NSW DPI Fisheries has announced interim changes to commercial and recreational mulloway catch and bag limits.
The changes, commencing 1 September, include a new zero kilogram take and/or possession limit for endorsement holders in the Lobster and Southern Fish Trawl fisheries, and a new 200 kilogram daily take and/or possession limit for all other endorsement holders in the Estuary General, Ocean Trap and Line, Ocean Hauling and Ocean Trawl fisheries.
Rec anglers will see the continuation of the daily bag limit of one mulloway per person and a new boat limit of two mulloway per boat per day.
Charter operators will have a new boat limit of three mulloway per boat per day.
Based on available data, NSW DPI said the recreational and commercial sectors each harvest similar proportions of around 50% of the mulloway catch.
NSW DPI Fisheries said the aim of these new interim measures is to provide greater protection to adult fish in order to support the recovery of the currently depleted mulloway population, which will allow all stakeholders to enjoy sustainable access to the fishery into the future.
These arrangements are interim arrangements, pending the finalisation and implementation of the formal Harvest Strategy for mulloway, which will involve new approaches to management of mulloway catch and effort across all fishing sectors.
The draft mulloway harvest strategy will be finalised by the Mulloway Harvest Strategy Working Group soon and this will provide a further opportunity for stakeholder consultation.
The Mulloway Harvest Strategy Working Group was established in 2021 to develop a forward looking Harvest Strategy for Mulloway in NSW. The Harvest Strategy will provide a strategic framework and decision rules to promote stock recovery and equitably manage catch amongst user groups in the longer term. In the short to medium term, interim management arrangements are required that will afford greater protection to the depleted stock and support the recovery of mulloway.
