Fisheries NSW
Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery
PREPARED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSESSMENT UNDER PART 13 AND 13(A) OF THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY ACT 1999 Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery
Published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery - Prepared for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for the purpose of assessment under Part 13 and 13(A) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 First published April 2021 More information Fiona McKinnon, Fisheries NSW www.dpi.nsw.gov.au Acknowledgments OUT21/3064
© State of New South Wales through Regional NSW 2021. The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (April 2021). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer of the Department of Regional NSW or the user’s independent adviser.
1 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021 Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery
Contents
1. Introduction ...... 4 2. Description of the Fishery ...... 5 2.1 Species ...... 5 2.2 Fishing gear ...... 6 2.3 Fishing area ...... 6 2.4 Management arrangements ...... 6 2.4.1 Input controls ...... 7 2.4.2 Output controls ...... 8 2.5 Number of fishers...... 9 2.6 Licensing arrangements ...... 10 2.7 Allocation between sectors ...... 10 2.7.1 Recreational fishing ...... 10 2.7.2 Aboriginal cultural fishing ...... 10 2.7.3 Policy for Fisheries Resource Sharing in NSW ...... 11 2.8 Governing legislation ...... 11 3. Management ...... 11 3.1 Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program ...... 11 3.1.1 Share class linkage arrangements ...... 12 3.2 Catch quota system for Spanner crab (northern zone)...... 12 3.3 Marine estate reforms ...... 12 3.3.1 NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018 - 2028...... 13 3.4 Compliance ...... 13 3.4.1 Compliance rates ...... 14 3.5 Consultation processes ...... 15 3.5.1 Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Committee ...... 15 3.5.2 Commercial Fishing NSW Advisory Council ...... 15 3.5.3 Working groups ...... 15 3.6 Cross jurisdictional management arrangements ...... 16 3.7 Threatened, endangered and protected species...... 16 3.7.1 Frequency and nature of interactions ...... 16 3.7.2 Scientific observer program...... 17 3.7.3 Management actions taken to reduce interactions and results of such actions ..... 19
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3.7.4 Priorities Action Statement ...... 19 4. Research and Monitoring ...... 21 4.1 Research priorities ...... 21 4.2 Relevant research ...... 21 4.3 Monitoring programs ...... 23 4.3.1 Stock assessment and reporting ...... 23 4.3.2 Scientific observer program...... 23 4.3.3 Collection of catch and effort data ...... 24 4.3.4 Port monitoring ...... 24 5. Catch Data ...... 24 5.1 Total catch and value of the OTL Fishery ...... 24 5.2 Total catch and fishing effort data of primary and key secondary species ...... 25 5.3 Harvest by each sector ...... 25 5.3.1 Recreational fishing ...... 25 5.3.2 Aboriginal cultural fishing ...... 26 5.3.3 Illegal catch ...... 26 6. Harvest Strategies ...... 26 7. Status of Target Stock ...... 26 7.1 Species assessed as ‘Depleted’...... 28 7.1.1 Grey (Rubberlip) Morwong ...... 28 7.1.2 Silver Trevally ...... 28 7.1.3 Gemfish...... 29 7.1.4 Mulloway ...... 29 7.1.5 Pearl Perch ...... 29 7.1.6 School Shark ...... 30 8. Impacts of the Fishery on the Ecosystem ...... 30 8.1 Results of any ecological risk assessments ...... 30 8.2 Nature of impacts on the ecosystem including impacts on any key conservation values 30 8.3 Management actions taken to reduce the impacts...... 30 9. Report against OTL Fishery Conditions of WTO Declaration ...... 31 Appendix 1: References ...... 36
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1. Introduction This submission has been prepared by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) on behalf of shareholders in the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery (the OTL Fishery) in order to assist industry to obtain export approval by leveraging off the comprehensive legislative and policy framework for fisheries management in NSW. The following provides a report of the OTL Fishery for assessment under Part 13 and 13 (A) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Information provided follows the recommended content for reports detailed in Appendix B of the Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Development of Fisheries – 2nd Edition and consistent with these Guidelines this submission references sections of related documents including the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the OTL Fishery (NSW DPI, 2006), the Fishery Management Strategy (FMS) for the OTL Fishery (NSW DPI, 2006) and the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW and Status of Australian Fish Stocks reports.
Table 1 Summary of the OTL Fishery as at March 2021
Ocean waters from NSW coastal baseline seaward to the 4,000 metre isobath, subject to closures to certain methods at some or all times. Area [Note: Waters extending beyond 3 nautical miles are managed in accordance with NSW legislation under an arrangement with the Commonwealth]
Fish trap (bottom / demersal) Gear Spanner crab net Line methods (set line / trotline, driftline, handline, dropline, trolling, jigging and poling)
Total Allowable Commercial Catch (Gemfish, Bass grouper, Blue-eye trevalla, Hapuku, Pink ling, Bigeye ocean perch, Spanner crab) Limited entry Management Controls on fishing boats and gear Controls Spatial and temporal closures Size limits Catch limits
Australian Bonito Silver trevally Banded (Bar) rock cod Snapper Primary Species Blue-eye trevalla Spanner crab Grey (Rubberlip) morwong Yellowfin bream Gummy Shark Yellowtail kingfish Leatherjacket spp.
Catch 2019/20 - 1,189 tonnes
Value 2019/20 - $11.9 million
Sustainable 6 Depleting 1 Stock Status Recovering 0 (Primary species) Depleted 1 Undefined 3
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2. Description of the Fishery For the purposes of this submission the OTL Fishery comprises the Ocean Trap and Line Share Management Fishery as described in Schedule 1 of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (the Act) and Part 3 of the Fisheries Management (Ocean Trap and Line Share Management Plan) Regulation 2006 (the SMP). As described in Schedule 1 of the Act, the OTL Fishery consists of: a) the use of a fish trap to take fish from ocean waters, b) the use of a line with hooks attached to take fish from ocean waters, c) the use of a spanner crab net to take spanner crabs from ocean waters that are north of a line drawn due east from Korogoro Point (Hat Head).
2.1 Species A number of fish and invertebrate species are taken in the OTL Fishery. The SMP details the primary and key secondary species (Table 2 and 3) in the OTL Fishery which are those species that the fishery captures, in large quantities or are of high value, on a consistent basis.
Table 2 Primary species taken in the OTL Fishery
Common name Scientific name
Australian Bonito Sarda australis
Banded (Bar) Rock Cod Epinephelus ergastularius
Blue-eye Trevalla Hyperoglyphe Antarctica
Grey (Rubberlip) Morwong Nemadactylus douglasii
Gummy Shark Mustelus antarcticus
Leatherjacket spp. Family: MONACANTHIDAE (excluding Nelusetta ayraudi)
Silver Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Snapper Pagrus auratus
Spanner Crab Ranina ranina
Yellowfin Bream Acanthopagrus australis
Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Table 3 Key secondary species taken in the OTL Fishery
Common name Scientific name
Bass Groper Polyprion americanus
Eastern Pigfish Bodianus unimaculatus
Gemfish Rexea solandri
Hapuku Polyprion oxygeneios
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Common name Scientific name
Jackass Morwong Nemadactylus macropterus
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish) Coryphaena hippurus
Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus
Pearl Perch Glaucosoma scapulare
Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus commerson
Spotted Mackerel Scomberomorus munroi
Silver Sweep Scorpis lineolata
Teraglin Atractoscion aequidens
Wobbegong Sharks Orectolobus ornatus Orectolobus maculatus
Shark spp. Various
Part 2 of the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2019 (the FM (G) Regulation) lists fish that are protected from fishing by all sectors and from commercial fishing only.
2.2 Fishing gear Fishing gear used in the OTL Fishery consists of trap and line methods used to target finfish, as well as spanner crab nets designed to specifically target spanner crabs. For a full description of fishing methods and gear types refer to: Chapter B1.3 (Methods of Harvest) (pp 33 – 36) of the EIS, and Section 3.1.4 (Fishing gear used in the fishery) (pp 12 – 13) and 3.1.5 (Boats used in the fishery) (pg13) of the FMS. Part 4A (Fishing gear) of the SMP prescribes current limits and/or restrictions on fishing gear used in the OTL Fishery.
2.3 Fishing area The overall area of the OTL Fishery extends from NSW coastal baseline seaward to the 4000 metre isobath, approximately 60 to 80 nautical miles offshore. Refer to the EIS, Chapter B1.4 (Area of operation, pp. 37 - 43) and section 3.1.2 (Area of operation, pp. 9 - 11) of the FMS
2.4 Management arrangements The OTL Fishery is managed under the Act, and the regulations made under this Act (refer to 2.8 Governing legislation). The NSW DPI is the State Government agency responsible for the administration of the Act. The OTL Fishery is managed by a combination of input and output controls.
