Update from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
There is a lot happening in NSW at the moment with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development consulting on its Draft NSW Mulloway Harvest Strategy and management options. You can also find out more about the epic FAD season, how you can be part of an exciting new NSW Women in Recreational Fishing Community and a swag of fishing workshops that were run over summer and autumn.
Have Your Say: Draft Mulloway Harvest Strategy – Closing Soon
NSW DPIRD Fisheries is seeking feedback on the Draft NSW Mulloway Harvest Strategy and management options. The draft strategy was developed in close consultation with the NSW Mulloway Harvest Strategy Working Group. Public consultation opened on 11 April and closes this Sunday, 25 May 2025.
Harvest strategies are internationally recognised tools for sustainable fisheries management. This draft outlines objectives, monitoring, and decision rules to manage both recreational and commercial catch, supporting the ongoing recovery of Mulloway stock to target biomass levels.
Feedback is also sought on proposed management options to improve data quality and guide catch levels under the strategy.
For more information and to provide feedback on the draft strategy, visit: https://bit.ly/44vzmqD.
NSW FAD Season Draws To A Close
It’s been one of the most productive NSW FAD seasons in over two decades, with some outstanding catches of mahi mahi and other awesome pelagic sportfish, over the summer and autumn months from Tweed all the way down to Eden.
It’s that time of year when we start removing our FADs for annual maintenance during the cooler months before their redeployment in a few months’ time. FADs from Sydney to Port Stephens were removed recently, with Wollongong to Eden to be removed in the coming weeks, weather permitting. Northern FADs (Forster to Tweed Heads) will be removed from mid-June.
Check the FishSmart app or DPIRD website (https://bit.ly/4iUeEEi) for the latest FAD status before heading out.
Be part of our new NSW Women in Recreational Fishing Community
In late 2024, DPIRD launched the Women in Fishing Facebook community, which has quickly grown to over 3,400 members! The group offers a welcoming space for new and experienced grassroots fishers to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate their passion for fishing. Sharing fishing advice, photos, giveaways, meetups, and events empowers women in the industry while fostering an inclusive and supportive fishing community throughout NSW.
DPIRDs free workshops engage thousands in NSW
The NSW Government’s popular Fishcare program has been busy recently. So far, 115 free fishing workshops with 5,864 participants have been staged across NSW during 2024/25. These free workshops, led by education officers and volunteers, focus on teaching responsible fishing practices through hands-on sessions for individuals and families. Participants learn essential skills such as rigging, casting, and fish handling, with all equipment provided.
Fish stocking
Our fresh and saltwater fish breeding and stocking program for 2024/25 is now complete! Stay tuned for an update on our final stocking numbers and locations. Also, be sure to check the NSW Fisheries Facebook page for the latest details and updates.
Offshore artificial reefs
DPIRD is continuing its planning for the deployment of offshore artificial reefs off Ballina and Coffs later this year to create high-quality marine habitat and boost recreational fishing opportunities. The proposed design includes two large steel structures at each location. Each structure has a footprint of 15.6 x 15.6 m, a height of 12 m, and a weight of around 48 tonnes. Stay tuned for more updates.
Recreational Fishing Peak Body
Work has continued on the future establishment of a recreational fishing peak body in NSW. A draft model and governance arrangement for a recreational fishing peak body has been developed using a Recreational Fishing Stakeholder online forum and subsequent meetings of a smaller Peak Body Working Group over the past year, which is currently being considered.