxes, tape measures, lip grips, scales, brag mats, yabby pumps, hook removers, monofilament line, soft plastics/lures, gloves, hand reels, hooks, sinkers, swivels, landing nets, pliers, tackle bags, and hats. This provision ensures that each student can fully participate and cultivate a lifelong interest in fishing, regardless of cost barriers.
In collaboration with the NSW DPI, a series of beginner and intermediate educational videos were made and are posted onto the AFTA website https://afta.net.au/projects/