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2.4.1 Input controls
2.4.1.1 Limited entry The OTL Fishery is a Category 1 share management fishery and access is limited to shareholders in the OTL Fishery or their nominated fishers who hold sufficient shares to satisfy the minimum shareholding levels established in the SMP. 2.4.1.2 Controls on fishing boats Boat capacity restrictions are enacted through a combination of boat specific restrictions set out on fishing boat licences and the SMP. Each fishing boat licence is subject to a licence specific maximum boat length. In addition, the SMP prescribes a maximum boat length of 16 metres. This maximum boat length does not apply to boats that exceed this length but were a component of any ocean trap and line fishing business immediately before the commencement of the SMP (such boats may be replaced by a boat of the same or a lesser length). 2.4.1.3 Controls on fishing gear Part 4A (Fishing gear) of the SMP and the Fisheries Management (Trap, Hook and Crew Limits Guidelines) Approval 2017 (the Guidelines) prescribes current limits and/or restrictions on fishing gear used in the OTL Fishery including: Demersal fish trap limits of 30 traps for the first 50 demersal fish trap shares and 10 fish traps for each additional 20 shares; A maximum use of 10 setlines with no more than 6 hooks attached to any set line within 3 nautical miles; Hook limits of 1200 hooks per line fishing eastern or western zone endorsement, with a limit of 1200 hooks per fishing business for any line fishing method outside 3 nautical miles; Hook limits for line fishing eastern zone fishing businesses allowing use of an additional 1200 hooks for each additional 40 shares held in a single fishing business above the minimum shareholding of 40 shares; A maximum use of 30 drift lines at any one time with no more than one hook or no more than 5 hooks if a gang of hooks attached to the drift line; A prohibition on the use of automated baiting machines in the OTL Fishery; A respective maximum of 30 and 40 spanner crab nets to be used by southern and northern spanner crab endorsement holders; Requirements to use circle hooks on set lines (non-offset in waters <50m deep), and prohibition on use of bottom set wire trace lines in waters within 3nm of the natural coastline. The Guidelines are available at https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2017_2017-125.pdf In addition a number of gear restrictions apply in or near critical habitat of Greynurse sharks (Part 5A of the SMP) and under the Fisheries Management (Ocean Trap and Line Fishery Export Approval - North & South Solitary Islands, Fish Rock, Green Island and Magic Point) Notification 2020 refer https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/639789/Ocean-Trap-and-Line- Fishery-Export-Approval-North-South-Solitary-Island-Green-Island-Fish-Island.pdf)
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2.4.1.4 Temporal and spatial closures The SMP, the FM (G) Regulation and the Fisheries Management (Supporting Plan) Regulation 2006 outline a range of spatial and temporal closures relevant to the OTL Fishery, including waters closed permanently to all commercial fishing or class of commercial fishing. Fishing closures specific to the OTL Fishery that are authorised under the Act can be found on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/closures/commercial/ocean-trap- and-line-fishery-closures The OTL Fishery is also subject to a range of spatial closures arising from the comprehensive network of marine protected areas that include marine parks, aquatic reserves and intertidal protected areas in which commercial fishing is restricted or not permitted.
2.4.2 Output controls
2.4.2.1 Total Allowable Catch Total Allowable Catch (TAC) arrangements for the OTL fishery commenced on 1 May 2019. TACs are determined for each fishing period between 1 May and 30 April in each year for quota managed species (Table 4). The statutory and independent Total Allowable Fishing Committee, established under the Act, determined the TAC for Spanner crab for the 2020/21 fishing period and is responsible for determining the TAC for Spanner crab and Bass groper for 2021/22. For further information refer to https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/total-allowable-fishing
Table 4 Total Allowable Catch
2019/20 TAC 2020/21 TAC Species (tonnes) (tonnes)
Bass groper 6.1 6.1
Bigeye ocean perch 21.1 21.1
Blue-eye trevalla 30 30
Gemfish 7.1 7.1
Pink ling 67.7 67.7
Hapuku 5.2 5.2
Spanner Crab 169 135.5
2.4.2.2 Size limits Minimum legal lengths (or size limits) apply to a large range of species taken in the OTL Fishery as set out in clause 6 of the FM (G) Regulation. 2.4.2.3 Commercial catch limits and restrictions Commercial catch limits are implemented via fishing closures under Act, those applicable to the OTL Fishery include: A commercial daily catch limit for any, or any combination of Endeavour Dogfish (Centrophorus moluccensis), and Greeneye Spurdog (Squalus cholorculus), and a 0 kilogram trip limit [prohibition] on the taking of Southern Dogfish (C. zeehaani) and Harrison’s Dogfish (C. harrissoni).
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A commercial weekly and total catch limit applying to certain shark species harvested in the OTL Fishery. A commercial daily catch and possession limit for various species established under the SMP. A range of commercial trip limits apply to commercially important species taken predominantly in Commonwealth managed fisheries, including Orange Roughy; Smooth, Black, Spiky, Warty and Rough oreodory; Blue and Silver warehou; Jackass morwong; Ocean perch; Toothy, Southern sand, and Southern bluespotted flathead. The trip limits were first introduced to ensure the integrity of the Commonwealth’s quota management scheme. Details of up-to-date commercial catch limits applying to the OTL Fishery can be found: On the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/closures/commercial/ocean-trap-and-line-fishery- closures In the OTL SMP at https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl- 2006-0738 The FM (G) Regulation prescribes a range of fish that are protected for conservation reasons or protected from commercial fishing for resource sharing reasons that cannot be taken in the OTL Fishery.
2.5 Number of fishers Access to the OTL Fishery is limited to shareholders or their nominated fishers who hold sufficient shares to satisfy the minimum shareholding levels established for each share class in the SMP. Minimum shareholdings apply to all share classes in the OTL Fishery and are used to determine if a shareholder (or their nominated fisher) is eligible for an endorsement authorising a particular commercial fishing activity in respect of that share class. There are six types of endorsement available in the OTL Fishery corresponding to each share class. Table 5 provides a description of the commercial fishing activity authorised by each endorsement in the OT Fishery and the number of endorsement holders for each share class.
Table 5 OTL Fishery endorsements, the commercial fishing activities they authorise and the number of endorsement holders (as at March 2021)
Number of Endorsement Shareholders Commercial Fishing Activity Type (and endorsement holders)
Line fishing Take fish using a handline, rod (or pole) and line, set line or drift line to western zone take fish from ocean waters that are west of the 183 metre (100 225 (193) fathoms) depth contour.
Take fish using a handline, rod (or pole) and line, set line or drift line to Line fishing take fish from ocean waters that are east of the 183 metre (100 64 (63) eastern zone fathoms) depth contour.
Demersal fish Take fish from ocean waters by means of a fish trap set or used on the 145 (116) trap sea bed.
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Number of Endorsement Shareholders Commercial Fishing Activity Type (and endorsement holders)
School and Take school and gummy sharks using a set line from ocean waters gummy shark south of a line drawn due east from the northern point of the entrance to 12 (11) Moruya River.
Take spanner crabs using a spanner crab net to take spanner crabs Spanner crab from ocean waters that are north of a line drawn due east from the 21 (19) northern zone southern breakwall at Yamba.
Take spanner crab using a spanner crab net to take spanner crabs Spanner crab from ocean waters that are south of a line drawn due east from the 6 (6) southern zone southern breakwall at Yamba and north of Korogoro Point (Hat Head).
2.6 Licensing arrangements For relevant licensing arrangements refer to the NSW Commercial Fisheries Administration Guide, May 2019, on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/licensing-forms
2.7 Allocation between sectors Refer to the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW and Status of Australian Fish Stocks reports for landings of OTL Fishery primary and key secondary species by other NSW commercial fisheries and, where available, estimated recreational catch. Reports are available at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-fish-harvest- program A number of performance indicators included in the FMS, used as part of the FMS performance monitoring process, relate to resource sharing. The purpose of these performance indicators is to detect large shifts in catch of key species, over time, between a) the commercial and non-commercial sectors, b) among each commercial fishery in NSW, and c) among methods or endorsement types within a fishery. Refer to Appendix 3 of this submission for the report on performance indicators in the OTL Fishery for 2015/16.
2.7.1 Recreational fishing
NSW DPI has completed the Survey of Recreational Fishing in New South Wales 2017/18 (Murphy et al 2020) which provides a range of information, including new estimates of recreational catches. Further information is available at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/research-surveys/recreational- fishing-survey
2.7.2 Aboriginal cultural fishing
Aboriginal cultural fishing is defined in the Act as “fishing activities and practices carried out by Aboriginal persons for the purpose of satisfying their personal, domestic or communal needs, or for educational or ceremonial purposes or other traditional purposes, and which do not have a commercial purpose”.
