Proposed cuts to recreational fishing limits in NSW could have significant consequences for coastal communities, tourism operators and small businesses across the Clarence electorate.
Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has called on the State Labor Government to reconsider proposed restrictions on snapper and yellowtail kingfish, warning the changes could affect businesses that rely on recreational fishing tourism.
Under the proposals, the recreational bag and possession limit for snapper would be reduced from 10 fish to three, with only one fish allowed over 70cm.
The yellowtail kingfish limit would fall from five fish to one, with a new restriction of one fish per boat.
Williamson has moved a Notice of Motion in NSW Parliament calling for the changes to be paused until further consultation is undertaken and the scientific evidence behind the proposals is made public.
“These are substantial changes to recreational fishing in NSW and they deserve the highest level of scrutiny,” 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.”
Williamson said the potential economic impact extended beyond recreational fishers, with charter operators, accommodation providers, bait and tackle shops and hospitality businesses among those potentially affected.
He said fishing tourism played an important role in supporting local economies along the Clarence coast and across regional NSW.
“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.”
The NSW Government has extended public consultation on the proposed limits from 18 October 2026 to 15 February 2027 following concerns from fishers and industry representatives.
Williamson welcomed the extension but said more needed to be done to address community concerns.
“The extension is welcome, but simply extending the deadline does not resolve the concerns that are being raised about these proposals,” Williamson said.
The NSW Coalition has also opposed the proposed restrictions, calling for fisheries management decisions to be supported by transparent scientific evidence and meaningful industry consultation.
Williamson is encouraging recreational fishers, charter operators, commercial fishers and affected businesses to make submissions before consultation closes on 15 February 2027.
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