Minister responds to salmon netting backlash

AS a result of a Comment piece we posted last Monday, (Salmon Netting Disgrace!) Fisho today received a response from NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson, which is reprinted below in full.

Minister Hodgkinson: 

"The value of Australian salmon to recreational fishing is acknowledged, but its use as bait to enable commercial fishers to catch and supply high quality fresh local seafood to the community must also be acknowledged.

"Much of the initial angler response seems to be based on the mistaken assumption that the changes will allow uncontrolled fishing that would decimate the resource. In fact, the
changes would enable only an additional 100 tonnes (approximately) to be taken north of
Sydney. At most, this represents a minor (approximately five per cent) increase in the
commercial catch of the unit stock of salmon on the east coast and may just lead to a shift in catch of salmon from south of Sydney to north of Sydney. The scientific information
indicates the stock can easily sustain that increase. I am confident that the new limits and
the monitoring measures implemented will be an effective control.

"I would also note that the previous closure preventing the targeting of tailor by nets, which expired at the same time as the salmon closure, was replaced unamended.

"This decision is a measured position which avoids a situation where the fish are simply
taken south of Sydney and trucked north at unnecessary expense, or where other important recreational species are substituted for use as bait.

"Accordingly, I support the new controls and close monitoring throughout the year, with the
option to review the arrangements next year and adjust them if necessary."