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Daily cultural fishing needs are currently provided for by the Aboriginal Cultural Fishing Interim Access Arrangement which allows for extended bag and possession limits, as well as other special arrangements, for cultural fishing activities. Special provisions also exist under the Act to accommodate access to fisheries resources beyond what the current cultural fishing rules provide for (for events such as for a large cultural gathering or ceremonies). Aboriginal cultural fishing activity and possession of fish and/or fishing gear must comply with the current fisheries legislation i.e. size limits of fish as prescribed in the FM (G) Regulation apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing activities. Further information can be found on the NSW DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aboriginal-fishing
2.7.3 Policy for Fisheries Resource Sharing in NSW
The Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Council (MFAC) has developed a policy - Fisheries Resource Sharing in NSW - to assist decision making on sharing the State's sustainably exploitable fisheries resources between the various commercial, recreational, charter and Aboriginal cultural fishing sectors in accordance with the objects of the Act. Further information can be found on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/consultation/supporting-documents/fisheries-resource- re-allocation-proposals
2.8 Governing legislation Relevant current legal instruments include: Fisheries Management Act 1994 Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2010 Fisheries Management (Supporting Plan) Regulation 2006 Fisheries Management (Ocean Trap and Line Share Management Plan) Regulation 2006
3. Management
3.1 Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program The OTL Fishery has recently been through one of the most comprehensive reforms in its history, known as the Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program (BAP). The object of the BAP was to provide greater certainty and ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the NSW commercial fishing industry. As a result, new consultation and governance arrangements apply, the number of shareholders in the OTL Fishery has been rationalised, and new share linkages (including implementing TACs as described in this submission) have been fully implemented, with the process to streamline current management controls to improve fishing efficiency now underway through consultative process.
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3.1.1 Share class linkage arrangements
Implemented share linkage arrangements in the OTL Fishery are characterised by increases in minimum shareholding requirements, changes to gear allowances and the introduction of catch quotas for Spanner crab (southern zone) and Line fishing (eastern zone) (Table 6).
Table 6 Summary of the OTL Fishery share linkage decisions
Share Class Share Linkage
Demersal fish trap a) Increased minimum shareholding from 40 to 50 shares. b) Extra 10 fish traps for every additional 20 shares held above the minimum shareholding.
Line fishing western zone a) Increased minimum shareholding from 40 to 60 shares.
Line fishing eastern zone a) Minimum shareholding as per current arrangements. b) A catch quota for Bass Groper, Blue-eye Trevalla, Gemfish, Hapuku, Pink Ling, and Bigeye Ocean Perch) commenced from 1 May 2019 c) New species quota shares issued for allocation of catch quota. d) Extra 1200 hooks for each additional 40 shares held above the minimum shareholding.
Spanner crab northern zone a) Northern and southern zones merged into a single catch quota managed fishery from 1 July 2019. Spanner crab southern zone b) New spanner crab quota shares issued for allocation of catch quota. c) Maximum 40 and 30 spanner crab nets (dillies) to be used by respective endorsement holders in the northern and southern zones.
School and gummy shark Minimum shareholding as per current arrangements.
3.2 Catch quota system for Spanner crab (northern zone) A catch quota system for the spanner crab northern zone sector of the OTL Fishery was implemented on 1 July 2015. An interim total commercial catch limit of 164,124 kilograms was set and individual transferable quotas were allocated to fishers based on their shareholdings. The quota system merged into a single catch quota managed fishery from 1 July 2019.
3.3 Marine estate reforms The NSW marine estate includes the ocean, estuaries, coastal wetlands (saltmarsh, mangroves and seagrass), coastline including beaches, dunes and headlands, coastal lakes and lagoons connected to the ocean and islands including Lord Howe Island. It extends seaward out to three nautical miles and from the Queensland border to the Victorian border. In March 2013, in response to the Report of the Independent Scientific Audit of Marine Parks in NSW, the NSW Government announced a new approach to managing the marine estate, driven by two new advisory bodies established under the Marine Estate Management Act 2014 – the Marine Estate Management Authority (MEMA) to oversee management of the marine estate with expert advice from the independent Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel.
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The MEMA developed a Threat and Risk Assessment Framework to provide a robust and transparent process for identifying threats and risks to the marine estate. The framework outlines how to conduct assessments to account for threats and risks to environmental, economic and social benefits associated with the marine estate that contribute to community wellbeing. The MEMA completed an evidence-based threat and risk assessment for the NSW marine estate in accordance with the Threat and Risk Assessment Framework. The NSW Marine Estate Threat and Risk Assessment Threat and Risk Assessment Final Report is a key input to the Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018 – 2028.
3.3.1 NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018 - 2028
The NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018-2028 outlines strategies to protect and enhance waterways, coastline and estuaries over the strategy period. Actions in the Strategy have been determined by: the range of values people have for the marine estate – social, cultural, environmental and economic how to tackle the most significant threats to these values (identified in the statewide Threat and Risk Assessment) widespread stakeholder and community feedback. The Strategy delivers outcomes through the following initiatives: Improving water quality and reducing litter Delivering healthy coastal habitats with sustainable use and development Planning for climate change Protecting the Aboriginal cultural values of the marine estate Reducing impacts on threatened and protected species Ensuring sustainable fishing and aquaculture Enabling safe and sustainable boating Enhancing social, cultural and economic benefits Delivering effective governance Further information is available at https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/marine-estate- programs/marine-estate-management-strategy
3.4 Compliance The Fisheries Compliance Unit (FCU) is focused on optimising compliance with the Act, the Marine Estate Management Act 2014 and their associated regulations. The FCU uses project tasks and sub-programs, covering functional areas such as aquaculture and commercial fishing, to achieve risk-based regulation and compliance objectives through education and enforcement. The FCU is separated into seven geographic compliance zones, with a State- wide Operations and Investigations Group that undertakes major/complex investigations, and the Conservation and Aquaculture Group that provides specialist capabilities in aquatic habitat compliance management. The FCU also provides compliance services to five of the six marine parks in NSW. Prosecutions are an important tool in providing effective deterrence and are also managed by the FCU, utilising a detailed prosecution management and review process.
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The FCU has consistently demonstrated its ability to operate as an effective, safe and innovative regulator, dealing with a large and sectorial client base. The FCU operates across a geographically wide, challenging and inherently dangerous environment with many ‘moving’ targets. It has also shown its operational flexibility recently in performing non-traditional operational and technical roles, including significant contributions to shark mitigation strategies to help address broader NSW Government initiatives. The FCU contribute to a range of national and international fisheries compliance forums to help develop strategies to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. NSW DPI Fisheries Compliance Plans are regularly reviewed for progress against the objectives of the Australian Fisheries National Compliance Strategy (AFNCS). The AFNCS is used as a reference in developing local compliance strategies and plans to ensure a consistent approach to fisheries compliance throughout Australia complementing the National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. In July 2016 the Department for Industry created a Resources Regulator to undertake compliance and enforcement for a broad range of activities in the resource sector, including commercial and recreational fishing. The Resources Regulator Advisory Committee has been established to oversee and advise on major enforcement actions, providing confirmation to the community that these matters are conducted under law and without fear or favour. The FCU have briefed the Committee on the regulatory approach of NSW DPI Fisheries Compliance and the opportunities for improvement. The FCU are early adopters of the Quality Regulatory Services Initiative (QRSI), and the design of Fisheries Annual District Compliance Plans has been reviewed and revised several times, to improve its effectiveness as an outcomes-focused fisheries compliance management tool. Recent efforts in developing an 'analytics' environment have also allowed the FCU to better identify changes in compliance activity and outcomes over time. Regular analysis of compliance data is undertaken to review the effectiveness of compliance initiatives. To support risk-based compliance, functionality has been embedded into business processes (i.e. inspections) to identify and address knowledge gaps in fishing rules, support for fisheries management arrangements and reasons for non-compliance. These insights have been converted to actions addressing damaging behaviours through education and targeted enforcement. A copy of the Fisheries Compliance Enforcement Policy and Procedure along with other compliance statistics can be found on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/compliance/fisheries-compliance-enforcement
3.4.1 Compliance rates
The annual rate of compliance in the OTL Fishery is calculated using information from quality inspections reflected on program activity reports that are completed by NSW DPI Fisheries Officers when undertaking inspections of fishers and fishing gear in the OTL Fishery (Table 7).
