Saturday, March 30, 2024
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Mulloway debate highlights need for common sense

SUPPORT for an increase in the minimum size for mulloway in NSW is growing, as is opposition to proposed changes to commercial fishing regulations for the species. 

As Fisho has been reporting for a number of weeks, a proposal for a recreational bag limit of one fish over 75cm while commercial netters would be allowed to take up to 50 juvenile fish, i.e. those between 45 cm and 75 cm was to be put to NSW DPI for approval.

According to the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW the consultation group involved in the proposal includes the Mulloway Resource Planning Group (members unknown), the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, the (former) Ocean Trap and Line Management Advisory Committee, the Professional Fishermen’s Association and EcoFishers.

NSW DPI has since denied it was considering rubber stamping the proposal and there will be a public consultation period before the issue goes any further. 

According to Stan Konstantaras from ANSA NSW and RFA of NSW, “Recreational anglers are responsible custodians of the resource, and if we have good, current and solid science that says we need to make some changes in our practices at a recreational fishing level to rebuild the stocks then we will accept this.

“We also want to see meaningful reductions in the commercial harvest of mulloway and a no-take on undersized fish and some changes to the estuary prawn trawl practices that impact on juvenile mulloway. ANSA NSW would like an opportunity to provide our members’ input in a truly transparent process.”

“All harvest sectors have a significant role to play in the recovery program for mulloway. NSW DPI will deliver an overall solution that rebuilds the mulloway resource while minimising impacts on all types of harvest activities.”

Fisho will have more on this issue soon, so stay tuned.

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