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Public consultation on Rebuilding Programs for NSW Fish Stocks
Dear Mr Baldwin,
NSW DPIRD is developing rebuilding programs to provide an evidence-based framework to support appropriate management of fish stocks taken in NSW with low biomass levels.
Currently, there are eleven fish species harvested in NSW that are classified as ‘depleted’ under the national Status of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS) framework or are classified as ‘recovering’ yet still have low biomass levels.
For four species – Grey Morwong, Silver Trevally, Redfish and Pearl Perch – NSW takes a significant proportion of total catch, or they are considered key harvest species, and changes to management arrangements are required to support stock recovery within appropriate timeframes.
The remaining seven species (Mulloway, Gemfish, Blue Warehou, School Shark, Jackass Morwong, Spanish Mackerel and John Dory) have appropriate harvest controls, a harvest strategy in development, and/or are caught in very low numbers compared to other jurisdictions.
A comprehensive assessment approach has been developed in the Rebuilding Programs for New South Wales Fish Stocks, along with summary consultation information.
The proposed rebuilding programs include species specific assessments, objectives, monitoring and management actions to achieve rebuilding of stock biomass within biologically appropriate timeframes for species where NSW is the primary or a significant contributor to fishing mortality. The programs will also provide management context on the measures NSW has in place for depleted species which are primarily managed by other jurisdictions.
The rebuilding program actions will propose species specific changes for the commercial, recreational and charter sectors to reduce fishing mortality and support additional recruitment for Grey Morwong, Silver Trevally, Pearl Perch and Redfish.
The Department sought initial feedback on the rebuilding programs and species-specific management changes from CommFish NSW, RFNSW and the NSW Charter Working Group earlier in 2025, and is now seeking broader feedback through public consultation.
The consultation, including further information on the programs and species-specific management changes is published on the DPIRD and Have Your Say websites.
Submissions are open between 28 November 2025 and 31 January 2026.
The consultation and submission portal can be found at Have Your Say – Rebuilding Programs for NSW Fish Stocks
Feedback received through public consultation will be considered before the programs or management changes are finalised.
If you have any further enquiries, I have asked Mr Nicholas Giles, A/Program Leader Resource Management, to be available to answer any questions you may have. Mr Giles can be contacted at nicholas.giles@dpird.nsw.gov.au or on 0419 185 540.
Yours sincerely,
Tara Black
Deputy Secretary, Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development