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Table 7 Rates of compliance in the OTL Fishery
Year Compliance rate
2016/17 81.48%
2017/18 77.82%
2018/19 86.07%
2019/20 88.71%
3.5 Consultation processes New consultation arrangements for NSW commercial fisheries have been introduced since November 2012 following the Independent Report into NSW Commercial Fisheries Policy, Management and Administration. Further information on consultation arrangements is available on the DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/consultation
3.5.1 Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Committee
The MFAC has been established to provide the Minister for Primary Industries with high-level strategic policy advice on issues relating to the management of fisheries resources in NSW. This will include broad advice to assist with the management of commercial fishing, recreational/charter fishing and Aboriginal cultural fishing as well as issues which impact across fisheries and sectors such as resource sharing, co-management, cost recovery and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
3.5.2 Commercial Fishing NSW Advisory Council
The Commercial Fishing NSW Advisory Council (Commfish NSW) is established to provide greater industry representation and input to the Minister for Primary Industries on strategic and policy issues relating to the commercial fishing industry in NSW. The Council operates under a Charter which sets out the objectives and mode of operation of the Council and the roles and responsibilities of members.
3.5.3 Working groups
Task based working groups are formed on an as needs basis to provide expert advice on specific issues. Once the task assigned to the working group is complete the working group will be disbanded. Working group members are appointed by the Deputy Director General, DPI Fisheries based on skill and expertise relevant to the tasks assigned to the working group. The policy - Fisheries non-statutory working groups: Establishment and Governance is designed to ensure that working groups are established and operated in a consistent, efficient and effective manner in line with best practice governance arrangements.
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3.6 Cross jurisdictional management arrangements NSW DPI continues to work with the Commonwealth and Fisheries Queensland to develop complementary arrangements for shared resources. For example: NSW DPI and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority are working co- operatively to address key Offshore Constitutional Settlement (OCS) issues including rationalising the management of commercial fisheries that harvest fish stocks shared with other jurisdictions, which are governed by existing OCS agreements. The NSW Strategy to assist the rebuilding of Harrisson’s and southern dogfish populations includes management actions that complement the Commonwealth Upper-slope Dogfish Management Strategy. NSW DPI provides data for assessments by Commonwealth Resource Assessment Groups for species which occur off NSW. NSW DPI is a participant in the development of the National Plan of Action for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Australian Fisheries (NPOA- Seabirds). NSW DPI is a participant in the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF).
3.7 Threatened, endangered and protected species Chapter B2.5 (Risk Analysis of Threatened and Protected Species) of the EIS identified species determined to be threatened and protected under the Act, Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the EPBC Act 1999, that may interact with the OTL Fishery, and potential direct and indirect impacts. The EIS found that of the 18 threatened species of fish (at that time), 15 were at low or low-moderate risk from the current operation of the OTL Fishery. The remaining three species, Greynurse shark (Carcharias taurus), Black Rockcod (Epinephelus daemelii) and White Shark (Carcharadon carcharias) were determined to be high, moderately- high and moderate risk respectively. The risk of the OTL Fishery to threatened and protected species of birds, marine mammals and reptiles was assessed as moderately low. Further assessment of the OTL fishery has been undertaken through the NSW Marine Estate Statewide Threat and Risk assessment. Further information is available at https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/marine-estate-programs/threat-and-risk-assessment In May 2012 Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini) was listed as an endangered species and the Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran) was listed as a vulnerable species under the Act. Offences apply for buying, selling, possessing or harming a Great Hammerhead or Scalloped Hammerhead Shark or for damaging their habitat without a specific permit, licence or other appropriate approval. Any incidentally caught Great Hammerhead or Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks must be immediately released with least possible harm, or if deceased, must be discarded. In June 2013 Harrisson’s Dogfish (Centrophorus harrissoni) and Southern Dogfish (C. zeehaani) were listed as Conservation dependent under the EPBC Act.
3.7.1 Frequency and nature of interactions
Mandatory reporting of threatened and/or protected species interactions was implemented in the OTL Fishery in 2005. Interactions as reported by endorsements holders in the OTL Fishery for the period 2016/17 – 2019/20 are provided in Table 8.
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Table 8 Threatened and/or protected species interactions as reported by endorsement holders in the OTL Fishery
Total interactions Year Endorsement Method Species Type of interaction reported in year
Caught, discarded Black Rockcod 2 healthy
Handline Caught, discarded Queensland Groper 1 healthy Line fishing western zone 2016/17 Great White Shark Sighted, not caught 1
Caught, discarded Trolling Great White Shark 1 Healthy
Demersal fish Contact with gear, Demersal fish trap Whale 1 trap not caught
Line fishing Contact with gear, Dropline Humpback Whale 1 eastern zone not caught 2018/19 Demersal fish Caught, released Demersal fish trap Black Rockcod 1 trap distressed
Caught, released Black Rockcod 1 healthy Demersal fish 2019/20 Demersal fish trap trap Black Rockcod Caught, released 2 distressed
3.7.2 Scientific observer program
A cross-fishery scientific observer program is in place to inform composition and levels of bycatch in NSW commercial fisheries. The program focuses on one fishery or fishing method at a time. The order in which commercial fisheries are examined is based on risk and applying multi-criteria decision analysis. The scientific observer program was expanded as part of the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018 -2028 to better understand threats associated with bycatch and interactions with threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species in high and moderate risk commercial fisheries. Interactions between the OTL Fishery and TEP species have been observed during three observer programs: 1. Observer-based survey of the OTL – Line Fishing West Zone (in progress). Commenced September 2019 proposed end date 30 June 2021. To date, 275 trips have been observed from ocean zones 1-5 (Queensland border to Newcastle) with a total of two interactions with TEP species reported (1 x Greynurse shark, 1 x Scalloped hammerhead shark, both released alive).
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2. The ‘NSW Observer-based Study of Commercial Line Fishing in Waters off NSW’ (Macbeth and Gray, 2015) provides information about interactions between handline, dropline and set/trotline fishing gears and threatened and/or protected species based on 307 observed fisher days over a two year period. Instances of interactions observed were rare with none resulting in confirmed mortality. The following interactions with threatened and/or protected species were observed: Two Greynurse sharks were caught during separate set/trotline fisher days. Both were hooked during overnight gear-sets and released alive upon gear retrieval. Four White Sharks were hooked via set/trotline. Notes from observers indicated that all were alive upon release. Two Eastern Blue Devils were caught and discarded during one set/trotline fisher day. Three Eastern Blue Gropers were caught and discarded during two separate set/trotline fisher days. One Black Rockcod was caught and discarded during a handline fisher day. A Short-tailed Shearwater was hooked through the beak during a handline fisher day. The bird was retrieved to the fishing vessel, manually de-hooked and immediately released alive. One Humpback Whale swam into a deployed line during a handline fisher day. The interaction was brief and visual monitoring indicated the animal was not noticeably distressed by the interaction. Since completion of the field sampling phase of the line fishing observer study, Scalloped Hammerhead Shark was listed as an endangered species and the Great Hammerhead Shark was listed as a vulnerable species under the Act, and Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish were listed as Conservation dependent under the EPBC Act. The following interactions with these species were observed: Two Great Hammerhead sharks were caught and retained on separate set/trotline fisher days. 15 Southern Dogfish were caught and discarded during one set/trotline fisher day, two caught and retained during another set/trotline fisher day, and three caught and retained during three separate dropline fisher days 14 Harrisson’s Dogfish were caught and retained during dropline fisher days. Macbeth et al. (2009) presents detailed set/trotline catch data for Great Hammerhead and Scalloped Hammerhead Shark observed as part of the shark fishing observer study. 3. The ‘Observer-based survey of commercial shark fishing in coastal waters of northern New South Wales’ (Macbeth et.al., 2009) provided an intensive program of observer sampling onboard commercial line fishing trips specifically targeting large sharks in NSW waters north of Crowdy Head. The following interactions with threatened and/or protected species were observed: Five Greynurse sharks* were hooked during the observed commercial shark fishing trips. These interactions occurred on three of the 114 targeted shark fishing days observed.
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Six White Sharks* were hooked during the observed commercial shark fishing trips. Two Green Turtles were hooked during the observed commercial shark fishing trips. * The ‘NSW Observer-based Study of Commercial Line Fishing in Waters off NSW’ (Macbeth and Gray, 2015) ran concurrently to the shark fishing observer study and it should be noted that the five Greynurse shark interactions recorded as part of the shark fishing observer study includes the two reported in the line fishing observer study, while the White Shark interactions recorded as part as the shark fishing observer study includes three of the four reported in the line fishing observer study.
