State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson has warned proposed new recreational fishing limits for Snapper and Yellowtail Kingfish risk significant consequences for fishers, charter operators, and regional coastal communities.
Mr Williamson moved a Notice of Motion in the NSW Parliament this week, calling on the Minns Labor Government to pause the proposed changes and properly consult with the fishing industry and community.
Under the government’s draft proposals, the recreational Snapper bag and possession limit would fall from 10 fish to three, with only one fish over 70cm. The Yellowtail Kingfish limit would drop from five fish to one, alongside a new boat limit of one fish per vessel. Existing minimum legal lengths would remain unchanged.
Mr Williamson said recreational and commercial fishers he had spoken with had been left bewildered by the scale of the proposed changes.
“These are substantial changes to recreational fishing in NSW, and they deserve the highest level of scrutiny,” Mr Williamson said.
“The government has again come up short when it comes to clearly explaining the detail, the evidence and the practical consequences of what it is proposing. Changes of this magnitude must be backed by transparent, robust science and evidence, and the people who fish our coastline deserve to be taken along with the process.”
Mr Williamson said the government has extended the consultation period from its original closing date of October 18 this year to February 15 next year following calls from fishers and stakeholders.
“The extension is welcome, but simply extending the deadline does not resolve the concerns that are being raised about these proposals,” Mr Williamson said.
“Recreational fishing is incredibly important to communities throughout the Clarence electorate and right along the NSW coast. It supports our bait and tackle shops, charter operators, accommodation providers, pubs, clubs, service stations and countless other small businesses that benefit when people travel to our communities to wet a line.
“We absolutely need to sustainably manage our fisheries for future generations. Nobody disputes that. But decisions need to be proportionate, evidence-based and made with the people who know these fisheries involved in the process.
“I will not support these proposed changes in their current form.”
Mr Williamson said the NSW Nationals opposed the proposed bag limits, with any future management arrangements needing to be based on transparent science, proper consultation and a balanced consideration of environmental, recreational and economic impacts.
He encouraged recreational fishers, charter operators, commercial fishers and businesses that rely on the fishing industry to make submissions before consultation closes.
Snapper Harvest have your say: NSW Snapper Harvest Strategy | Have Your Say
Yellowtail Kingfish have your say: NSW Yellowtail Kingfish Harvest Strategy | Have Your Say