3.7.3 Management actions taken to reduce interactions and results of such actions
NSW DPI implemented mandatory reporting of threatened and/or protected species interactions for all commercial fisheries in 2005 and a cross-fishery scientific observer program (refer to 4.3 Monitoring programs). Direct management actions implemented in the OTL Fishery to reduce interactions with threatened and/or protected species include: Maximum limit of fish traps that may be used at any one time. Maximum numbers of hooks that may be used at any one time, applying to any line fishing method. A number of gear restrictions applying in or near critical habitat of Greynurse shark. Mandatory use of circle hooks on all set lines. Prohibition on the use of bottom set lines with wire trace line in waters within 3 nautical miles of NSW coastal baselines. Implementation of a number of fishery closures specific to Greynurse Shark. A commercial weekly and total catch limit applying to certain shark species. 3.7.3.1 Management arrangements for upper-slope dogfish species Management arrangements are in place to reduce interactions and mortality associated with the capture of four species of upper-slope dogfish – Harrisson’s Dogfish, Endeavour Dogfish (Centrophorus moluccensis), Southern Dogfish and Greeneye Spurdog (Squalus cholorculus). The arrangements include a 0-kilogram trip limit for Harrison’s dogfish and Southern dogfish, a 15 kilogram whole weight limit for Endeavour dogfish and Greeneye spurdog using certain methods, and spatial closures. Further details can be found on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/closures/commercial/ocean-trap-and-line-fishery- closures
3.7.4 Priorities Action Statement
As part of a process for amending threatened species legislation in NSW, the Act was amended in 2004 to include a requirement for the Director-General of NSW DPI to prepare and adopt Priorities Action Statements (PAS) for threatened species, populations, ecological communities and key threatening processes listed on the schedules of the Act.
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The PAS: Sets out the strategies and actions for promoting the recovery of each threatened species, population and ecological community to a position of viability in nature and for managing each key threatening process; Establishes priorities for implementation of recovery and threat abatement strategies; Establishes performance indicators to facilitate reporting on achievements in implementing recovery and threat abatement strategies and their effectiveness. Contains a status report for each species, population, ecological community and key threatening process under the Act. Sets out a timetable for recovery and threat abatement planning and achievement. A PAS has been developed for: Greynurse Shark - listed as a critically endangered species under the Act. The PAS actions for this species prioritise the actions contained within the National Recovery Plan for Greynurse sharks. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark - listed as an endangered species under the Act. The PAS actions for this species include, among other things, development of educational and advisory material to improve species identification. NSW DPI has produced a Hammerhead Shark identification guide to assist fishers to accurately identify all three species of Hammerhead Sharks that occur in NSW waters. Great Hammerhead Shark - listed as a vulnerable species under the Act. The PAS actions for this species include, among other things, development of educational and advisory material to improve species identification. NSW DPI has produced a Hammerhead Shark identification guide to assist fishers to accurately identify all three species of Hammerhead Sharks that occur in NSW waters. Great White Shark - listed as a vulnerable species under the Act. The PAS actions for this species prioritise the actions contained within the National Recovery Plan for Great White Sharks. Black Rockcod - listed as a vulnerable species under the Act. The PAS actions for this species are taken from the approved NSW Black Rockcod Recovery Plan. Further information can be found on the NSW DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/species-protection/priorities-action-statement 3.7.4.1 Black Rockcod Recovery Plan A recovery plan has been developed to promote the recovery of black rockcod in NSW to an extent where it can eventually be de-listed from the Schedules of the Act. The plan summarises the current state of knowledge of the species and uses a risk assessment framework to identify the threats to the species and rank them in terms of highest to lowest risk. This process is used to identify and prioritise recovery actions to address these risks with the aim of ensuring the recovery of Black Rockcod populations in NSW. A copy of the recovery plan can be found on the NSW DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/636351/Black-Rockcod-recovery-plan.pdf
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4. Research and Monitoring
4.1 Research priorities The NSW DPI Strategic Plan 2019-2023 establishes strategic objectives for DPI’s role in creating stronger primary industries in NSW. NSW DPI undertakes and facilitates research on aquatic animals and plants, and their habitats and ecosystems to ensure management receive the best scientific advice to make informed decisions. Further information on research programs and outputs can be found on the DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-aquaculture
4.2 Relevant research Scientific outputs and NSW DPI published research findings relevant to the OTL Fishery can be found on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing- aquaculture#Research-findings Examples of scientific outputs and NSW DPI published research findings relevant to the OTL Fishery include: Survey of Recreational Fishing in New South Wales 2017/18 (Murphy, et al 2020) Assessment of barotrauma and its mitigation measures on the behaviour and survival of snapper and mulloway (Hughes and Stewart 2013). Review of existing snapper (Pagrus auratus) stock structure knowledge (FRDC 2016) Movements and mortality of two commercially exploited carcharhinid sharks following longline capture and release off eastern Australia (Barnes, et. al., 2016). At vessel mortality and blood biochemical status of elasmobranchs caught in an Australian commercial longline fishery (Butcher, et.al., 2015). NSW Observer-based Study of Commercial Line Fishing in Waters off NSW (Macbeth and Gray, 2015). Temporal hooking variability among sharks on south-eastern Australian demersal longlines and implications for their management (Broadhurst et. al., 2014). Resilience of inshore, juvenile snapper (Pagrus auratus) to angling and release (Broadhurst, et.al., 2012). NSW DPI recently completed a Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) funded project titled Shark Futures: sustainable management of the NSW whaler shark fishery. The report is due to be finalised in 2021. The project aims to provide information on: (1) stock structure and effective population size to enable a sustainable total allowable catch to be set, (2) methods to reduce unwanted catch thereby minimizing environmental impact, and (3) movements of target species to enable equitable State-wide access to the resource for fishers while providing temporal-spatial management options to improve risk- management of shark fishing in NSW. The project objectives are: Genetically resolve the effective population size of dusky and sandbar sharks targeted in the OTL Fishery;
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Determine the short-term and distance movements of sandbar and dusky sharks to assist in the development of potential spatial management options like time-area (spatio-temporal) closures; Develop a fishing technique that will decrease mortality of unwanted species, particularly threatened and protected species, to minimize environmental impact of the fishery; Assess the effectiveness of the I&I NSW shark field ID-guide through ground-truthing on-board shark identification between fishers and observers, plus via genetic testing; Evaluate assessment methods and management indicators for the main shark species that may provide a model for future national and/or international data-poor shark fisheries; Apply assessment methods and management indicators for data-poor species that may provide a model for future national and/or international data-poor shark fisheries; and Provide scientific data-based advice for management to ensure the future sustainability of shark populations. Key Findings: The approaches employed allowed the compilation of a diverse and unique set of data that will provide fisheries managers with options on how to maintain a sustainable large shark fishery with reduced impact on non-target species, including threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species. Development of a new computer simulation software (“NeOGen”) to interpret genetic effective population size in terms of a range of known demographic parameters to estimate population abundance. Simulated fishing mortality highlighted that dusky shark life-history characteristics make this species relatively more vulnerable to depletion. Dusky shark in waters off eastern Australia may be considered a genetically open population, highlighting that fishing pressure throughout Australia should be taken into consideration when setting total catch limits for this species. The sandbar shark constitutes an ‘eastern Australia population’ and total catch limits could therefore be set for this species at a more regional level. Telemetry data from released sandbar and dusky sharks highlight that although both species occupy similar water depths and water temperatures, there may be opportunity to establish increased targeting for one or the other species through depth-specific fishing. Investigations into establishing fishing practices that would reduce unwanted catch highlight that soak times of less than 5 hours are preferred however, this may be difficult for logistical reasons on commercial demersal longline fishing vessels. Additionally, temporal analyses of hooking suggest that restricting both setting and retrieval of gear to nocturnal activities may substantially reduce bycatch. In addition, the fuller the moon was (irrespective of cloud cover), the quicker baits were taken after setting the gear. Analyses indicate that fishers still mistake species with similar characteristics (e.g. black fin tips/hammer-shaped heads) highlighting that continued monitoring is required to ensure fishers accurately report their catch. Real-time reporting of catch using electronic logbooks or via a smart device could substantially reduce such reporting error.
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In addition to reporting the total number of individuals and total trimmed (dressed) weight, fishers should report a length measurement and sex for each shark caught. Examination of fin weight to body weight ratios indicate that smaller sharks have a higher percentage fin weight, however smaller fins are not as valuable as large fins. A list of manuscripts cited as papers can be provided.
4.3 Monitoring programs The NSW DPI fishery monitoring program includes stock assessment work on key commercial species; use of scientific observers to record information on catches of target species and by- catch; collection of catch and effort data; and port monitoring of landed fish products (e.g. collecting data on fish length and age).
4.3.1 Stock assessment and reporting
NSW DPI assesses and reports on the stock status of 86 harvested marine fish species in NSW, annually for species managed through TACs and biennially through the national Status of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS) initiative. For other harvested marine fish species in NSW, the most recent stock assessment information is available as part of the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW series (most recently published in 2017) that incorporates a standardised method of reporting including an annual review and interpretation of available data by fisheries scientists. Catch from all sectors (including estimates from recreational and, where available, illegal sectors) are taken into consideration when determining the status of a species. Refer to the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW series, NSW 2021 Stock Assessment Reports and SAFS Reports for further information at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-fish-harvest- program https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/open-for-comment/stock-status-summary- reports https://www.fish.gov.au/
4.3.2 Scientific observer program
A cross-fishery scientific observer program is in place to inform composition and levels of bycatch in NSW commercial fisheries. The program focuses on one fishery or fishing method at a time. The order in which commercial fisheries are examined is based on risk and applying multi-criteria decision analysis. The scientific observer program was expanded as part of the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018 -2028 to better understand threats associated with bycatch and interactions with threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species in high and moderate risk commercial fisheries. The OTL Fishery has been subject of three observer programs in recent years. Refer to: 1. ‘NSW Observer-based Study of Commercial Line Fishing in Waters off NSW’ (Macbeth and Gray, 2015).
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2. ‘Observer-based survey of commercial shark fishing in coastal waters of northern New South Wales’ (Macbeth et.al., 2009), and 3. Observer-based survey of the OTL – Line Fishing West Zone (in progress). Commenced September 2019 proposed end date 30 June 2021. To date, 275 trips have been observed from ocean zones 1-5 (Queensland border to Newcastle).
4.3.3 Collection of catch and effort data
Further information about FisherMobile and other reporting arrangements can be found on the NSW DPI website at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/fishonline/fishermobile https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/catch-effort
4.3.4 Port monitoring
Port monitoring involves the collection of length (and age samples where relevant) of a set of commercially targeted species. The species are determined based upon risk assessments (as part of the EIS) and socio-economic values.
5. Catch Data Refer to the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW series, NSW 2021 Stock Assessment Reports and SAFS Reports available at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-fish-harvest- program https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/open-for-comment/stock-status-summary- reports https://www.fish.gov.au/
5.1 Total catch and value of the OTL Fishery
Table 9 Reported landings (tonnes) in the OTL Fishery**
Year 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20
t 2,112 1,854 1,751 1,446 1,482 1,266 1,291 1,224 1,223 1,247 1,189
Table 10 Estimated value ($m) of reported landings in the OTL Fishery#
Year 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20
$m 12.6 11.6 13.0 11.5 11.9 10.1 11.6 11.2 12.0 11.7 11.9
** Reported gross landings as at October 2020. Data subject to ongoing validation. # Based on SFM monthly prices
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Table 11 Reported shark landings (tonnes) in the OTL Fishery*
Year 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
t 54.4 65.9 56.2 34.5 32.9 33 31.6 23.2 41.5 34
* Reported processed weight (after being headed and gutted) as at March 2021. Data subject to ongoing validation. ** Reported landings for defined list of shark species subject to commercial weekly and total catch limit.
5.2 Total catch and fishing effort data of primary and key secondary species Refer to the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW series, NSW 2021 Stock Assessment Reports and SAFS Reports for landings of primary and key secondary species taken in the OTL Fishery and by other NSW commercial fisheries. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-fish-harvest- program https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/open-for-comment/stock-status-summary- reports https://www.fish.gov.au/
5.3 Harvest by each sector
5.3.1 Recreational fishing
Refer to the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW series, NSW 2021 Stock Assessment Reports, SAFS Reports and Survey of Recreational Fishing in New South Wales 2017/18 (Murphy et al., 2020) for recent estimates of the recreational harvest of OTL Fishery primary and key secondary species. Table 11 provides estimates of the recreational harvest of key recreational species in NSW based on results of the Survey of Recreational Fishing in New South Wales and the ACT 2013/14 compared with estimates from NSW commercial fisheries combined (West et al., 2015) and estimates of overlapping OTL Fishery primary species for 2013/14.
Table 12 Harvest of key species in NSW waters by NSW/ACT residents, aged five years and older - indicative estimates of the total weight in tonnes (t), compared with estimates for the commercial fisheries sector and the OTL Fishery for 2013/14.
Species/group Recreational (t) Commercial (t) OTL Fishery (t) Total (t) % Recreational
Bream 330 343 10 672 49.1
Flathead, Dusky 288 115 - 404 71.4
Flathead, Sand 210 101 - 311 67.5
Mulloway 103 59 10 162 63.5
Salmon, Australian 182 1,112 - 1,294 14.1
Silver Trevally 27 168 152 195 13.9
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Species/group Recreational (t) Commercial (t) OTL Fishery (t) Total (t) % Recreational
Snapper 148 220 196 368 40.2
Tailor 107 62 - 169 63.5
Whiting, Sand 69 79 - 148 46.5
Yellowtail Kingfish 120 109 107 229 52.5
(Source: West et al., 2015)
5.3.2 Aboriginal cultural fishing
No estimates available.
5.3.3 Illegal catch
No estimates available.
6. Harvest Strategies The Draft NSW Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and Draft Guidelines for Implementing the NSW Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy were launched by the Minister in November 2020 for public consultation (closed 22 January 2021). DPI will work with relevant advisory councils to review submissions and finalise the Policy and Guidelines. Harvest strategies will be developed through a staged process. A Spanner Crab Harvest Strategy Working Group is currently being established to engage key stakeholders in a collaborative process to develop a formal harvest strategy for the NSW Spanner Crab fishery. The Spanner Crab Harvest Strategy Working Group will be comprised of an independent chair, scientist and economist, along with expertise from the commercial, recreational and Aboriginal fishing sectors and DPI Fisheries. Expressions of interest were sought for independent members and four spanner crab members with a closing date of 12 February 2021, with membership selection and appointment process currently underway. Further information is available at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/harvest-strategies
7. Status of Target Stock The stock status for each primary and key secondary species in the OTL Fishery is shown in Tables 12-13 below. Refer to the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW series, NSW 2021 Stock Assessment Reports and SAFS Reports for further information at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-fish-harvest- program https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/open-for-comment/stock-status-summary- reports
26 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021 Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery https://www.fish.gov.au/
Table 13 Exploitation status of primary species in the OTL Fishery
Common name Scientific name Exploitation Status
Australian Bonito Sarda australis Sustainable (SAFS)
Banded (Bar) Rock cod Epinephelus ergastularius Undefined (NSW)*
Blue-eye Trevalla Hyperoglyphe antarctica Sustainable (NSW)**
Grey (Rubberlip) Morwong Nemadactylus douglasii Depleted (SAFS)
Gummy Shark Mustelus antarcticus Undefined (SAFS)
Leatherjacket spp. Family: MONACANTHIDAE (excluding Ocean Jacket Sustainable (SAFS) Nelusetta ayraudi)
Silver Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex Depleted (NSW)**
Snapper Pagrus auratus Sustainable (SAFS)
Spanner Crab Ranina ranina Sustainable (NSW)**
Yellowfin Bream Acanthopagrus australis Sustainable (SAFS)
Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi Sustainable (SAFS)
*Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW 2014/15 **NSW 2021 Stock Assessment
Table 14 Exploitation status of key secondary species in the OTL Fishery
Common name Scientific name Exploitation Status
Bass Groper Polyprion americanus Undefined (NSW)**
Eastern Pigfish Bodianus unimaculatus Fully fished (NSW)*
Gemfish Rexea solandri Depleted (NSW)**
Hapuku Polyprion oxygeneios Undefined (NSW)**
Jackass Morwong Nemadactylus macropterus Sustainable (SAFS)
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish) Coryphaena hippurus Undefined (SAFS)
Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus Depleted (SAFS)
Pearl Perch Glaucosoma scapulare Depleted (SAFS)
Spanish Mackerel Scomberomorus commerson Sustainable (SAFS)
Spotted Mackerel Scomberomorus munroi Sustainable (SAFS)
Silver Sweep Scorpis lineolata Uncertain (NSW)*
Teraglin Atractoscion aequidens Sustainable (SAFS)
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Common name Scientific name Exploitation Status
Wobbegong Sharks Orectolobus ornatus Undefined (NSW)* Orectolobus maculatus
Shark spp. Hammerhead Sharks Sphyrna spp. Undefined (NSW)*
Whaler Sharks Carcharhinus spp. Blacktip Sustainable (SAFS) Dusky Sustainable (SAFS) Sandbar Sustainable (SAFS)
Mako Sharks Isurus spp. Undefined (NSW)*
Gummy Shark Mustelus antarcticus Undefined (SAFS)
Angel shark Squatina spp. Fully Fished (NSW)*
School Shark Galeorhinus galeus Depleted (SAFS)
*Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW 2014/15 **NSW 2021 Stock Assessment
7.1 Species assessed as ‘Depleted’
7.1.1 Grey (Rubberlip) Morwong
Grey Morwong has been assessed as Depleted in NSW under the SAFS framework. A formal recovery program has yet to be developed. Deferment of a recovery program has not prevented the implementation of management actions to reduce fishing mortality including a minimum size limit of 30 cm in both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors; a bag limit of 10 in the recreational fishing sector; and gear restrictions, bycatch reduction and selectivity measures (OTL demersal fish traps must contain an escape panel), and fishing closures in the commercial fishing sector.
7.1.2 Silver Trevally
Silver Trevally has been assessed as Depleted in NSW under the SAFS framework. A formal recovery program has yet to be developed. Deferment of a recovery program has not prevented the implementation of recovery actions to reduce fishing mortality, including a minimum size limit of 30 cm in both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors, a bag limit of 10 in the recreational fishing sector, gear restrictions and bycatch reduction measures, and closure of significant trawl areas in State waters [in particular the entire area (approx. 85,000 hectares) of the Batemans Marine Park where silver trevally were previously targeted]. Silver Trevally became a quota managed species in the Ocean Trawl fishery from May 2019 under the BAP. The commercial harvest of Silver trevally in the OT Fishery (excluding SFT fishery) is subject to a total allowable catch (TAC) set annually. The statutory and independent Total Allowable Fishing Committee, established under the Act, determined the TAC for Silver trevally for 2020/21 and is responsible for determining the 2021/22 TAC. For further information refer to https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/total-allowable-fishing
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7.1.3 Gemfish
Gemfish has been assessed as Depleted in NSW under the SAFS framework and is listed as Conservation dependant under the EPBC Act. Restrictive management measures are currently in place in NSW to stop the decline and support the rebuilding of Gemfish stocks, including a 50 kilogram whole weight trip limit applying to the Ocean Trawl share management fishery, a recreational daily limit of 2 Gemfish and a recreational boat trip limit of 10 whole fish, and a prohibition on take in the SFT fishery. Gemfish became a quota managed species in the OTL and Ocean Trawl fisheries from May 2019 under the BAP. To support integrity of quota arrangements, take of Gemfish is prohibited in all commercial share management fisheries except the OTL and Ocean Trawl fisheries. The TAC for the Ocean Trawl fishery is currently zero, with harvest governed through the trip limit. These arrangements are enforced via regulation and fishing closure notification under the Act.
7.1.4 Mulloway
Mulloway has been assessed as Depleted in NSW under the SAFS framework and a recovery program covering all stakeholder groups and management arrangements was implemented in 2013 to rebuild the population to a sustainable level in NSW. The arrangements under the recovery plan included: A reduction to the recreational bag limit from 5 (with only 2 over 70cm) to 2; An increase to the minimum legal length from 45cm to 70cm; A by-catch allowance of 10 fish between 45 and 70cm for mulloway incidentally caught in estuarine meshing nets; and A 500 kilogram possession limit per ocean hauling endorsement holder. A review of recovery arrangements resulted in the following changes in 2018: Reducing the recreational bag limit to 1; Removing the by-catch allowance for commercial fishers. Draft guidelines for minimising bycatch of juvenile mulloway in the OT Fishery have been developed and include trigger levels for initiating and lifting short term closures to trawling. Following significant flood events, short term trawl closures are also implemented to protect juvenile fish and prawns displaced from estuarine areas.
7.1.5 Pearl Perch
Pearl Perch has been assessed as Depleted in NSW under the SAFS framework. A formal recovery program has yet to be developed. Deferment of a recovery program has not prevented the implementation of management actions to reduce fishing mortality including a minimum size limit of 30 cm in both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors; a bag limit of 5 in the recreational fishing sector; and gear restrictions, bycatch reduction and selectivity measures (OTL demersal fish traps must contain an escape panel), and fishing closures in the commercial fishing sector.
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7.1.6 School Shark
School Shark has been assessed as Depleted in NSW under the SAFS framework. NSW catch is small in comparison to other jurisdictions. A minimum size limit of 91 cm applies to all harvest. NSW DPI has previously implemented a number of measures relating to gear restrictions and selectivity, and area closures that effectively minimise catches of School Shark in NSW (e.g. hook limits, mandatory use of circle hooks on unattended lines, prohibition of wire traces on bottom setlines inside 3nm). A recovery program is yet to be developed.
8. Impacts of the Fishery on the Ecosystem
8.1 Results of any ecological risk assessments Refer to the NSW Marine Estate Threat and Risk Assessment (TARA) Final Report on the NSW Marine Estate website at https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/marine-estate-programs/threat- and-risk-assessment Also refer to the EIS - Chapter B2.2 (Risk Analysis of the Current Operation of the Fishery – Broad Ecosystem, pp. 87 – 99) and Chapter B2.3 (Risk Analysis of Ecological Processes, Biodiversity, and Species Assemblages, pp. 100 – 108).
8.2 Nature of impacts on the ecosystem including impacts on any key conservation values Chapter B2.2 (Risk Analysis of the Current Operation of the Fishery – Broad Ecosystem) (pp. 87 – 99) and Chapter B2.3 (Risk Analysis of Ecological Processes, Biodiversity, and Species Assemblages) (pp. 100 – 108) of the EIS identified the potential impacts of the OTL Fishery on marine habitats; protected species; threatened species, populations or ecological communities; by catch; target species; ecological processes; biodiversity; and species assemblages. Refer to Tables B2.7 (pg. 89), and B2.11 (pg. 103) for summaries of potential impacts from the OTL Fishery and important ecological processes.
8.3 Management actions taken to reduce the impacts The FMS provides for management of the OTL Fishery in a manner that promotes the conservation of biological diversity in the marine environment. A number of management actions have been implemented to achieve this goal and address the impact of the OTL Fishery on species assemblages, species diversity, ecological processes and marine habitats. These include, but are not limited to: collection of information on the number of fish traps lost during fishing operations, implementation of fishery closures for Greynurse sharks, implementation of fish escape panels in fish traps, implementation of gear restrictions that apply in or near critical habitat of Greynurse sharks, implementation of the mandatory use of circle hooks on all set lines, and prohibiting the use of bottom set lines with wire trace line in waters within 3 nautical miles of NSW coastal baselines.
30 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021 Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery
9. Report against OTL Fishery Conditions of WTO Declaration
Condition Progress
1. Operation of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery will be carried out in Operation of the OTL Fishery has been carried out in accordance accordance with the management regime in force under the Fisheries with the Act and regulations made under this Act. Management Act 1994 (NSW).
2. NSW Department of Primary Industries, to inform the Department of the Department advised accordingly. Environment and Energy of any intended material changes to the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery management arrangements that may affect the assessment against which EPBC Act decisions are made.
3. NSW Department of Primary Industries to produce and present reports to the This submission seeks to satisfy this condition. Department of the Environment and Energy annually, as per Appendix B of the Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Management of Fisheries - 2nd Edition.
4. For each year in which shark fishing permits are issued, NSW Department of Shark fishing permits have not been issued in the OTL Fishery Primary Industries to: during the term of this WTO declaration. a. implement an annual total allowable catch of no greater than 110 tonnes a. NSW DPI continues to apply an annual total catch limit of for ‘Schedule 1’ shark species, unless otherwise agreed in advance with 85.9 tonnes (processed weight) to a combination of shark the Department of Environment and Energy. species harvested in the OTL Fishery, including a weekly b. continue to implement a scientifically robust observer program for the catch limit of 750 kilograms whole weight (500kg processed) shark fishing permit component of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery. to limit targeted shark fishing. c. review the effectiveness of management arrangements for shark fishing b. An observer-based survey of the OTL – Line Fishing West in the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery, taking into account information Zone is currently in progress. The survey commenced collected in the scientific observer program and daily logbooks and any September 2019 and is proposed to end 30 June 2021. To new biological data. The findings of each review must be provided to the date, 275 trips have been observed from ocean zones 1-5 Department. (Queensland border to Newcastle). Refer to sections 3.7.2 and 4.3.2 of this submission. c. Shark fishing permits have not been issued in the OTL
31 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021 Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery
Condition Progress
Fishery since 2011. Following the implementation of management arrangements for shark fishing in the OTL Fishery (referred to in 4a. above), shark fishing effort in the fishery has substantially declined. As part of the observer- based survey currently in progress, 275 trips have been observed and only a small number of these (<10 days) have involved targeted shark fishing.
5. NSW Department of Primary Industries to continue to: a. NSW DPI continues to require reporting of shark TEPS a. implement clear and accurate reporting at the species level, for sharks interactions (refer to Table 8 of this submission) and non- that are CITES listed, and those which are protected under the EPBC Act. TEPS harvest through online or paper catch reporting systems. b. educate fishers on protocols on handling and release of no take shark species, to reduce the likelihood of injury or mortality. NSW DPI introduced revised catch and effort reporting arrangements for NSW commercial fisheries in July 2009. Key c. progress the long term management arrangements for shark species, by features of the revised reporting arrangements include: continuing co-operation with relevant jurisdictions and to pursue increased knowledge, and complementary management of shark species finer scale spatial reporting, identified through: capture of catch and effort at an "event based" scale rather than aggregating catch and effort over a month, and i. catch reporting and/or targeted research programs detailed species reporting (at the species, or in some cases ii. implement mitigation measures for shark species of conservation genus, level. concern which are identified through the scientific observer Sharks taken in the OTL Fishery are required to be identified program, research programs and other reviews, and protected and recorded to the species, or in some cases genus, level. A species listing processes. comprehensive shark and ray identification guide was produced to assist in correctly identifying and subsequently reporting shark species. Refer to https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/fisheries/otl- fishery/identifying-sharks-and-rays b. Guides for fishers, Primefacts and Priorities Action Statements have been developed for Greynurse and Hammerhead sharks in NSW. Refer to
32 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021 Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery
Condition Progress
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/threatened- species/threatened-species-publications Refer also to https://www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au/ c. NSW DPI assesses and reports on the stock status of several shark species biennially through the national Status of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS) initiative. NSW DPI has a current Fisheries Research and Development Corporation funded project titled Shark Futures: sustainable management of the NSW whaler shark fishery. This project aims to provide information on stock structure and effective population size to enable a sustainable total allowable catch to be set, methods to reduce unwanted catch thereby minimizing environmental impact, and movements of target species to enable equitable State-wide access to the resource for fishers while providing temporal-spatial management options to improve risk-management of shark fishing in NSW. NSW DPI continues to implement measures to mitigate the impact of fishing shark species of conservation concern: Mandatory use of circle hooks for all unattended line fishing methods (non- offset circle hooks in waters < 92 m), Prohibiting wire trace on bottom setlines in all waters within 3 nautical miles of the coast, and within buffer zones of all Greynurse shark critical habitats and key aggregation sites, Mandatory reporting of threatened species interactions, Implementing closures for the OTL Fishery around critical habitat and key aggregation sites, and A weekly catch limit of 500 kilograms applies to a combination of shark species to limit targeted shark fishing.
33 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021 Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery
Condition Progress
Following the implementation of management arrangements for shark fishing in the OTL Fishery (particularly the weekly catch limit), shark fishing effort in the fishery has substantially declined. As part of the observer-based survey currently in progress, 275 trips have been observed and only a small number of these (<10 days) have involved targeted shark fishing.
6. NSW Department of Primary Industries to: a. As above, NSW DPI continues to implement measures to a. continue measures to protect Greynurse sharks. mitigate the impact of fishing on Greynurse sharks including, but not limited to: b. continue to monitor and review the adequacy of mitigation measures and implement actions, if appropriate, designed to mitigate the impact of Mandatory use of circle hooks for all unattended line fishing fishing on Greynurse sharks. methods (non- offset circle hooks in waters < 92 m), c. pending the development of a reporting Memorandum of Understanding Prohibiting wire trace on bottom setlines in all waters within between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Department 3 nautical miles of the coast, and within buffer zones of all of Environment and Energy, provide quarterly reports to this Department, Greynurse shark critical habitats and key aggregation sites, on interactions with Greynurse sharks recorded in logbooks. The reports Mandatory reporting of threatened species interactions, will include the nature of any interactions, the location and gear method. Implementing closures for the OTL Fishery around critical [This is also recommended as a condition of the Part 13 accreditation of the NSW habitat and key aggregation sites, OTLF management arrangements.] A weekly catch limit of 500 kilograms applies to a combination of shark species to limit targeted shark fishing, and A Priorities Action Statement has been developed for Greynurse sharks. b. Ongoing. No changes to current mitigation measures are currently proposed. An updated observer-based survey is currently underway in the OTL Fishery (refer to sections 3.7.2 and 4.3.2 of this submission). c. MOU still to be developed. Refer to Table 8 of this submission
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Condition Progress
for details of threatened / protected species interactions reported by the OTL Fishery.
7. NSW Department of Primary Industries to: Management arrangements are in place to reduce interactions and a. ensure that management measures are in place to meet the objectives of mortality associated with the capture of four species of upper-slope the rebuilding strategies and management strategies, for species listed as dogfish – Harrisson’s Dogfish, Endeavour Dogfish (Centrophorus conservation dependent under the EPBC Act. moluccensis), Southern Dogfish and Greeneye Spurdog (Squalus b. continue to evaluate and report to this Department, on the effectiveness cholorculus). of rebuilding strategies and management strategies for conservation The arrangements include a 0-kilogram trip limit for Harrison’s dependent listed species, as part of the annual reporting referred to in dogfish and Southern dogfish, a 15 kilogram whole weight limit Condition 3. for Endeavour dogfish and Greeneye spurdog using certain methods, and spatial closures. Further details can be found on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/closures/commercial/ocean- trap-and-line-fishery-closures
8. This condition remains ongoing. NSW Department of Primary Industries to: Refer to section 7.1 Species assessed as ‘Overfished’ in this a. develop and implement a recovery program for Grey (Rubberlip) submission. Morwong. b. continue to develop and implement recovery programs for species taken in the NSW OTLF, classified as recruitment overfished, overfished and where appropriate, growth overfished.
9. NSW Department of Primary Industries to consider management arrangements Refer to section 7.1 Species assessed as ‘Overfished’ in this to reduce the harvest of Pearl Perch, to avoid further decline in abundance and submission. catch rates of this species.
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Appendix 1: References
Barnes.C.J.,Butcher.P.A.,Macbeth.W.G.,Mandelman.J.W.,Smith.S.D.A., Peddemors.V.M., 2016, Movements and mortality of two commercially exploited carcharhinid sharks following longline capture and release off eastern Australia. ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH, Vol. 30: 193–208 Broadhurst, M.K., Butcher, P.A., Hall, K.C., Cullis, B.R. and McGrath, S.P., 2012. Resilience of inshore, juvenile snapper Pagrus auratus to angling and release. Journal of Fish Biology, 80: 638–650. Broadhurst.M.K.,Butcher.P.A.,Millar.R.B.,Marshall.J.E.,Peddemors.V.M.,2014. Temporal hooking variability among sharks on south-eastern Australian demersal longlines and implications for their management.Glob.Ecol.Conserv.2.181-189 Butcher, P.A., Broadhurst, M.K., Hall, K.C., Cullis, B.R., and Raidal, S.R., 2012. Assessing barotraumas among angled snapper (Pagrus auratus) and the utility of release methods. Fisheries Research 127-128, 49-55. Butcher.P.A., Peddemors.V.M.,Mandelman.J.W.,McGrath.S.P.,Cullis.B.R.,2015. At vessel mortality and blood biochemical status of elasmobranchs caught in an Australian commercial longline fishery.Glo.Ecol.Conserv. .879-889 Harry A.V., Macbeth. W.G.,Gutteridge. A.N.,Simpfendorfer. C.A.,2011. The life histories of endangered hammerhead sharks (Carcharhiniformes, Sphyrnidae) from the east coast of Australia. Journal of Fish Biology. 78(7):2026-2051, 2011 Jun. Macbeth.W.G., Geraghty.P.T., Peddemors.V.M.,Gray.C.A., 2009. Observer-based study of targeted commercial fishing for large-shark species in waters off New South Wales, NSW DPI - Fisheries Final Report Series No. 114 Macbeth, W.G., Gray, C.A. 2016. Observer based study of commercial line fishing in water off NSW. NSW DPI - Fisheries Final Report Series No. 148 (FSC2006/179). Available on the NSW DPI website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/657382/OUTPUT-11056- Macbeth-and-Gray-Observer-based-study-of-commercial-line-fishing-in-waters-off-New- South-Wales-FINAL.pdf J.J. Murphy, F.A. Ochwada-Doyle, L.D. West, K.E. Stark, J. Hughes, Survey of recreational fishing in NSW, 2017/18, NSW Department of Primary Industry & Environment, Nelson Bay, 2020, pp. 209. Fisheries Final Report Series No. 158 NSW Department of Primary Industries, 2006. Environmental Impact Statement on the Ocean Trap and Line Fishery in NSW. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Cronulla NSW Department of Primary Industries, 2006. Fishery Management Strategy for the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Cronulla. Pleizier.N.,Gutowsky.L.F.G.,Peddemors.V.M.,Cooke.S.J.,Butcher.P.A.,2015. Variation in whole- landed-and trimmed-carcass and fin-weight ratios for various sharks captured on demersal set-lines off eastern Australia. Scandol, J.P. 2004. A Framework for the Assessment of Harvested Fish Resources in NSW. NSW Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries Resource Assessment Series No. 15, ISSN 1449- 9940.
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Scandol, J. 2005. A prioritisation model for the NSW observer program. Cronulla NSW DPI. Stewart, J., A. Hegarty, C. Young, A. M. Fowler and J. Craig, (eds) 2015. Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW 2013- 14. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Mosman: 391pp. West, L.D. Stark, K.E. Murphy,J.J. Lyle, J.M. Ochwada-Doyle, F.A. 2015. Survey of Recreational Fishing in New South Wales and the ACT 2013/14. Fisheries Final report Series No. 146 Department of Primary Industries, pp 170.
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